7 things you shouldn't buy at T.J.Maxx, Marshalls, and HomeGoods

If you love a bargain and the thrill of the hunt, then you’re probably already a dedicated shopper at discount department stores like T.J.Maxx, Marshalls, and HomeGoods. (All three brands share the same parent company, Framingham, Mass.-based TJX Companies.) These retailers carry a near-irresistible mix of fashion, home décor, kitchen and bakeware, baggage, and even pet products—almost all marked down for sale.

But while the stores can be a treasure trove of deep discounts on smart finds and amazing brands, it’s important to understand what you should buy, and what you should avoid.

Here’s our advice.

Shopping tips

If you want to score the best deals on the best stuff, you need to know what to look for. While T.J.Maxx, HomeGoods, and Marshalls sometimes offer great brands at even better prices, you may also find too-good-to-be-true markdowns that inflate your total savings and lower-quality product dupes.

When you’re shopping (whether at discount chains or any store), keep the following in mind:

• Always inspect products for signs of damage.
• Make sure products haven’t been used.
• Research the brands you're buying, so you don’t end up wasting money.
• Do a price comparison online to ensure you’re getting the best deal.

Products to avoid at T.J. Maxx, Marshalls, and HomeGoods

There are some things you should be especially cautious about at T.J.Maxx, Marshalls, and HomeGoods. Here are the items to steer clear of.

1. Makeup

If you’re picky about your beauty brands, they probably shouldn’t be your bread and butter. While you’ll find some names like Nars, Laura Mercier, and BareMinerals on the shelves and online at T.J.Maxx and Marshalls, you’re almost certainly not going to be able to shop the full line of formulas and colors. Additionally, since the product is often overstocked, you’re more likely to find older products that are closer to their expiration dates.

For serious makeup shopping, you’re better off going to specialists like Ulta and Sephora, where not only will you find a wide selection of brands and labels, but you’ll also be able to see detailed ingredient lists and usage instructions online—and talk to experts in-store. (You can even often try on the product.) And while the prices may be closer to full retail, Ulta and Sephora run frequent sales—and by signing up for loyalty programs, you’ll earn points toward the products you want.

The bottom line? If you spy an amazing deal on a product you know you love, go ahead and snag it. But we think you’ll have better luck elsewhere.

2. Perfume and cologne

All the perfume and cologne sold at T.J.Maxx and Marshalls should be sealed, and there are no sample bottles available. With no way to actually sniff the scents available, you could accidentally buy something that smells horrendous. Although, this does mirror the process of buying a perfume online—can’t smell it, but might get a deal on a scent you already know you love.

That’s not to say you shouldn’t keep your eye out for your favorite scents or brands, but just be careful about picking a new perfume or cologne. If you want to find a different scent, we love Sephora's vast selection and the fact you can spritz on samples to your heart’s content.

3. Bedding

Unfortunately, some of the linens stocked at HomeGoods include synthetic fibers. This is a good reason for their inexpensive price tag, but it also means they just aren’t as comfortable as those made with organic pima cotton. We recommend always reading labels carefully instead of just buying for a pretty pattern.

It’s better to opt for sheets and bedding with a high thread count and high-grade cotton. These will breathe while you sleep and survive multiple washings. Boll & Branch makes a nice quality organic cotton percale sheet in the full range of sizes, and these max out at around $299.

4. Cheap kitchen supplies

We would be especially cautious when choosing cheaper kitchen supplies like measuring spoons, knives, and mixing bowls from unknown brands at HomeGoods. We’re not saying all of these products at these stores are bad; just don’t buy the cheapest ones. A good price on not-so-good measuring spoons does not make a good deal.

Instead, invest in quality measuring cups and spoons that will last a long time and look better than cheap plastic ones.

5. Furniture

If you’re looking for furniture steals, be aware: Sometimes, the best deals aren’t deals at all.

If you’re shopping for furniture at T.J.Maxx, HomeGoods, or Marshalls (or, it should be said, anywhere at all), the first job is to assess the quality of the piece you’re eyeing. Do the drawers slide open without sticking? Are the legs securely attached and all the same length? Are the seams securely joined? What materials are used in making the table, dresser, or chair?

If the piece passes the inspection, it’s time to evaluate the price. You can ignore the suggested retail price, often listed as a “compare at” price: Unlike a traditional markdown, where you can see the original price an item was sold for and the new price it’s now listed for, a compare at or suggested retail price is a price that the retailer thinks similar items have sold for at other retailers. The “savings” listed on such prices aren’t a reduction in the original selling price, so don’t take them into account when you’re calculating value. Instead, compare the actual purchase price you’d be paying with the actual purchase prices of similar pieces at other retailers.

It’s also a good practice not to rely on brand names. (This is true of most non-furniture specialists.) Many shops stock white label furniture pieces—furniture that is manufactured by a factory and sold to retailers to put their own brand name on. For many items, you’ll find not just similar but the exact same item at several stores—make sure that if it’s the piece you want, you’re buying it from the outlet selling it for the best price. (Google Image Search can be your best friend here.)

Discount shops can have great pieces at affordable prices, but know what you’re buying before you buy.

6. Hair products

As with makeup and beauty products, when shopping in person, you always risk hair care products being opened and tampered with by other customers. Plus, some products can cost just as much—or even more—than they do online, so you might be spending more and going home with a “used” product.

We recommend sticking to your tried-and-true or testing out new products with samples from Sephora, which has lots of great options, so you can save money without wasting product.

7. Tech products

When shopping in-store, you might be tempted by the earbuds, battery chargers, and spare cables set up as impulse buys by checkout, but save your money. In general, the products you’ll find at these stores aren’t high-quality options from known brands, and they typically won’t last.

If you’re in a pinch, they can be a last resort, but you’ll get far more bang for your buck from buying well-vetted products like options from our list of the best earbuds under $100.

Our Experts

I’m Jennifer Ernst Beaudry, a reporter and editor who’s covered consumer goods and shopping for more than 15 years.