Additional Coverage:
- Shopper shares clever hack that can save you big at TJ Maxx, Marshalls, and HomeGoods (marketrealist.com)
Uncovering the Secrets of Discount Shopping: A TikTok Hack for TJ Maxx, Marshalls, and HomeGoods
In an era where every penny counts, consumers are constantly seeking smart ways to save on everyday necessities, from clothing to home decor. Stores like TJ Maxx, Marshalls, and HomeGoods have long been havens for bargain hunters, offering what appear to be big-brand items at significantly reduced prices. However, a recent viral TikTok video has shed light on a clever hack that could help shoppers distinguish true bargains from potentially lower-quality imitations.
TikTok creator Elliott, known as @callmebelly, recently shared an eye-opening trick for navigating the aisles of these popular discount retailers. His claim? That not all brand-name products found in these stores are created equal, and some might even be intentionally manufactured with cheaper materials for the discount market.
According to Elliott, many well-known brands are aware that consumers frequent these stores for more affordable options. To capitalize on this, some allegedly produce lower-quality versions of their products specifically for outlets like HomeGoods, TJ Maxx, and Marshalls, relying on their brand recognition to entice buyers.
But fear not, savvy shoppers! Elliott’s ingenious method involves a simple yet often overlooked detail: the product tag. He reveals that a specific number on these tags holds the key to determining a product’s true origin and quality.
Zooming in on a sleepwear set, Elliott highlighted a series of numbers on the tag, such as “20-5601-213712-002499-24-1.” While the entire sequence might seem daunting, he urged viewers to focus on the last two digits.
The second-to-last number, “24” in his example, signifies the month of manufacture. Elliott clarified that months are numbered from 1 to 12 (January to December), and then the cycle repeats, meaning 13 would again represent January.
However, the most crucial digit, according to Elliott, is the very last one. This final number indicates whether the product is genuine overstock from a major retailer or if it was specifically produced for discount stores using more economical materials.
A “1” at the end of the tag suggests that the item was manufactured with lower-quality materials, intended solely for sale in discount outlets. Conversely, a “2” signifies that the product is indeed excess inventory from a larger, perhaps higher-end, store, now being sold at a reduced price.
Elliott strongly advises shoppers to seek out tags ending in a “2” to ensure they are getting a truly good deal on a quality product. He demonstrated his point with various items, including a Samsonite suitcase, a Calvin Klein t-shirt, and a Ugg comforter, claiming that products with a “1” on the tag consistently felt inferior in quality.
This viral “Ted Talk” from @callmebelly offers a valuable lesson for anyone looking to make the most of their discount shopping experience. So, next time you’re browsing the racks at TJ Maxx, Marshalls, or HomeGoods, remember to take a closer look at that tag – it might just save you from a potential shopping disappointment.