You’ve probably been there. That frantic, slightly chaotic energy of a Tuesday morning at the Festival at Riva. You’re ostensibly there for a Giant run or maybe a quick stop at the Petco, but the magnetic pull of the red-and-white sign is too strong to ignore. TJ Maxx Annapolis Maryland is more than just a place to buy socks; it’s basically a local sport.
I’ve spent years navigating the aisles of the two primary spots in town—the Forest Drive location and the one over by the mall on Jennifer Road—and honestly, they are not the same. People treat them like they’re interchangeable. They aren't. If you’re looking for high-end "Runway" labels, one is a gold mine and the other is... well, it’s great for a new toaster.
The Forest Drive vs. Jennifer Road Dilemma
The TJ Maxx at 2309 Forest Drive (located in the Festival at Riva) is the "OG" for most long-term locals. It's tucked into that busy corner near the Annapolis Town Center. If you’re coming from Eastport or the Neck, this is your home base.
Then you have the Annapolis Plaza location at 150 Jennifer Road. It’s right across from Westfield Annapolis Mall. This spot is tactically brilliant because it’s flanked by a HomeGoods and a Homesense. It’s a dangerous triangle for your bank account.
Most people don't realize that the Jennifer Road location often feels a bit more "polished" because of that proximity to the other TJX brands. You can walk out of TJ Maxx and be inside a Homesense in thirty seconds. It’s a lifestyle black hole, in the best way possible.
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When to Hunt (And When to Stay Home)
Timing is everything. I once walked into the Forest Drive store at 10:30 AM on a Wednesday and found a genuine leather designer tote for $120 that was retailing for $450 at the mall across town.
- Monday Mornings: This is "Markdown Monday." The employees are usually out with their little handheld label makers. Look for the yellow tags.
- Wednesday through Friday: This is when the best restocks happen. The weekend rush hasn't picked everything over yet.
- Avoid Saturdays: Seriously. Unless you enjoy dodging strollers and waiting 20 minutes for a fitting room, just don't do it.
The store hours are pretty standard—9:30 AM to 9:30 PM most days—but those early hours are the sweet spot. By 6 PM on a Thursday, the shoe department usually looks like a tactical explosion happened.
The "Runway" Secret
Not every store gets the good stuff. If you see a purple "Runway" sign, you’ve hit the jackpot. This is where the European couture and high-end contemporary labels live. We’re talking brands like Theory, Rag & Bone, and occasionally Gucci or Prada.
The Annapolis stores are high-volume, so they get a decent rotation of these pieces. But here’s the thing: you have to be decisive. I once saw a woman put down a cashmere Vince sweater to "think about it" while she looked at candles. Five minutes later? Gone. In the world of TJ Maxx, there is no "back stock." What you see is what there is.
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The Reality of the Customer Experience
Let's be real for a second. The reviews for these locations can be... spicy.
Some shoppers have complained about feeling "followed" or profiled, which is a serious issue that has cropped up in recent local feedback. There’s a tension between the "treasure hunt" vibe and the aggressive loss-prevention tactics some stores use.
Cleanliness is also a hit-or-miss situation. On a good day, the beauty aisle is a pristine land of Korean skincare and high-end hair tools. On a bad day? It’s a graveyard of opened lipstick boxes and spilled glitter.
Parking: The Hidden Boss Level
Parking at the Forest Drive location is a nightmare. There, I said it. Between the Starbucks line and the people trying to get into the UPS store, it’s a mess. If you’re going there, park further out near the Petco and just walk. It’ll save your sanity.
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The Jennifer Road parking lot is slightly better because it's more spread out, but you’re still dealing with the mall-adjacent traffic. Just breathe. It's part of the price you pay for a $14 designer candle.
Why We Keep Going Back
It's the thrill.
You go in for a pack of hangers and walk out with a marble cheese board, a pair of Italian leather boots, and a gourmet jar of truffle salt you didn't know existed. It’s a localized phenomenon. Whether you’re a mid-shipman’s parent looking for dorm gear or a local looking for a wedding guest dress, these stores are the great equalizer of Annapolis.
If you’re planning a trip, start at the Jennifer Road location for the sheer volume of HomeGoods and Homesense options nearby. Then, if you didn't find that specific "unicorn" item, hit the Forest Drive store on your way back.
Actionable Next Steps
If you want the best experience at TJ Maxx in Annapolis, do these three things:
- Go on a Tuesday or Wednesday morning right when they open at 9:30 AM.
- Check the "Runway" racks first before you get distracted by the home decor section.
- Download the TJX Rewards app to track your rewards, but skip the credit card unless you’re a hardcore weekly shopper; the interest rates are notoriously high.