Marshalls is a franchise with 1,000 stores located in 42 states in the US, and it has also expanded to include 61 stores in Canada. However, there have been questions about the type of store that is Marshalls, due to its low prices and wide range of goods.
Is Marshalls a thrift store? What about other stores such as TJ Maxx and Ross? Keep reading to find out!
Is Marshalls a Thrift Store?
Marshalls is not a thrift store. It is an off-price department store that TJX Companies own.
Off-price retailers’ trading format involves buying large quantities of goods directly from the manufacturer. This gives them more purchasing power and bulk discounts, which allows them to sell the items at discounted prices.
Is TJ Maxx a Thrift Store?
TJ Maxx is also not classified as a thrift store. It is a sister store to Marshalls. Hence, they follow a similar format of off-price retailing.
Is TJ Maxx or Marshalls Cheaper?
TJ Maxx and Marshalls are sister companies, which means they both share somewhat similar prices. Neither is significantly more expensive than the other.
However, there are some critical differences between TJ Maxx and Marshalls. Firstly, TJ Maxx is the main flagship store of TJ Corporation, which means it has a more upscale appearance than Marshalls.
Besides that, TJ Maxx also has a broader range of jewelry and accessories. Some TJ Maxx stores even have their own high-end designer department called The Runway.
Lastly, most shoppers have noted that Marshalls is a better option to buy shoes. On the other hand, TJ Maxx is best known for its designer collections for its fashion-focused shoppers.
What Classifies As A Thrift Store?
A thrift store is generally known as a reseller store, in which the store procures used items to resell. However, further detailed characteristics are used to classify a thrift store.
Here are some defining characteristics of a thrift store:
- They receive their stock mainly through donations or a thrift warehouse
- A non-profit organization often run thrift stores
- Their profit usually benefits charities
- They aim to allow affordability for everyone through low selling prices
- They also target to turn over their stock quickly, resulting in a lot of sales
- They accept most donated items regardless of the condition it is in
- Their items’ conditions are a mixed bag (new, used, designer)
- There is no set genre for the things they resell
- There is usually no return policy
Why Are Marshalls So Cheap?
Marshalls keep their prices low through a few strategies.
Firstly, Marshalls usually obtains high volumes of rejected stock directly from the manufacturers. The manufacturers decline these stocks for a few reasons, but namely, they are:
- Minimal defects (small holes or tears)
- The manufacturer produced too many duplicate items
- The items have gone out of style
Secondly, Marshalls receives stock from other department stores. There could be a few reasons for this, but notably, the summary is:
- The departmental store misjudged the season and bought too many items
- Departmental stores are closing and need to liquidate excess stock
Lastly, Marshalls also has an in-house brand known as Kenar. However, Marshalls brands make up the minimal of their stock, as their main focus is to sell off-price items.
Combining all these factors allows Marshalls to keep their costs low for their stocks and, consequently, lower prices than their competitors.
Unlike thrift stores, Marshalls does not sell used items. Instead, they sell new stock that manufacturers reject for various reasons.
Is Ross Classified As A Thrift Store?
Ross, otherwise branded as Ross Dress for Less, is not a thrift store. Instead, it is a discount store.
While not exactly a thrift store, Ross functions similarly to Marshalls and TJ Maxx, which is reselling overstock from manufacturers and department stores. Ross also mainly focuses on clothing items.
Most experienced shoppers have noted a few products to look out for at Ross for your best bargains:
- Handbags (Calvin Klein and Michale Kors)
- Shoes (Nike and Adidas)
On top of that, you can also note the days that Ross restocks their item. So when you shop on those days, you can get the first pick of the best goods.
Is Goodwill A Thrift Store?
Unlike Marshalls or Ross, Goodwill stores are thrift stores. Their main goal is to fund Goodwill Industries, a non-profit organization.
Goodwill Industries aims to provide job placements and industrial training to those facing employment difficulties.
Conclusion…
Although Marshalls is not a thrift store, it is still an excellent place to purchase items for discounted prices. Not to mention the occasional finds and the joy of searching for them.
Most experienced shoppers recommend checking the prices for items at discount stores and off-price stores like TJ Maxx and Marshalls before buying the same designer item for the best deals.
Have any questions about Marshalls? Let us know in the comments below!