I worked in TK Maxx – the secret colour codes you need to look out for in the January sales & the best time to shop
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CHECKING the display stands one last time Lou Smith takes a deep breath, straightens her name badge and heads to the tills. As the clock hits 9am, the doors open at TK Maxx and post-Christmas bargain hunters flood in, pushing and shoving to get their hands on designer items at rock bottom prices.
![[Lou Smith worked in TK Maxx for four years and has shared her secrets when it comes to sales shopping]](https://www.thesun.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/i-worked-tk-maxx-secret-960567785.jpg?strip=all&w=540)
It’s a scene happening around the country right now and for many retail giants is one of the busiest times of the year. And former TK Maxx shop assistant Lou says that when it comes to the January sales nothing surprises her. “I used to be shocked by what some customers did. Now nothing shocks me,” she admits.
![[She says the stores biggest reductions happen in January]](https://www.thesun.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/i-worked-tk-maxx-secret-960567418.jpg?strip=all&w=960)
“From swapping discount labels and even bringing their own label makers, some die-hard bargain hunters will do anything to pay almost nothing.”. Lou, 27, worked at the designer discount store for six years from the age of 17 when she started out as a Christmas temp.
![[Customers should look out for yellow stickers to bag the lowest price]](https://www.thesun.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/i-worked-tk-maxx-secret-960567618.jpg?strip=all&w=845)
Now a chartered accountant who lives in Edinburgh with her long-term partner, she worked in two TK Maxx stores during her time with the chain. “I was studying A Levels when I got my contract working twelve hours a week,” she says. “When I moved to Lancaster, to study accounting at Lancaster University I transferred to the store there.
![[She says that heading to the store just after it opens or before it closes will ensure a smoother shopping experience]](https://www.thesun.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/de2rj1-t-k-maxx-store-473796314_a4f14a.jpg?strip=all&w=960)
“During Christmas and the New Year sales period I was working up to 35 hours a week while studying full-time.”. According to Lou, TK Maxx doesn't have Boxing Day sales as the stores constantly have items being rotated and discounted, but January is when shoppers will find the lowest prices.
![[Lou says hunting for the yellow label should guarantee the best prices]](https://www.thesun.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/i-worked-tk-maxx-secret-960567538.jpg?strip=all&w=785)
