Former TK Maxx worker says to go to the back of the store and look for a certain dress code

Good old TK Maxx, a store that’s good for a bit of everything and full of bargains if you’re willing to be patient with your purchases.

But there’s so much more to the chain than random shelves encouraging shoppers to browse – plenty of methods go into its craze, and now some of its biggest tricks have been revealed.

Over the weekend, Channel 5 released a new documentary that delved into how they do their marketing.

He gave great insight into how the staff work there and also outlined how people can get better deals.

So these are just some of the things we’ve learned that will be very useful the next time you participate.

discount codes



Always walk to the back of TK Maxx first and avoid the ‘secret code’ on the tag, says former worker

If you’ve ever checked a label on TK Maxx, you may have noticed what the numbers on the huge label mean.

It turns out that some of them are quite important, with single-digit numbers forming “cheat codes” that can indicate whether you’ve found a good deal.

In the C5 documentary, former senior trader Daniel Baker explains, “The number that’s really exciting for a customer is number two.”

That means the item is “genuine overstock” that was sold for a higher price elsewhere, so you’ve gotten a good deal.

Daniel adds: “The three main codes are one, two and seven. One means produced for TK Maxx.

“Two is ‘closing purchase’ not sold from another brand. And seven is ‘packaged,’ meaning it has been packaged for a previous year, like Christmas cookies bought in January for the following December.”

designer brand



Always walk to the back of TK Maxx first and avoid the 'secret code' on the tag, says former worker
Always walk to the back of TK Maxx first and avoid the ‘secret code’ on the tag, says former worker

Many of us will have noticed that the chain has an impressive number of designer brands for sale, including Diesel, Calvin Klein and Clarks.

These brands actually produce lines specifically for TK Maxx, and also produce their own clothing under 500 trademarks, so you may have purchased an original TK.

In the document, an expert explains that customers often perceive that things placed together have similar value, which can encourage the purchase.

hashing elements

The staff are trained in “hashing”, which sounds like some sort of Norse place, but actually refers to where items are placed on the rails in an attempt to increase sales.

On the show, former team leader Jodie Evans, who worked for TK Maxx from 2010 to 2015, says, “We used to run the products down the rails. If you have three small sizes, we might put one at the beginning… one at the middle and one at the end.

Adds Daniel: “We wanted to have just one of everything on the shelves because it meant that when (shoppers) saw it, they were convinced they had to buy it right then and there.”

Fashion psychologist Shakaila Forbes-Bell explains, “You feel like you’ve successfully completed your task. You’ve found a reward, and the fact that it’s isolated makes it even more positive.”

transparent experience

When trying to find the perfect prom dress, it can be difficult to sift through the tight rails to find a suitable outfit.

But one trick the staff does to make it easier is to wax the rails, so the hangers slide smoothly, without a nasty rattling sound to drive you crazy.

Jodie added, “Waxing the rails is a well-known secret among TK Maxx crews and something the customer wouldn’t necessarily know about. It allows you to slide the products across the rails quite easily without that horrible screeching, screeching sound that you sometimes get.” often hear at many retailers.”

Location, location, location

It may seem like there isn’t a cunning system to the way TK Maxx organizes its stores, but of course a lot of thought goes into it.

Former shopkeeper Daniel explained on the show, “A lot of the stuff people really want is put in the back of the store,” meaning customers have to walk past other items beforehand.

While on the way, it is hoped that they will find something else that interests them and buy it.

Consumer journalist Harry Wallop explained: “On the one hand, it’s like a department store.

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