Burlington vs. TJ Maxx: Brand comparison [2026]

Burlington offers deep discounts across a vast and varied inventory, making it a go-to for family basics and budget essentials, while TJ Maxx provides a more curated "treasure hunt" experience focused on finding designer brands and trend-forward fashion at a discount. The main difference lies in Burlington's warehouse-style approach to broad-category savings versus TJ Maxx's boutique-like focus on well-known, stylish labels.

Let's break down everything you need to know to choose the right off-price store for your next shopping trip.

Burlington: The Everyday Value Superstore

Burlington is an off-price retail giant known for its large, warehouse-style stores packed with brand-name goods for the entire family. It appeals directly to budget-conscious shoppers who prioritize low prices and a wide selection of apparel, home goods, and baby gear. The experience is about efficiently finding deals on practical, everyday items rather than discovering high-fashion gems.

• Product mix: An extensive range of merchandise including women's, men's, and children's apparel, accessories, shoes, a large baby department (Baby Depot), home decor, linens, and beauty products. Selection is broad rather than deep, featuring a mix of nationally recognized brands and lesser-known names.
• Price point: Known for particularly deep discounts, often claiming savings of 40-60% off department store prices. It's a prime destination for finding everyday items at some of the lowest prices in off-price retail.
• Quality: The quality can be inconsistent as it includes everything from major brand overstock to lower-tier manufactured goods. Shoppers should inspect items, as the focus is squarely on affordability.
• Fit & Sizing: Carries a wide variety of sizes, including plus and big & tall sections. However, due to the sheer number of different brands, sizing and fit can vary significantly from one item to the next.
• Shopping Experience: The stores are large and functional, with a no-frills, warehouse feel. The layout encourages browsing entire sections to discover hidden deals, which appeals to bargain hunters with time to search.

Burlington is all about getting the most for your money on everyday apparel, home goods, and family necessities.

Shop Burlington: burlington.com

TJ Maxx: The Designer Deal Destination

TJ Maxx is the quintessential off-price retailer for fashion lovers seeking high-quality, branded products without the high-end price tag. It perfected the "treasure hunt" model, offering an ever-changing inventory of designer apparel, accessories, beauty products, and home goods. Its target customers are style-conscious shoppers who enjoy the thrill of discovering premium-brand finds at a great price.

• Product mix: Features a curated selection of contemporary designer and brand-name apparel, shoes, handbags, a popular beauty section with sought-after brands, and a stylish home goods department. TJ Maxx is known for carrying higher-end labels than its competitors.
• Price point: Offers significant savings, typically 20-60% below full-price retail. While individual items might not be as rock-bottom as at Burlington, the value comes from the high quality and desirability of the brands offered.
• Quality: The overall quality of merchandise is generally higher due to the focus on designer and mid-range brands. You are more likely to find better craftsmanship and materials compared to other off-price stores.
• Fit & Sizing: Offers a full spectrum of sizes, including dedicated sections for plus and petite shoppers. Sizing is usually more consistent within the well-known brands that it carries.
• Shopping Experience: Provides a more polished, boutique-like atmosphere. Stores are well-organized by department and size, making it easier to navigate. New arrivals come in constantly, creating an urgency to buy before items disappear.

TJ Maxx is perfect for the fashion-savvy shopper who loves finding stylish, high-quality brands at a significant discount.

Shop TJ Maxx: tjmaxx.com

Burlington vs. TJ Maxx Comparison

Price Comparison

Both stores promise great deals, but their pricing strategies cater to different priorities. Burlington often has the edge on the absolute lowest prices, especially for family apparel basics, household essentials, and kids' items. Their model is built around deeper, volume-based discounts that appeal to shoppers focused on stretching a budget as far as possible.

TJ Maxx offers fantastic value, but the focus is more on the quality of the discount rather than the lowest price tag. A $50 designer top marked down from $150 at TJ Maxx feels like a better "deal" to a brand-conscious shopper than a $15 top at Burlington. TJ Maxx excels at providing access to aspirational brands at affordable price points.

Quality & Materials

When it comes to quality, TJ Maxx generally has the advantage. By curating its inventory to feature more designer, contemporary, and well-known mid-tier brands, the baseline for materials and construction is often higher. Shoppers are more likely to find genuine leather bags, high-quality fabrics, and durable home goods.

