If you’re a fan of treasure hunting through the aisles of T.J. Maxx and Marshalls, you already know the thrill of scoring a designer handbag or a cozy throw blanket for a fraction of the price.

But what if we told you there’s a secret shopping strategy—known as the “J Rule”—that could help you snag the absolute best deals every time?

A surprising tip has been making the rounds among bargain lovers, and it might just change the way you approach your next visit.


Let’s start with the basics. The “J Rule” is a simple, easy-to-remember hack: the best months to shop at T.J. Maxx and Marshalls are the “J months”—January and July.

Why? These are the times when both retailers hold their biggest clearance events of the year.

• January: Stores are clearing out leftover holiday and winter merchandise. Think cozy sweaters, festive décor, and cold-weather accessories—all at rock-bottom prices.
• July: It’s time to make room for fall arrivals, so summer clothing, outdoor gear, and seasonal home goods get marked down to their lowest.

If you plan your shopping trips around these months, you’re far more likely to stumble upon those coveted yellow-tagged items.


But the J Rule is just the beginning. To truly master the art of bargain shopping at these stores, you need to understand the secret language of their price tags. Here’s the breakdown:

• White Tag (No Sticker): This is the item’s original price. If you’re eyeing something with a white tag, it might be worth waiting a bit—there’s a good chance it’ll be marked down soon.
• Red Sticker: The item has been discounted, but it could go even lower. Keep an eye on these if you’re not in a rush.
• Yellow Sticker: Jackpot! This is the final markdown. The price won’t get any better, so if you see something you love with a yellow sticker, grab it before someone else does.
• Red and Yellow Sticker Together: This is the holy grail of savings—an item that’s been marked down multiple times and is at its absolute lowest price.

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Here’s a little-known secret: if you spot a minor flaw—like a chipped mug, a scuffed table, or a shirt with a tiny snag—don’t hesitate to ask for an additional discount.

According to store insiders, employees are often authorized to offer a further price reduction if you ask politely.

After all, they’d rather see the item go home with you than gather dust on the shelf.


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To find the freshest deals, timing matters during the day, too.

Avoid weekends, when stores get crowded and shelves are already picked over.

“Weekends are crazy busy, so we put out new stuff weekdays,” the employee noted.

If possible, aim for late morning to early afternoon on a weekday—that’s when restocking usually happens, and the best markdowns are still up for grabs.

Read next: TJ Maxx’s Yellow Tag Sale is back—here’s how to score luxury deals for less

Have you ever scored an unbelievable deal at T.J. Maxx or Marshalls? Do you have your own secret shopping strategies? Or maybe you have a question about how to spot the best bargains?