If you have ever been to a Marshalls or TJ Maxx then you are probably well aware that by the time you get to the checkout, your cart contains a pair of adidas sneakers, multiple three-wick candles, oversized bath towels, and some sort of fruit-shaped bag of gummies. None of these items are needed, but somehow upon seeing each dramatically discounted item, became immediately necessary to own. 

No judgment on what you choose to purchase as you aimlessly wander the aisles, but the real question becomes how identical are these two stores? From the layout to the merchandise to the discounts, what sets the stores apart?

We definitely have the answer, but first, a little history. In 1956, Marshalls opened their doors for the first time. Alfred Marshall gathered a group of like-minded businessmen together to open a “Brands for Less” concept and by 1993, the brand had stores in 42 states including Hawaii. 

TJX, a Massachusetts-based company, launched its first store, TJ Maxx, in 1977. In 1995, TJ Maxx bought out Marshalls, which was their largest competitor. TJX also owns HomeGoods, Homesense, and Sierra. Although the buyers for both Marshalls and TJ Maxx are the same, the stores carry different merchandise and have different in-store layouts.

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Marshalls

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Marshalls differentiates itself from T.J. Maxx with a full line of family footwear and an expanded men’s department. They also feature The CUBE, a department specifically for juniors. In fact, Marshalls’ inventory of shoes, particularly men’s athletic designer brands, like Nike Jordans, is so great that this store is where “shoe flippers” usually go to score discounts, then resell their goods on eBay, Poshmark, or Mercari for a tidy profit.