Bargains, Bargains, Bargains (TK Maxx)

Member Name: nilo0901

Product:	TK Maxx
Date:	20/10/09 (45 review reads)
Rating:

Advantages: Bargains, bargains, bargains. Good range of top quality items

Disadvantages: Staff are not helpful, the place is a mess, it smells, there is some tat

It is no surprise to anyone who knows me that I am a huge TK Maxx fan and am predominantly dressed head to toe in clothing bought from their shops. At great bargain prices you can buy an assortment of wonderful, good quality items including suits for under £100 (I bought a French Connection single button grey number for £75). I can only comment on menswear as have had little need to visit the female equivalent other than on the one occasion I had to go to a pimps and prostitutes party. Yes, I thought it would be funny. No, it wasn't.

I mostly visit the 2 outlets in West London so these form the basis of the review. The selection of clothing they have is excellent with many top brands at cut prices (I even saw a Prada sweater once for under £100 but it didn't fit). They sell other items such as homeware and useless knick-knacks too but I have always found this to be more disappointing.

For clothing and shoes though, it's paradise. Well OK, not so much paradise as it's often overly busy and can become a little like supermarket sweep on a bad day. If you are willing to persevere though, you will have success.

TK Maxx staff leave something to be desired. This is not the stores strong point. I have found them to almost go out of their way to be unhelpful or disinterested. You would think that they would want to take your money? Not so in the Kensington High Street branch where on more than one occasion I have told when reaching the front of the queue that the checkout in menswear is for returns only. Not only can I not pay, but not a great advertisement for the quality of produce either!

Yes, TK Maxx is also a mess. Seemingly when in a 'discount' store you no longer need to hang things up again after you have looked at them. The floor will amply store the unwanted and discarded. I have on numerous occasions been entangled with an unwanted pink Pringle cardigan while trying to sift through knitwear. Undeterred, I persevere.

And finally, it smells, especially in the changing rooms. Again, this being a 'discount' store, bodily hygiene is not required. I would suggest washing anything you buy when you get home.

But why the 4 stars then? Because these quibbles aside, if you have the stomach for the job, you will reap the rewards. Be strong, go forth and prosper. The garish tartan golfing polo shirt at a mere £15 awaits

Summary: Cheap as chips if you can stand the flawed service and charm