Shoppers hunting for discounts at TK Maxx can unlock even bigger savings by learning to read a secret code hidden on product labels, a retail expert has revealed.
The Secret in the Corner of the Tag
According to discounts expert Jordan Cox, known on Instagram as Britain's Coupon King, every product in the store carries a tell-tale number. This digit, usually found alone in a corner of the label amidst a string of other numbers, reveals the item's origin story and true value.
"If you see a 1 on its own here, then that product was made specifically for TK Maxx and never sold by that brand," Cox explained in a social media video. "The magic number is 2. Those items are genuine products that were stocked in branded retailers and are now being sold for a bit cheaper here."
What the Numbers Really Mean for Your Bargain
Items marked with a '1' are still produced by the brand named on the label, but they are manufactured specifically for the discount retailer. This can sometimes mean differences in quality or materials compared to the brand's mainline products.
In contrast, a '2' signifies a genuine article that once sat on the shelf of a full-price retailer. These products meet the brand's usual standards and represent a true markdown from their original retail price.
Cox also highlighted another code: a number seven indicates last year's branded stock. While it may be out of season, it remains a genuine product from the brand's previous collections.
"Please do have a check before you buy something," Cox advised. "It may seem like a bargain looking at the price, but it may wear out sooner than you think if it’s not the real deal."
Expert Confirmation and Shopper Reaction
This insider knowledge was confirmed by former TK Maxx senior merchandiser Daniel Barker during an appearance on Channel 5's documentary How To Bag A Bargain.
"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," Barker said. "That's normally when you're getting the bargain."
The documentary suggested that around 60% of TK Maxx items carry the coveted number two, with the remaining 40% produced specifically for the store. This ratio can fluctuate based on stock levels.
Shoppers responding to the tip online expressed gratitude, with many planning to use the advice for Christmas shopping to ensure they buy authentic branded gifts. TK Maxx has been approached for comment on the label code system.
