You’ve seen the red sign. If you’ve spent any time at the intersection of Mass Ave and Newbury Street, you know the building. It’s that Frank Gehry-designed masterpiece at 360 Newbury—the one with the weird, lead-coated copper struts and the massive glass canopies. For nearly a decade, it’s been the home of the TJ Maxx Newbury Street location.
But things are changing. Fast.
Honestly, it’s a bit of a shocker for the Back Bay crowd. This isn't just some suburban strip mall shop. This is a 45,000-square-foot flagship that sits right on top of the Hynes Convention Center T stop. It’s been the go-to spot for college students at Berklee, tourists who wandered too far down from the Prudential Center, and "Maxxinistas" who know that the "Runway" section here is basically a gold mine.
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The End of an Era at 360 Newbury
So, here’s the deal. TJ Maxx has officially confirmed that the Newbury Street store is closing its doors for good. The final day is set for January 3, 2026.
Why? Well, the company is being kinda vague, as corporations usually are. A spokesperson mentioned they’re always "assessing real estate strategies." Basically, the rent in a Gehry-designed building in the heart of Boston isn't cheap. Plus, the way we shop has shifted. Even with the "treasure hunt" vibe that keeps TJ Maxx alive while other retailers die, the overhead of a three-story urban flagship is a lot to carry.
If you’ve ever tried to navigate those three floors, you know it’s a workout. The layout is legendary but also sort of a maze:
- The Ground Floor: Usually a chaotic mix of seasonal grabs and the "impulse buy" checkout line.
- The Second Floor: This is where the magic happens—The Runway.
- The Third Floor: Home goods, men’s, and the dressing rooms (which always have a line).
It’s actually a bit sad. That building has so much history. Before it was TJ Maxx, it was the iconic Tower Records. Before that? It was the headquarters for the Boston Elevated Railway back in 1919. It’s seen Boston change from streetcars to CDs to discount designer handbags.
What Most People Get Wrong About the "Runway"
People hear "TJ Maxx" and think of $12 t-shirts. But the TJ Maxx Newbury Street location was different because of its Runway department. This isn't just a fancy name. It’s a specific tier of buyer who sources from actual European luxury houses.
I’m talking about Gucci, Prada, Balenciaga, and Saint Laurent.
The misconception is that these are "fakes" or "damaged" goods. They aren't. They’re usually overstock or past-season pieces from high-end boutiques. Because this store is in the Back Bay, the Runway section here was often better stocked than almost any other location in the state, save for maybe the one in Newton.
If you go during the current liquidation phase, keep your eyes peeled for the purple tags. Those are the Runway items. Usually, you’d see a $2,000 Valentino bag for $900. Now? With the closing sales, those prices are dropping even further.
The Logistics of the Final Days
If you’re planning one last pilgrimage to the corner of Newbury and Mass Ave, you need a game plan. The neighborhood is notoriously difficult for parking.
Most locals know the Somerset Garage at 425 Newbury is the closest, but it’ll cost you a limb—think $20 for just an hour or two. Honestly, just take the Green Line. The Hynes Convention Center station literally lets you out right at the front door. It’s way less stressful than trying to squeeze an SUV into a Back Bay alleyway.
What to expect inside right now:
- Massive Liquidation: They are clearing out everything. Not just clothes, but fixtures too.
- Changing Inventory: Unlike a normal store, they aren't getting many new shipments. Once it's gone, it's gone.
- The Crowd: It’s a bit of a frenzy. Expect the elevators to be slow and the dressing room lines to be long.
Where to Go Instead?
Once January 3rd passes, the "Newbury Maxx" will be a memory. If you’re a regular, you’re probably wondering where to get your fix.
The CambridgeSide store is an option, though it’s a different vibe. It’s a bit more "mall-ish." If you want that high-end Runway experience, the Newton Nexus location is actually ranked as one of the best in the country for designer finds. It’s about 20 minutes outside the city, but the selection of handbags and "purple label" clothing usually beats anything else in New England.
There’s also the store at 10 Washington St in Norwell or the one in Brookline's Coolidge Corner. But let's be real—none of them have the architectural drama of shopping inside a Frank Gehry building.
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Actionable Tips for Your Last Visit
Don't just walk in blindly. If you want to score the last of the deals at TJ Maxx Newbury Street, do this:
- Check the Glass Cases First: This is where the high-end jewelry and the "big" designer bags live. During a closing sale, these are the first things to get marked down and the first things to disappear.
- Look for Red Tags on Top of Yellow: Yellow tags are final clearance. If you see a yellow tag at a closing store, that’s as cheap as it’s ever going to get.
- Go Mid-Week: Saturday on Newbury Street is a nightmare. Try Tuesday morning right when they open at 9:30 AM. It’s quieter, and you can actually see what’s on the racks without getting elbowed.
- Check the "Home" Section on 3: People forget the third floor exists because the stairs are a hike. You can often find high-end Italian linens or weirdly expensive kitchen gadgets that everyone else missed.
The departure of TJ Maxx from this corner is a huge shift for the Back Bay retail landscape. It leaves a massive 45,000-square-foot hole in one of the most famous shopping streets in the world. Whether it becomes another high-end tech store or sits empty for a while remains to be seen. For now, grab your reusable bags and get there before the doors lock for the last time.