Tag Archives: tj maxx

Macy’s to shutter 40 stores

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After a cheerless holiday shopping season, Macy’s announced it will close 40 of its worst performing department stores.

550px-Macys_dep_storeMacy’s has been disappointing investors for five consecutive quarters. So why are shoppers putting less in those bright red bags with the big white stars?

Analysts say middle- and upper-end department stores are lagging the field, while speciality retailers, such as Barnes and Noble, are faring better than expected. Meanwhile, TJ Maxx and other discounters are ringing up sales that traditionally would have gone to Macy’s.

Weather and tourism also were factors. Sales of outerwear swooned in a balmy autumn and winter. And the stronger U.S. dollar discouraged European tourists from loading up on clothes and accessories, especially at Macy’s flagship store in New York’s Herald Square.

Macy’s operates more than 900 stores under its Macy’s, Bloomingdale’s and Bluemercury marquees.

Musings on TJ Maxx and over-maxed deals

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Bought a Michael Kors top at TJ Maxx yesterday and was aglow with the aura that accompanies getting a great deal.

Before the credit card slip had cooled I learned that fashionistas in California were suing the popular discounter, saying the chain is misleading shoppers with the “compare at” prices printed on T.J. Maxx price tags.

FullSizeRender-27Specifically, the plaintiffs say the listed prices are not necessarily the actual retail price elsewhere, but are compared instead to pumped-up prices in high-end catalogs and tony department stores.

So I look at the price tags on my adorable sleeveless navy top with a gold-tone clasp at the neckline. The original Michael Kors price tag says $89.50. The TJ Maxx price tag doesn’t up the ante. Instead, it says, “Compare at $48.” The actual price: $29.99, less a 10 percent discount for a total of $27.

Either way, I am happy with my purchase. Good value, good price.

As a bonus, I am entertained by eavesdropping on other shoppers in neighboring dressing rooms. I do not apologize for this. People talk. I listen. It’s what I do for a living and, occasionally, personal amusement.

A few snippets of overheard conversation:

From a 20-something: “I think I should have had the other side of my nose pierced.”

From a 60-ish matron: “I like this dress. But do I like TWENTY BUCKS worth???”
From a tween who just started wearing a bra: “This top isn’t tight enough. Do you have one in children’s size Extra Small?”