If you’re driving around downtown Portland looking for the bright red TJ Maxx sign, stop. You won’t find it there. It’s one of those local quirks that confuses tourists every single year—the "Portland" store is actually tucked away in the sprawling retail woods of South Portland. Specifically, it’s sitting at 415 Philbrook Ave, right near the Maine Mall.
Honestly, it’s a bit of a haul if you’re staying on the Old Port cobblestones, but for anyone who lives here, it’s the mother ship.
The South Portland Reality Check
Most people just call it the Portland Maine TJ Maxx because it’s the closest one to the city center. But if you’re putting it into your GPS, make sure you use the South Portland address. It’s located in the Maine Crossing strip mall. This isn't some tiny boutique version of the store either. It's a massive, high-volume location that stays busy pretty much from the second the doors unlock at 9:30 AM until they close them at 9:30 PM.
One thing you've gotta know: this store recently went through a major renovation. For years, it felt a little... tired? Maybe that's the nice way to put it. But in 2024 and 2025, they did a massive internal shuffle. They updated the layout and freshened up the flooring while people were literally still shopping. It was chaotic for a minute, but the result is a much cleaner, more navigable space.
Why this location is different
The South Portland store has a weirdly good jewelry counter. Unlike some of the smaller Maine locations—like maybe the one in Brunswick or Biddeford—the Philbrook Ave spot tends to get a higher volume of the "premium" stuff. I’ve seen people score genuine Italian gold chains and high-end watches here that you usually only find in the "Runway" stores in bigger cities.
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- Location: 415 Philbrook Ave, South Portland, ME 04106.
- Phone: (207) 773-1152.
- Hours: Generally 9:30 AM to 9:30 PM (Sundays often close a bit earlier, usually 8:00 PM or 9:00 PM).
The parking lot is a total zoo on Saturdays. Seriously. If you can, go on a Tuesday morning. That's when the new shipments have usually been unboxed and the "weekend warriors" haven't picked over the best home decor yet.
The Secret "TJX" Loop
If you’re a true "Maxxinista" (I know, I know, the term is cheesy), you realize that the Portland Maine TJ Maxx is just one piece of the puzzle. Within a three-mile radius, you have the holy trinity of discount shopping.
You have the TJ Maxx on Philbrook. Then, right across the way, there’s a HomeGoods. And recently, a Sierra (the outdoor/athletic version of TJ Maxx) opened up in the same general plaza area. If you can't find that specific Dutch oven or pair of hiking boots at the Maxx, you literally just drive across the street.
Dealing with the Crowds
Look, I’m gonna be real with you. This store gets messy. Because it’s so close to the Maine Mall and several major hotels, the foot traffic is relentless. By 4:00 PM on a Friday, the clothing racks can look like a hurricane hit them.
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Staff here work incredibly hard, but post-pandemic retail is tough. You might see long lines at the registers. Pro tip: The line usually moves faster than it looks because they have about ten registers, but don't expect to "zip in and out" during peak hours. If you see a "manager" and then another person claiming to be the manager, don't sweat it—they usually have multiple Assistant Store Managers (ASMs) on duty because the volume is so high.
What to Look For (and What to Skip)
The Home Section: This is the strongest department in the South Portland store. They get a ton of seasonal Maine-themed stuff. Think lobster-patterned kitchen towels, nautical candles, and heavy wool blankets that are actually useful for a Maine winter.
The Beauty Aisle: It’s a hit or miss. Sometimes you’ll find high-end Korean skincare or prestige hair brands like Redken for half price. Other times, it’s just a pile of opened boxes. Always check the seals before you buy. People in this location have a bad habit of opening the bottles to smell them.
The "Runway" Myth: Just to clarify, the South Portland location is not an official "Runway" store. Runway stores are the elite TJ Maxx locations that carry brands like Gucci, Prada, and Balenciaga. While the South Portland store gets some "designer" labels (think Coach, Michael Kors, or Steve Madden), it doesn't have that dedicated high-end luxury section you'd find in Boston or New York.
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Shopping Strategically in Greater Portland
If the South Portland store is too chaotic for your soul, you have options.
- Biddeford: About 20 minutes south. It’s usually quieter and the aisles are wider.
- Brunswick: Heading north? This one is smaller but much more "civilized."
- Scarborough: Technically, there’s a Marshalls and a HomeGoods here, but no TJ Maxx. It’s good for a backup if you’re looking for furniture.
Most people don't realize that the stock at the Portland Maine TJ Maxx is influenced by the local climate. You’ll see heavy parkas and Bean-style boots appearing in August. By March, they’re pushing "spring" gear, even though there’s usually still two feet of snow on the ground. If you want the best deals on winter gear, hit the clearance racks in late February.
Actionable Tips for Your Visit
Don't just wing it. If you want to actually find something good at the Philbrook Ave location, follow these steps:
- Check the "New Arrivals" endcaps first. The employees often stash the best home finds at the ends of the aisles before they have time to properly shelf them.
- Download the TJX app. You can scan barcodes to see if the "compare at" price is actually legit. Sometimes the discounts are huge; sometimes they're just "okay."
- Inspect the furniture. Because this is a high-traffic store near a major highway (I-95), furniture often gets dinged. If you find a scratch on a nightstand, ask for a manager. They’ll often knock another 10-15% off on the spot if it's damaged.
- Bring your own bags. Maine has a plastic bag ban. They'll charge you for paper ones, and let's be honest, those paper handles always break when you're carrying a heavy marble cutting board to the parking lot.
The Portland Maine TJ Maxx might not be fancy, and it might technically be in South Portland, but it’s a staple for a reason. Just park far away from the front door to save yourself the headache of the Maine Crossing traffic.
Check the jewelry counter as soon as you walk in—that's where the real hidden gems usually hide before the evening rush picks them clean.