Take your time and grab some bargains! (TK Maxx)

Member Name: kayelletee

Product:	TK Maxx
Date:	03/09/06 (2196 review reads)
Rating:

Advantages: Top brands at low prices

Disadvantages: Layout can be jumbled; takes time to have a good look; unpredictable

I'd heard about TK Maxx from various friends who were all sporting particularly impressive bargain buys - one had a lovely DKNY knotted jumper (a steal at forty quid!) and another was raving about some Adidas trainers that she'd picked up for under thirty pounds. So... spurred on by their tales, I ventured into TK Maxx on Sauchiehall Street in Glasgow. I was picturing a full and exciting shoe department, a beautiful display of lovely tops and was looking forward to pickin a few bargains...

But... problem number 1: TK Maxx appears to keep prices down by employing a "minimal" approach to its shop floor-dressing! I've read a couple of reviews of TK Maxx on this sit and I've discussed it with a few friends - the rules are clear: (1) do not go to TK Maxx if you are in a rush; and (2) do not go to TK Maxx looking for a very specific item (e.g. a pink three-quarter length top). It's a shop where some flexibility is required! The layout means that if you're unlucky and it's been particularly busy, it has a bit of a jumble sale feel and if you find a top that you like but not in your size, locating the same top in your size can be a challenge. Also, it's not the sort of place that you can go, see something you like and, if they don't have it in your size, go to a different TK Maxx to pick it up. There's no guarantee that they'll have the same stock. So, after visit number one (which was a rushed visit before catching a train) I cam out of the shop fairly non-plussed...

Fortunately though, after EVEN MORE tales of friends' bargains, I decided to give it another shot and, this time, with my full attention (i.e. at least 40 minutes of wandering around time!) ventured into TK Maxx in Edinburgh. And this is where TK Maxx comes into its own... If you've got the time and only a rough idea of what you're after (for example, a birthday present for mum or a handbag or a flatwarming present for a friend etc) the chances are that there'll be something to do the trick.

My boyfriend & I recently moved house and picked up loads of bargains from TK Maxx. The best thing is that, although its a cheap shop, it's brand names that you know and can trust, so you can be happy with the price you pay.

Two of our recent bargains have included:

(1) Ceramic placemats and coasters made by "Inspire" - it was £40 for 8 mats and 8 coasters and ON THE SAME DAY, the very same mats were for sale in House of Fraser for double the price. Which proves another thing, although a lot of the items are from past seasons, some stuff is bang up to date!

(2) A chocolate fondue machine (don't ask, but fab fun for a night with friends!) It's called the "Chocolate Fondue Fountain For Home" and is currently for sale in Harvey Nicols, Edinburgh, for £89.99. TK Maxx price: £39.99. Ideal when you know it's something that you don't really need but quite fancy anyway - it's a lot easier to justify £40 than £90!

Since finding some top homeware buys, we've also branched out into clothing and, again, you have to be fairly flexible when you're looking around and it's the luck of the draw if you find your size... I have been pretty lucky and come away with a pair of Juicy Couture jeans (rrp £130) for £40 and a pair of Merrell walking shoes (rrp approx £65) for £30. My boyfriend's also picked up a few good bargains in skiwear so all in all we're pretty chuffed with the place!

I would recommend it - it's not exactly a luxurious shopping experience but the benefits (and the bargains!) outweigh that! You also have to be fairly flexible in what you're after and take some time to browse around. Sometimes you can find lots of things you'd like and other times there's nothing - you take your chances. Since discovering the benefits of TK Maxx I think I've spent a small fortune there however, on the bright side, that must mean that I've saved a small fortune too!

Summary: A great place for a browse and a bargain!