Burlington's inventory is more of a mix. While they carry good brands, their sheer volume means there are also more lower-end products manufactured specifically for the off-price market. In both stores, it’s always wise to inspect items for flaws, but your odds of finding premium materials are better at TJ Maxx.

Style & Aesthetic

The style difference is clear. TJ Maxx is fashion-forward and trend-driven. It's the place to find the season's latest looks, exclusive brand items, and stylish home decor pieces that feel current and modern. The overall aesthetic is chic, organized, and targeted toward customers who follow fashion.

Burlington has a more practical and family-oriented approach. The style is classic, casual, and functional, ideal for everyday wear, work basics, and outfitting a home comfortably. The priority is utility and affordability over being on the cutting edge of fashion.

Fit & Sizing

Both retailers offer inclusive sizing, but finding the right fit can be a challenge. At Burlington, the variety of brands from different manufacturers means a size "Medium" can vary drastically from rack to rack. Trying on clothes is almost essential.

TJ Maxx carries more established brands, so shoppers familiar with how those brands fit will have an easier time. If you know you're always a certain size in a particular designer's clothes, you can shop with more confidence. Both stores offer good selections of plus, petite, and big & tall sections when available.

Shopping Experience

Your preferred shopping style will heavily influence your choice. Burlington offers a classic, no-frills bargain-hunting experience in a large-format store. It requires more digging and patience but can yield fantastic deals if you're willing to search for them.

TJ Maxx provides a more structured and visually appealing environment that feels more like a specialty store. With organized sections like "The Runway" for high-end designer items, the experience is more about discovery and less about digging through overflowing racks. Constant new shipments make every visit feel fresh and exciting.

Which One Should You Choose?

This decision comes down to your primary shopping mission and what you value most in a retail experience.

Choose Burlington if:

• Your top priority is getting the absolute lowest price on everyday items.
• You are outfitting the whole family, especially young children, on a strict budget.
• You need a massive selection of coats, baby essentials, or basic home goods.
• You enjoy the "hunt" in a classic, warehouse-style bargain environment.

Choose TJ Maxx if:

• You love the thrill of finding designer and brand-name fashion for less.
• You want trendy, current-season styles and a more curated selection.
• A polished, organized, and boutique-like shopping experience appeals to you.
• You are looking for specific brand-name beauty products or stylish home decor.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Burlington or TJ Maxx cheaper?

Generally, Burlington is cheaper for basic goods and everyday essentials. While both are off-price retailers, Burlington often features deeper discounts and a wider selection of budget-friendly items, making it the choice for shoppers prioritizing the lowest possible cost.

Which store has better quality?

TJ Maxx typically has better and more consistent quality. Their focus on curating designer and established brand-name products means the materials and construction are often superior to the broader, more varied mix of inventory found at Burlington.

Which is better for families and kids' clothes?

Burlington is arguably better for families, particularly because of its large and well-stocked Baby Depot and extensive kids' clothing sections. The low prices make it an excellent choice for outfitting growing children affordably.

Which store has better home decor?

TJ Maxx's home goods section (often branded as HomeGoods within or adjacent to the store) is widely preferred for stylish, on-trend decor. They offer a higher-end selection of furniture, kitchenware, and decorative items from well-known brands that appeal to style-conscious shoppers.

Does Burlington or TJ Maxx have a better beauty selection?

TJ Maxx has a stronger and more coveted beauty department. They are known for carrying a surprising range of mid-range and high-end skincare, makeup, and hair care brands at a steep discount, making it a destination for beauty enthusiasts.

Is the shopping experience different at each store?

Yes, significantly. Burlington is a large, no-frills warehouse where shoppers must dig for deals. TJ Maxx offers a more organized, boutique-like environment designed for discovering trendy items, with new arrivals hitting the floor multiple times a week.

Can I return items to both stores?

Yes, both retailers have similar return policies. They typically allow returns of unworn merchandise with tags and a receipt for a full refund within 30 days. Without a receipt, you will likely receive store credit.

Which brand is better for finding designer bags?

TJ Maxx is the clear winner for finding designer handbags. They have a much stronger assortment of contemporary and luxury brands, including dedicated displays for high-value items, making it a go-to spot for accessory lovers.