T.J. Maxx — Local services in Chelmsford

I really like this TJMaxx. It's right next to Market Basket and I come here often to browse and just check stuff out before I go grocery shopping. Great selection.

Recently, however, I've been shocked by the behavior of some of the employees. A few weeks ago I was in the frame aisle, which at the end of the day was a little bit of a mess with several frames out of place or laying down, and two employees were tidying up a neighboring aisle. They were conversing pretty loudly, which was a little distracting, but really nothing to complain about. They came into the frame aisle I was in and continued to talk very loudly. It eventually became bothersome to the point where I left the aisle and figured I'd come back later to continue shopping when they were done with the aisle. As I stepped away, one of them said, very loudly, "Wow, I wonder who made this aisle SUCH A MESS?" and the other replied with "Yeah, well, that wasn't her only problem." which, okay, I can't be 100% sure of but felt very pointedly aimed at me. I did not interact with them at all so I have no idea why I was their target. I felt too uncomfortable to respond to them, and didn't think it was worth escalating to another employee / management. It just made me really sad, I have a lot of struggles in my life as do most people and it just sucked to go shopping and feel targeted / bullied by employees for absolutely no reason when I was just coming in there to decompress and distract myself for a little while.

Yesterday evening, I went in again and tried on several sweaters. As I approached the employee working at the dressing room counter, I told her I had eight items. She vaguely gestured at a t-shaped metal rack and said "Put them there so I can count them." I put them on the side of the rack that was closer to her, and she said "Uh, I meant the other side ..... but okay." in a really rude tone. I was taken aback and I simply said "That was not made clear to me at all." and proceeded to the dressing room, but honestly I do not need that tone or attitude, ever, especially after a long day. I actually want to go back to buy one of the sweaters but I am hesitating to go back in because I don't want to run into this person again. I'm not sure if she is one of the two who was in the frame department a few weeks back (I have some vision impairment so I can't always see faces clearly). Frankly, I really hope so because if not, that means there are at least three really unkind employees working at the Chelmsford TJMaxx right now.

I enjoy the retail therapy and just browsing after work or on the weekends, and this is a really good TJMaxx in my opinion, so I didn't feel it was worth it to escalate and jeopardize going to the store in the future. However, as far as I'm concerned, it's three strikes and your'e out, so if another incident occurs I will either a. probably flip out verbally at the employee and b. report it to the management. Really disappointing and based on the other reviews here I'm wondering if it's a few specific employees out on the floor who are a problem, because I've had nothing but nice interactions with the cashiers who work at this...

I’ve been shopping at this T.J.Maxx location for many years and have always had positive experiences—staff have consistently been friendly and courteous. However, my visit today was unlike anything I’ve encountered before.

While browsing swimsuits in the activewear section, an employee approached me and said “excuse me.” I quickly stepped aside and even helped by moving some items on the rack to make space. Despite my effort, she adjusted the items I moved and began placing other clothes on the rack. The space in the isle was tight (as anyone familiar with the store layout would know), so I was accidentally brushed by some clothing, which I understood wasn’t intentional.

What caught me off guard was what happened next. The employee said, “Can you just move over there a little bit because I need to go behind you”—no “please,” no courtesy, just a very blunt and demanding tone. It felt dismissive, as if my presence was an inconvenience. I responded by saying, “No, I’m a customer and I don’t need to move if you’re going to ask me in a rude manner.” She then raised her voice, saying, “How am I being rude!? I said excuse me! I’m just trying to do my job!”

At that point, I told her she could go around me and continue her job without speaking to me disrespectfully and to basically step away from me. Instead of de-escalating, she loudly responded, “I don’t need to be going around nobody!” She eventually did walk around to the front of the aisle, but as she passed behind me again, she began cursing at me under her breath and using profanities.

That’s when I had to respond, and things unfortunately escalated until managers stepped in. I want to commend the managers for their professionalism and calm handling of the situation—they were apologetic and kind, and they helped to ease the frustration I felt from the encounter and even offered a $25 gift card but unfortunately again I experienced another inconvenience at the counter because the gift card didn’t work, however I was reassured I can use it the next time I go to shop there.

I don’t normally write reviews unless I feel like it’s necessary and I believe in sharing both good and not-so-good experiences. I truly hope this was an isolated incident, as it does not reflect the standard of service I’ve come to expect from...

Went to the Chelmsford MA store and had very disturbing experience today - browsing the makeup department were some high end premium brand discontinued stock on the shelves. Knowing my makeup products - many of these are 1-2 years discontinued... interested in some of the products I opened the packaging to inspect the product, smell to ensure not chemically or rancid and verify product consistency was unchanged, i.e. not dried out, clumped or separated as often happens with aging makeup. At any rate - this irate angry late middle aged female employee - tall with short dark hair approaches me and in angry tone warns me to verbally not sample products due to sanitary reasons...then pretended to organize an area while attempting to physically bully me from the area. About 10 minutes later - she has the audacity to come up to me again - this time from behind - in an aggressive manner challenging me again not to sample products. I told her I was not sampling them, she responded whats that an your hand - i had 2 swatches from previously - and i calmly responded it was the swatch from when you just told me not to sample the items 10 minutes ago... she stormed off. Miserable haggard witch.

That being said - if Tjmax is going to sell dated makeup products and deep discounts - thinking customers will not want to inspect them to verify they have not gone bad - never mind having a makeup natzi patrolling and assaulting customers - please kindly put them behind a counter.

Secondly - this woman who I believe to be a manager... needs to learn Retail 101 and treat customers with respect - they are not there to take out her aggression because she is miserable, customers can take their business elsewhere. I certainly do not appreciate being chastised by some washed up middle aged angry store manager who obviously hates her job and has a chip on...