Takin 'it to the Maxx! (TK Maxx)

Member Name: jacquelina

Product:	TK Maxx
Date:	26/07/06 (3074 review reads)
Rating:

Advantages: Bargains to be had..

Disadvantages: .. can be a bit exhausting

I never used to be a fan of TK Maxx but in this past year I've visited several TK Maxx stores across the country and have found some amazing designer pieces at bargain prices. I am now officially a TK Maxx addict!

TK Maxx is definitely not somehere you pop into in 5 minutes - if you are in a hurry and looking for that special item. You need a good hour or so to rifle through the rails and try stuff on - particularly important if you don't live near the store.

There seems to be a bit of variation between the stores. Some arent as pleasant in terms of the shopping environment, eg the TK Maxx in Newcastle is pretty small and cramped, on just one floor. The rails are normally quite close together which can lead to shopping traffic and one shopper having to reserve (or just elbow your way through whatever is in your nature!).

However the best TK Maxx I've been to is in Birmingham. I've been on business in Birmingham a couple of times recently and always tried to get out of my meetings as early as possible so I could visit the wondrous TK Maxx next to Birmingham train station - ladies, this really is a treat. Absolutely huge so never feels crowded, air conditioned and cool, and most importantly bargains galore.

You can buy literally anything from TK Maxx apart from food & beverages (and even then I think you will find olive oils and liquers in the gift sections). Whether its photoframes, lampshades, sportswear, sunglasses, handbags, gladrags, ornaments or toiletries, TK Maxx has it all.

I'd say TK Maxx is strongest on designer jeans by the likes of Seven For all ManKind, Earl Jean, which can be bought for a tenth of what they normally retail for. Also it has fantastic designer shades in at the mo, by Roberto Cavalli, Missoni and La Perla to name a few. Yes, of course some of the stuff is from a season or two a go, but really, who cares. Avoid very obvious short term trends and you'll be okay.

But BEWARE! Designer bargains there may be, but also within those feted aisles lies rather a lot of, for want of a better word, tat!! My boyfriend refuses to forgive the bright orange and black oriental style painting of a bald japanese warrior (painted of one of these cheapo canvases you get for 50p in The Works, and with a fetching border of metal studs!) that I bought in a moment of madness. Always ask yourself, do I REALLY want or need this? Is this REALLY a bargain???

That aside, here are some of my most recent TK Maxx bargains:

1. Wide leg Pringle navy golf trousers (RRP £90, TK Maxx price £19). These are amazing quality and I will get so much wear out of them next season when masculine tailoring (for girls) is going to be all the rage.

2. Moschino wrap around top in delicate light pink lace. (RRP £100+, TK Maxx price £29.50). Such a beautiful top. As it had a button missing (although a spare one was attached), the saleswoman gave me a small discount. Perfect going out top and very eyecatching.

3. White Earl Jeans (RRP £150, TK Maxx price £15). These were a bit long so I spent a few pounds getting them taken up (when they are so cheap anyway it doesn't matter) and now they are perfect.

4. Max Mara sunglasses with graduated lenses and gold eagle motif. (RRP £150, TK Maxx price £20). Very unusual looking.

5. Red BCBG skirt (RRP £150, TK Maxx price £39.99). This is a gorgeous skirt which looks very classy. Suitable for work and evenings.

As well as clothes, sometimes you'll find super-popular beauty treats such as Elizabeth Ardens 8 hr cream, at knock down prices, so it's always worth having a quick scoot through the various departments to see what's on offer.

Well, hope this has inspired you to check out your latest TK Maxx store. Remember, take you time, keep your eyes peeled, and you WILL be rewarded.

As an afterthought, I realised I may have been taking it to the Maxx a bit too much a couple of weeks ago when a couple, spying my shopping trolley with my new finds spilling over the top, mistook me for a staff member and asked me if the pair of shoes they were clutching were available in a size 6!! Then again, I think it was the bright red jumper I was wearing that was the cause of the confusion.

Summary: Seek and ye shall find!