“Discount” and “gourmet” are words that don’t usually end up in the same sentence. Well, when it comes to the food section of T.J. Maxx, they do.
If you like specialty items at a great price, make the Maxx your go-to. Don’t just take my word for it, there are plenty of respected publications dedicated to food and fancy cuisine that break down the mystique that is T.J. Maxx gourmet, and, for that matter, its sister stores, Marshalls and HomeGoods.
The biggest misconception is that all the food items are overruns or nearing expiration, so they find their way to the discount retailer. Wrong.
Maggie Lane, a writer for Bon Appétit magazine, outlined in her 2016 article that “T. J. Maxx often acquires items that are specially produced just for them.” And, as she explains, the unique product selection is intentional. T.J. Maxx isn’t trying to compete with the local grocery store. It’s offering what is special and not on every shelf. These are the kinds of items you don’t know you want, until you see them.
I think there is something to the thrill and mystery of it all, as well. The entire shopping experience is based on a successful hunt. My close friend, Becky, and I call it “making a loop,” since we make the same route through the store and our favorite sections every time.
When arrive at the Maxx and the electric doors open, we wonder with excitement, “What will we find today?” Then, we separate, each on our own individual loop. We occasionally reconvene to share our finds until we are finally worn out, ready to check out and get lunch.
Our hunts are focused and thorough. You have to move things around on the shelves and see what’s stashed in the back, especially in the gourmet section. And when you find something special, it feels like a prize. It’s fun. And, best of all, it comes without any spending guilt. There is something very satisfying about seeing the “compare at” on the label. Makes you feel like a smart hunter-gather.
Case in point, I made a loop recently and found a $12.25 oz jar of farmhouse strawberry jam for $5.99 by the specialty foods company Stonewall Kitchen. Similar strawberry jam on the company’s website retails for $8.95 and as much as $10 on Amazon. One of my sons loves strawberry jam, so in the cart it went.
In the unique category, there was everything from glittery baking sugar to imported Italian balsamic vinegar dressing flavored with truffle oil. I passed on those, but did go home with a jar of Peruvian grilled artichokes marinated in brine for $3.99. I also bought dark chocolate covered California pistachios for $3.99, which were promptly opened and eaten after check out. Don’t judge, a girl needs sustenance when shopping.
The Maxx food section is also a great place to find gifts. I was tempted by a big selection of cocktail infusion mixers–just add rosé for a sangria or tequila for a berry margarita! With no girl’s trip on the horizon, I passed. I’m starting to regret that choice now.
If you’ve always dismissed the gourmet and specialty foods section at T.J. Maxx, give it a shot. It’s a great place to find gifts, discover new items and save money on brands you know. So, on your next trip out, happy hunting or as Becky and I like to say, “Make a Loop!”
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