We've been independently researching and testing products for over 120 years. If you buy through our links, we may earn a commission. Learn more about our review process.
If you enjoy the thrill of the hunt, it doesn't get any better than shopping at Marshalls. With the motto, "never boring, always surprising," it's no wonder why fashionistas, beauty lovers and home decor fanatics can't get enough of the off-price retailer. You can score everything from a great last-minute gift or try out a fun fashion, beauty or home trend without breaking the bank. The savings can be impressive!
To help you be more strategic when shopping and enjoy the best deals possible, we've checked in with retail experts and Marshalls super fans for the top tips and tricks to keep in mind when browsing in-store (there are more than 1,000 in the U.S.) or online, if that's your preference.
1
Make a checklist for every room.
Lifestyle blogger Anna Mae Groves likes to visit her local Marshalls with a clear shopping plan for every room in her home. "Keeping a checklist for each room in my notes is really helpful," Anna says. "That way, I can check things off of my list as I find them, sticking to my plan and not overspending or impulse-buying." One area she always checks out? The kitchen section! "I have found some great kitchen gadgets and beautiful pieces there, including Le Creuset!"
2
Focus on fashion staples.
Rather than trying to keep up with the latest fashion trends, Anna is typically set on finding workhorse pieces for her closet. "I tend to look for staples like neutral sweaters, quality tanks and tees as well as premium denim," she says.
RELATED: Best T-Shirts for Women, According to Experts
3
Don't overlook the beauty products.
While Marshalls and other off-price retailers may carry products at discounted rates, that doesn't mean that their quality isn't up to par. The beauty aisle is the perfect example. "I love to search for popular nail polish colors and other coveted beauty products like face masks, hand lotions and hair sprays," Kristen Jones, the blogger behind A Classy Fashionista, tells Good Housekeeping. "You can find them at Marshall's for a fraction of the price and turn them into the best beauty gift bundles! There are so many popular brands on sale like Anastasia, bareMinerals, O.P.I. and Philosophy."If you're lucky, you might even spot luxe options from Ole Henriksen, Pat McGrath Labs and Stila. Still, the same Ulta and Sephora shopping rules apply: "Open and inspect any beauty items before purchasing them to check for breakage or fingerprints."
RELATED: Good Housekeeping's 2024 Beauty Awards
Advertisem*nt - Continue Reading Below
4
Enjoy free shipping over $89.
Believe it or not, Marshalls offers free shipping on all orders over $89 (terms and conditions apply). Plus, if you come across something you love in your local store but cannot take it with you at that moment, it can be delivered to your home for a fee. Note that pricing varies based on the location and distance, so confirm the details with your local store.
RELATED: Genius Ways to Save Money on Every Single Amazon Purchase
5
Be very mindful of the price tags.
Marshalls and other TJX Company stores — TJ Maxx, HomeGoods, Homesense and Sierra — indicate markdowns with the following price tag colors: white tags without stickers are normal prices, red stickers indicate clearance prices and yellow stickers indicate final clearance prices (a.k.a. the best deals). Also, blue stickers note that the item is part of a matching set but can be sold separately, so keep your eye out in case it's on a rack nearby.
RELATED: 8 Things You Should Always Buy at Five Below, According to Designers
6
Shop during weekday mornings.
If you've attempted to shop at Marshalls on Saturday afternoon, then congrats because you've survived the worst of it. "The best time to shop is weekday mornings when everything is tidy, clean and well-stocked from the overnight shipment," Christine Lee from HomeGoods Obsessed tells us. "Mondays are usually catch-up days from the busy weekend, so Wednesday, Thursday, or Friday are your best bet." To really up your chances of scoring a unique find, head to Marshalls on Friday when the stores are stocking the shelves for the weekend crowds.
Advertisem*nt - Continue Reading Below
7
Stock up on wrapping supplies.
Sure, they're known for their wide selection of clothes, accessories and home goods, but you haven't really shopped at Marshalls until you've filled your basket with holiday wrapping paper, tissue paper and cards. Why? "You can find gorgeous cards for under $2," Kristen says. For what it's worth, the average price of a greeting card is anywhere from $2 to $4, which means Marshalls is on the lesser end.
RELATED: Dollar Store Buys That Can Organize Your Entire Home
8
Check prices as you shop.
It's easy to think that you're getting the best deal when the price tags show the original price — but that's not always the case. "I use the scan barcodes option on the Amazon app to compare prices," Dianna Baros from The Budget Babe tells GoodHousekeeping.com. To go beyond Amazon, try ShopSavvy or Shopular.
RELATED: The Best Clothing Apps to Help You Organize, Style and Shop On the Go
9
Take it store by store.
You know when you talk to your friends about your favorite Marshalls finds and they complain that their store doesn't carry it? Well, there's a reason. "Products are initially launched in a few stores to see how well they perform and if they do well, it gets a wider distribution throughout the country," Christine shares. If you hear about an item by a friend or social media, check out your local store ASAP. "The goal of every item is to sit on the shelf no longer than three weeks, so act fast."
Advertisem*nt - Continue Reading Below
10
Cast a wide net.
That being said, while all four stores under the TJX umbrella are different — Marshalls has THE CUBE, an in-store boutique for juniors, for example — there is still some overlap with the products they sell. To increase your odds in finding a specific item, Christine recommends visiting other Marshalls stores as well as HomeGoods, Homesense and TJ Maxx. But remember: There's no guarantee that you'll find exactly what you're looking for because products fly off the shelves quickly.
11
Consider a TJX Rewards Credit Card.
Regular TJX Company store shoppers can enjoy benefits with a TJX Rewards Credit Card. With a TJX Rewards credit card, you can earn 5% back in Rewards every time you shop our stores both in-store and online. Cardmembers also get a 10% discount on their first purchase, receive access to exclusive shopping events and more,” says Sarah Ajamian, assistant vice president, marketing at Marshalls. There's also a free rewards program, including free in-store invites and gift card giveaways, if you don't want to open another credit card.
12
Avoid the rush altogether and shop online.
If you're unable to make it to your local store, Marshalls.com is the next best thing. Shop across a range of categories, from shoes and clothing to beauty and home finds. Plus, enjoy many of the same impressive clearance deals you often find in stores — some are as low as under $10!
Amanda Garrity
Amanda Garrity is a lifestyle writer and editor with over seven years of experience, including five years on staff at Good Housekeeping, where she covered all things home and holiday, including the latest interior design trends, inspiring DIY ideas and gift guides for any (and every) occasion. She also has a soft spot for feel-good TV, so you can catch her writing about popular shows like Virgin River, Sweet Magnolias, Hallmark Channel’s When Calls the Heart and more.
Monique Valeris
Home Design Director
Monique Valeris is the home design director for Good Housekeeping, where she oversees the brand's home decorating coverage across print and digital. Prior to joining GH in 2020, she was the digital editor at Elle Decor. In her current role, she explores everything from design trends and home tours to lifestyle product recommendations, including writing her monthly column, "What's in My Cart."
