People are only just discovering why TK Maxx is called TJ Maxx in US

04 October 2023 , 11:07

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TK Maxx has a different name from its sister store in the US TJ Maxx (stock photo) (Image: AFP/Getty Images)

For anyone visiting the UK for the first time, it might appear that no high street is complete without the mecca that is TK Maxx. Filled to the brim with reduced-price designer clothes, accessories, luggage, beauty products, and more, it has been a permanent fixture in shopping habits since it launched in 1994.

However, Americans will know that its sister store - TJ Maxx - has been around for a lot longer and is one of the country’s most iconic retailers. Founded in 1977 when its first two locations opened in Auburn and Worcester, Massachusetts, it now boasts 1,299 stores all across the States.

What has remained a mystery is why, even though TJ Maxx and TK Maxx shops look almost identical in every way, with matching logos, fonts, and even colour schemes, they have different names.

According to one TikToker who discussed her experience working at TK Maxx, including its 'wild customers', she also revealed exactly why the US and UK stores have different initials. Louise May said in her video that it’s because the American owners were concerned shoppers would get confused due to another discount retailer - TJ Hughes, which currently has 14 shops around Great Britain and was founded in 1912.

But if you thought they were being clever by changing the ‘J’ to a ‘K’ as a nod to ‘UK’, think again. Louise says it’s actually just because it was the next letter in the alphabet. People finding out about the name change were suitably shocked.

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One person shared: "My God I have always wondered why the letters changed. Thank you!" Another person said: "I was thinking when you said it, is it because it's the next letter. I didn't think it would actually be the reason!" While a third viewer added: “Ohhh that makes sense."

TK Maxx is an off-price store, offering incredible discounts of up to 60% off the recommended retail price. Although some huge bargains are to be had, it turns out you have to know where to look. The numbers on the tags form 'cheat codes' which can indicate if you've found a top bargain.

A Channel 5 documentary revealed that if there is a number 2 on the label, it means that the item is "genuine excess stock", which means it is sold for a higher price elsewhere.

It's worth remembering that although there's an impressive amount of designer brands on sale, a lot of them specifically produce lines for TK Maxx.

Eve Wagstaff