A viral video shared by entrepreneur and finance expert Mark Tilbury claims that looking out for a few "secret codes" on price tags inside TK Maxx could tell shoppers a lot about what they're buying and whether they're getting the best deal.
How the codes work
In his Instagram video, Mark said there are three hacks to know before shopping at TK Maxx, all to do with knowing what to look for on the label. The shop uses special codes to help categorise items, and if you know how the codes work, you'll know how to make the most of them.
If the product is from a named brand and the code on the price tag ends in a "1", this means the product could be a cheaper version of the brand's usual stock that has been made specifically for TK Maxx. This doesn't really matter if you like the item and want to buy it, but it does mean you're not getting the best value for money because it is not the same quality item that would be sold at full price in the brand's own shops.
The numbers that matter
If you find a product with a "2" at the end of the product code on the back of the price tag, Mark claims it means the item is sold at full price elsewhere but is on sale at TK Maxx. These are the codes to look out for if you're bargain hunting, as they may mean you are getting a good deal by buying from TK Maxx.
Because TK Maxx buys stock when opportunities arise rather than purchasing seasonally in advance, they can sell their products at lower prices than other retailers. Products on the shelves might have been purchased from the brand only a few weeks prior, whereas other clothing stores pay a premium in advance to have the clothes delivered, meaning they have to pass that cost on to customers. The items with a "2" on the label are genuine products that TK Maxx has bought cheaply, and if you want a designer label without paying designer prices, this is the number to look for.
Finally, Mark explained what products labelled with a "7" at the end of their code mean. He said you'll need to be "lucky" to find products with this code, as it's the one that will net you the best savings. The number seven means the product has been discontinued, so you won't find it anywhere else. If it's something you like the look of, you'll want to snap it up before someone else does, as it's unlikely to be back in TK Maxx or any other shop that might have once sold it.
Shopper reaction
Items with the number seven on the back might be discounted in the future if they don't sell, as TK Maxx tries to clear discontinued stock, but there's no guarantee they'll stay on the shelf long enough to come down in price. Commenters on Mark's video were thankful for his advice, with many saying they would look at every single label the next time they shop at TK Maxx. One person said: "These are honestly hidden gems." Another added: "This was really helpful, thank you." TK Maxx has been contacted for comment.
