Former TK Maxx worker explains importance of number '2' on price tags

23 August 2023 , 14:22

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There's a specific reason there are numbers on the labels and it's good to know what they mean (Image: Channel 5)

We all love a bargain, and for years we've relied on TK Maxx to provide the best deals around. Shoppers can walk away with designer goods for a fraction of the price, and the retailer is famous for hidden treasures amongst the rails. As any avid TK Maxx fan knows, once it's gone it's definitely gone, as they don't hold onto stock.

Now a former employee has revealed the secrets to bagging the bargains as it's all down to the hidden numbers on the tags. You may have noticed the assortment of words and numbers on the tags - but they actually have a specific meaning and it's worth taking note of them if you're looking for some deals.

He shares a number two means you're in for a good bargain (Channel 5)

In the 2022 Channel 5 documentary, TK Maxx: How do they do it?TK Maxx fans are offered a glimpse of what really goes on behind the store doors, with insight from former workers. As part of this, former senior merchandiser Daniel Baker has advised shoppers to keep their eyes peeled for a single number on labels.

Daniel explained: "On any label, you can see a number. The number that is really exciting to a customer is number two because that means it's genuine stock that was sold at a higher price somewhere else. It's excess stock or something like that."

According to Daniel, the numbers usually go from one up to nine, however, "quite a few of them" aren't used, and some are more significant to buyers than others. The main three codes he recommends to look out for are one, two, and seven. One is produced for TK Maxx, two is 'close out buy' that is unsold from another brand, and seven is 'packaway' which means it's been packed for a previous year, like Christmas crackers bought in January for the following year.

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"You can get good value for money on a type one. It could be that just the sheer volume they are producing means they can price it cheaper. The real bargains you are looking for are a two and a seven for sure. That's also part of the treasure hunt when I got into a store as I'm constantly going 'Oh that’s a type two, that's a real bargain there,'" Daniel continued. Noting that he is also one to hunt the rails for the best items and always looks out for two's and seven's.

Niamh Kirk