Where Does Marshalls Get Its Clothing?
For millions of savvy shoppers, Marshalls is the premier source for affordable fashions. The chain sells clothing, accessories and shoes from top designers, but at extremely discounted prices. But where do these designer products come from?
Benefits
All major department stores rely upon their buyers to select seasonal inventory. One of the buyer's main responsibilities is to predict the season's hottest trends and then stock the appropriate apparel. However, buyers often overestimate the amount of inventory that is needed. So, by the end of the season, the store has a large amount of clothing that is no longer in season. In order to make room for new inventory and prevent further loss of profit, department stores often sell their overstock to stores like Marshalls. So consumers like you are able to purchase brand-name items at discounted prices.
History
Marshalls was founded in 1956 by an entrepreneur named Alfred Marshall. The first store, in Boston, was an immediate success and, in just 10 years, Marshalls became the leading discount retail chain in the United States. Eventually, the company was purchased by the Melville Corporation (1975) and sold in 1995 to the company that owns TJ Maxx (TJX), which still owns Marshalls today.
Function
Marshalls' concept was originally created by Alfred Marshall himself. After witnessing unpredicted growth in the suburban areas of Massachusetts, Marshall searched for a way to profit from the thriving economy. He explored several options, finally settling upon the concept that Marshalls is still known for today: high-quality goods at highly discounted prices.
Geography
With more than 750 locations, Marshalls can be found in 43 of the 50 U.S. states, with the missing states being Wyoming, South and North Dakota, Utah, Alaska, Montana and Hawaii. In addition, the store can also be found in Puerto Rico and parts of Canada. Although the company has an online presence, due to fluctuating inventory, visitors are unable to purchase goods through the site.
Misconceptions
Many people incorrectly believe that the clothes found at Marshalls are defective in some way. Although imperfect items occasionally slip through the cracks, the majority of the clothing you will find at Marshalls is the exact same items you would find in premium department stores. In most cases, the only difference between Marshalls and designer retailers is simply the price.
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