Former TK Maxx worker shares secret codes that help spot real bargains (2024)

TK Maxx is one of the nation’s favourite discount stores, and now a former employee has shared how to spot the best bargains when scouring the rails.

Some of the products sold by the retail chain are own-brand or part of diffusion lines, but where you get real value for money are designer pieces that have been docked in price after previously being sold elsewhere.

It can be hard to tell which is which though, so former senior merchandiser for TK Maxx, Daniel Baker, has revealed the secret codes on price labels that mark out a good deal.

Each item has a white label with a certain code linking it to the appropriate department, and this includes a single digit number in the right-hand corner indicating how the product was sourced.

With nine codes in total, the numbers you want to look out for are one, two and seven.

Number one means the item was made specifically for TK Maxx by another brand, so the RRP is an estimate (since it can’t be purchased elsewhere).

Number two means it’s a ‘close out’ item – something from an existing brand’s stock that TK Maxx has got at a bargain price, then passed the savings on to the customer.

Meanwhile, number seven means it’s ‘packaway’ from a previous year, for example Christmas crackers that didn’t sell the year before but are still good to be sold this time around.

‘The number that’s really exciting as a shopper is the number two because that means it’s genuine stock that was sold at a higher price somewhere else,’ Daniel told Channel 5 on its How To Bag A Bargain documentary. ‘That’s normally when you’re getting the bargain,’

According to the same documentary, about 60% of the items in TK Maxx are labelled with the number two, meaning you’ve got a solid chance of snagging a steal.

Around 40% of its offering is produced specifically for the store, however this could vary depending on stock levels and what’s being sourced at any given time.

While the temptation of these bargains is alluring, what can sometimes be a deterrent is the concept of having to ‘rummage’ to find what you want.

Assistant Metro Lifestyle editor and self-proclaimed ‘TK Maxx addict’ Jess Lindsay previously shared her tips for making your shopping experience in the discount store as pleasant and lucrative as possible.

‘Having bagged a Vetements dress for £30, a Mother of Pearl shirt for less than £20, and countless premium beauty products at pocket money prices, I’m living proof that there are diamonds in the rough,’ Jess said.

Her first tip is to have a goal, explaining: ‘Never wander in aimlessly because this will result in impulsive buys, endless searching, and a burning hatred of people who open makeup and put it back on the shelves (although that’s valid regardless).’

Having an idea of what you need makes the process easier; even a category like homeware or shoes can help narrow down your hunt.

Every trip to TK Maxx should also start with a visit to the clearance section, as this is where you’ll find the biggest discounts. Some yellow-sticker items can be reduced to as low as 20p.

Bear in mind that these items likely won’t be new season and may have faults or be customer returns. If you give each thing a once-over and it looks good, though, you’ve got yourself a bargain.

It can be tempting to see a big mark-down and get overexcited, but it’s important to still do your due diligence.

Alongside looking at the code to see where a piece comes from, Google search the brand and a brief description of the item to see whether it’s really a bargain piece.

You may find it cheaper elsewhere, realise that the tags have been switched, or that the RRP is different to what you’re seeing in the store.

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