You’ve seen the TikToks of people finding Marc Jacobs bags for eighty bucks. Or maybe you’re just tired of paying full price for literally anything. Whatever the reason, if you live in the Bronx or find yourself near the D train, the TJ Maxx on Fordham Road is a whole mood.
It’s located at 1 Fordham Plaza, right in that chaotic, beautiful heart of the borough. This isn't your quiet, suburban shopping trip. It is a treasure hunt in the middle of a ziggurat. Literally. The building itself is this weird, "layer-cake" office complex designed by Skidmore, Owings & Merrill.
What You're Actually Dealing With
Let’s be real. Fordham Road is intense. It's the kind of place where you can get a chopped cheese, a new phone plan, and a designer tracksuit all within the same city block.
The TJ Maxx here reflects that energy.
Honestly, it stays busy. Like, really busy. If you walk in at 3:00 PM on a Saturday, you’re basically signing up for a contact sport. The lines can get wild. You’ll see people with carts overflowing with home goods and kids' clothes, and if you’re looking for a quick "in and out" trip, you might be disappointed. But that's the price you pay for the finds.
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The Strategy: When to Actually Go
If you want the good stuff—the stuff that hasn't been rummaged through by half of the Bronx—you have to time it.
Shipments usually come in on weekdays. Most people think weekends are the best because they have time off. Big mistake. Huge. The store doesn't usually get new trucks on Saturday or Sunday. By the time Sunday night rolls around, you're looking at the leftovers.
- Monday mornings: This is the sweet spot. Staff are often doing markdowns, so look for those yellow tags.
- Wednesday/Thursday: These are typically heavy restocking days. If you want the freshest selection of handbags or that specific skincare brand you saw on Instagram, show up before noon.
- Avoid 4:00 PM to 7:00 PM: This is the "after-school/after-work" rush. The dressing rooms will have a line, and the checkout queue will wrap around the corner.
Navigating the "Hidden" Designer Section
The Fordham location is a "Big Box" feel, but it’s part of the TJX ecosystem that gets some surprising high-end labels.
You’ll find the usual suspects: Ralph Lauren, Calvin Klein, and Steve Madden. But because this store moves so much volume, they occasionally get "The Runway" level pieces—think high-end Italian leather or genuine designer perfumes that usually retail for three times the price.
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Check the jewelry counter. Seriously. People overlook it because they're focused on the racks, but the Fordham TJ Maxx often has solid sterling silver and even some 14k gold pieces tucked away behind the glass.
The Realities of One Fordham Plaza
Parking? It's a nightmare. Don't even try to find a spot on the street unless you have the luck of a lottery winner. There are garages nearby, like the one at 205 W. Fordham Rd., but they’ll eat into your savings.
Basically, take the bus or the train. The B, D, and 4 trains are right there. The Metro-North Fordham station is literally a stone's throw away. It’s way easier than circling the block for 40 minutes and getting a ticket from a traffic agent who is just doing their job.
Why People Keep Coming Back
Despite the chaos, there’s a reason this spot is a staple. The prices are generally 20% to 60% lower than department stores.
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You’ll find things here you won’t find at the Marshalls down the street. It’s the "thrill of the hunt" thing. One day it’s a $150 Le Creuset pot for $60; the next day it’s a 10-pack of organic cotton socks for five bucks.
Kinda makes the long lines worth it, right?
Actionable Tips for Your Next Trip
- Check the tag color: Red tags are standard clearance. Yellow tags are the final markdown. If it’s yellow and you love it, grab it. It’s not getting any cheaper.
- The "Damage" Discount: If you find a lamp or a piece of furniture with a tiny scratch, ask for a manager. They are often authorized to give an extra 10% off on the spot for minor cosmetic issues.
- Bring your own bags: New York bag laws are a thing, and while they sell bags, it’s just easier (and cheaper) to bring a sturdy tote.
- Inspect the goods: Because this is a high-traffic store, items can get a little "beaten up." Check zippers, buttons, and seams before you head to the register.
- Use the App: You can actually scan items in the TJ Maxx app to see if they have other sizes or styles online, which is a lifesaver when the rack is a mess.
Hit the store before 11:00 AM on a Tuesday if you want the best experience. You’ll have room to breathe, the shelves will be organized, and you might actually find that "TikTok famous" item before someone else does.