TK Maxx

Tkmax is a huge department store with men/​women clothes, footwear, homeware, food, kids toys, luggage and general random things like frames and art.
It’s all supposed to be 60% less than regular high street prices. There are always was/​now prices to give idea of prices.
The home department is my favourite part.

I have a bit of an addiction to TK Maxx. The guarantee that the stock changes pretty much every week, that you never know what you’re going to find when you get inside, that’s part of the fun of shopping at TK Maxx.
I honestly can’t remember a time in the past year or so where I haven’t felt the need to stop by, just on the off chance I can spot some nice clothes, or some random food-​stuffs (they actually tend to have a rather decent selection of hot sauces in this store on the top floor, some sauces that you would pay at least double the price for if you were to buy them from the likes of Sawers).
I can understand why people would go into the shop and get frustrated with the experience. It is pretty much a gigantic charity shop, albeit it is exclusively stocked by the old things that companies can’t afford to sell in their own stores. Sure this makes for a confusing experience and lots of searching through rails and rails of rubbish, but usually finding something you really love makes it worthwhile.
The only downside is the staff seem to have an obsession with changing the layout of the shoe section.
Oh, also TK Maxx have an online store, so you could always have a look on there if you’re looking for some bargains.

It is worth having a wee browse around TK Maxx every once in a while. Why? Because you can find some real bargains here on great brands. There are different sections: women’s, men’s, kids’ and home. I particularly like the layout of the rails because if you are looking for something specific, like e.g. a skirt, you just go to that rail and you don’t have to wander around the whole shop and items are sorted by their size. Also, since most of these items are the last of their collection, there are massive offers and it is less likely that your dress will come across on 5 more girls on the street. Their cosmetics section is also impressive and there are some really nice ideas for gifts.

Way back in 2010 I was perhaps a little harsh on this branch of TK Maxx. I think that sifting through clothes is the reason that people shop at TK Maxx, they enjoy the excitement and the possibility of getting a real bargain. Sifting isn’t actually too bad at this TK Maxx as the staff keep the rails in pretty good order.
Belfast now has plenty of fashion outlets but it doesn’t have much similar to TK Maxx.
This store is huge and set over 3 floors. It has a woman’s section, kids section, men’s section and even a dedicated jewelry counter. My advice would be that if you are looking for something specific then come to TK Maxx and see if they have it in store, you could save yourself a few quid.

You know what? I am a massive fan of TKMAXX — it is just one of those shops that I will go to if i need shoes or a dress or ski suits or wellies or socks or pants or a dressing gown or hair products of a nice new fedora!
The one in Belfast used to be an absolute NIGHTMARE when it was stressful even walking into the place but, I am happy to say they have really dealt with the chaos in the new shop and there is even a sense of organisation.
Bottom floor woman’s wear, hats, scarves etc, next floor mens and childrens wear plus shoes and home! The shoes are awesome — no excuse for not having a decent pair of winter boots this years — the walls are literally coming down with them and all at knockdown prices.
My favourite secret about TKMAXX is that they have a free public toilet upstairs so when you are busting out shopping you can take a piddle and pick up a bargain at the same time!

The original Tk Maxx store in the city was in Castle Court and was a messy, disorganised combination of cut down branded products and random things no one else could sell.
The new store is a marked improvement and has become my store of choice when I’m after t-​shirts, jeans or shoes. The concept is simple. The store sells what is in excess, won’t sell elsewhere or is off season (I have no knowledge of seasons in fashion — whether they follow the actual calendar seasons or otherwise, I do not know)
The prices are varied, from £8 for a DC to £500 for an Armani leather jacket, you’re bound to find something of interest in this higgledy piggledy combination of all things clothing.
This store actually has a half decent selection of homeware too — I picked up a fantastic tagine, griddle pan and a couple of knives when we first moved into our apartment. I do like it, I do like the freedom, a lack of pushy sales staff and a general sense of achievement when you do stumble across that item that fits.

TKmaxx can be a bit of daunting for some people at the most of times, but if you give yourself enough time you can find some real bargains here.
I actually don’t mind the concept at all and find it quite relaxing. How many stores are there where you can listen to your iPod, check out some fashion and gifts without being disturbed by annoying sales people asking if they can help you?
I mostly shop here for a few key items which are trainers, t-​shirts, cook books, children book, toys and gifts. They normally stock a great range of house hold and kitchen items and I know there’s a bit of luck involved as well, but I often see designer tableware at a fraction of the original price.
And the great thing is that all that lovely glass– and dinner ware comes in the original box, which makes them perfect wedding gifts.