How To Build A Designer Wardrobe That Doesn’t Cost The Earth

TK Maxx has long been a treasure trove of excellent fashion, accessories and homeware on our very own high street. I've lost count of the times I've spotted friends in designer pieces, only to be told it's the fruit of their latest trip to TK Maxx. Now, more than ever, we're all looking for clothes that are well made and will really last the test of time, plus it can be tricky to know what to do with clothes when we no longer wear them. Thankfully, TK Maxx has that covered, too.

The Give Up Clothes For Good campaign has been raising money for Cancer Research UK for Children & Young People for the past 15 years, working with some famous faces to help generate over £32.5 million (including cash donations). This year, here at Grazia, we've joined forces with TK Maxx to help this incredible cause. And, as you'll be making a whole lot of space in your wardrobe, we thought we'd ask the experts how exactly to make the most of TK Maxx's brilliant deals in order to replace some of the clothes you're so generously donating.

With that in mind, Deborah Dolce, SVP, Group Brand & Marketing Director of TK Maxx, shared all of her tips to help you shop the best of the deals in-store. So, here's how to approach The Maxx (as absolutely nobody is calling it) and bagsy some of the best designer discounts on offer...

Forget what you think you know...

'To some people, our stores look a little bit haphazard or overwhelming – certainly different from traditional stores. But if you love a bargain and want current styles and great quality, we believe it’s worth getting past that first impression and shopping with an open mind because you never know what you might find. In fact, lots of customers tell us that they come in for one thing and leave with armfuls of goodies. We are proud of our bright, modern stores with all the fashion displayed by size and home by category because our no frills approach helps us pass on spectacular savings on amazing brands.'

What’s the average discount applied to designer product?

'TK Maxx is an off-price retailer and for us, value is a combination of brand, fashion, price and quality. Our stores are as flexible as we are – we have no walls between departments, so we can easily expand and contract merchandise categories to respond to the newest trends and changing customer tastes. It is the bright, modern stores, and our lean, no-frills way of working that helps us to pass savings of up to 60% less than the RRP onto the customer.'

Is there an ideal time of day to go shopping?

'Unlike other types of retailers that buy seasonally, we buy throughout the year and so have new brand name and designer products arriving several times a week with every delivery containing thousands of items. Our rapidly changing assortments create the treasure hunt experience that our customers love and all the product goes straight onto the floor (no stock rooms here!) so it’s best to drop by often so you don’t miss out. Remember, once it’s gone, it’s gone.'

What can you find in store?

'Our buyers travel the globe throughout the year on the hunt for the hottest brand names and designer products of the season. We buy from all kinds of vendors – big names and designer labels, top brands, up-and-coming labels and vendors known for stylish fashion and exciting gems. Our buyers are opportunistic and negotiate the lowest possible price in order to pass the savings on.' Basically, this means that there are new products all the time, from all sorts of different, well-known designer names. So, it's definitely worth a trip to your local store (or online) as there's new stock every single day. Also, it's worth noting that TK Maxx has a Gold Label collection, which is exclusively made up of the very best designer names and, consequently, has some of the most incredible discounts.

If you love it, grab it

'We don’t hold replenishment product in our stock rooms and often the store managers don’t even know what’s coming until they throw open the delivery lorry doors. That’s what makes us so exciting to shop. The amount we buy of each brand varies greatly – sometimes we buy a little and at other times, we may buy a lot. What matters is that we think our customers will love the products and the prices.'

Shop little and often

'Our stores and the website receive several fresh deliveries every week – often daily - and all product goes straight out. Again, for optimum shopping results, it's best to check in often so that you can find the best deals.'

Keep an open mind

'Try not to be specific. Designer dress? K-beauty steals? A copper pan? You never know what treasure you will find, but treasure it will be.'

Is there an ideal time to shop?

'TK Maxx stores are very straightforward in layout so head to a fashion department, where you will find everything displayed by category and size. Or, do a focused shop and just pick one area – somewhere like shoes, bags or home.'

Don't forget to join our pledge

While clearing out your wardrobe hardly sounds like a dreamy weekend task, it seems a whole lot more appealing with the knowledge that if you take a bag of your pre-loved clothes, accessories or homewares to your local TK Maxx now, you will be helping to raise money for Cancer Research UK for Children & Young People. As previously mentioned, TK Maxx has been championing Give Up Clothes For Good for the past 15 years, raising over £32.5 million (including cash donations).

So, join the club and donate your items, which will also ensure you're not contributing to the 300,000 tonnes of clothes that end up in landfill every year.

Read more about Grazia's own efforts to support TK Maxx and Cancer Research UK here.

SEE: 15 Years Of TK Maxx's Celebrity Campaigns For Cancer Research UK