‘Micro trend paradise’: Is T.J. Maxx ‘landfill-core’ now? Missouri woman walks in—only to be disappointed by the junk she finds
Whether it be Labubus or Stanley cups, a huge part of American shopping culture is built on micro-trends. However, in a clip that has amassed 508,000 views, TikToker Alyssa Barber (@newlifestyleabb) poses an important question: is it possible for there to be too much of a good thing?
The viral video, which was uploaded in October, begins by showing a number of themed items, including what looks like hastily-painted mugs, a beaded margarita cup, and tomato-themed items. It’s also clear that the store was appealing to Halloween fans, with the same ghost motif being repeated on shelves full of poor-quality-looking items like candles, statues, and mugs.
“T.J. Maxx used to be the place to indulge in name brand essentials at affordable prices,” Barber said via on-screen text. “It’s now a breeding ground for poorly-made micro trends. Making you spend money on silly things you don’t need instead of saving o[n] good quality brands.”
In the video description, she added, “Has T.J. Maxx lost its touch? Lately the store just feels like micro-trend paradise. Full of poorly made, non-essentials that keep you spending.”
Barber didn’t immediately respond to The Mary Sue’s request for comment via TikTok comment and email.
Commenters could see the TikToker’s point
Commenters mostly agreed with Barber’s opinion on T.J. Maxx.
“I was wondering if it was my frontal lobe finally developing or I just didn’t like absolutely anything anymore,” one wrote.
“I feel like they might be the next big company to file bankruptcy,” a second predicted. While a third proclaimed that “T.J. Maxx has become where microtrends go to die.”
“Any time I go shopping it just disturbs me how everything caters to over consumption and the fact everyone eats it up,” a fourth added. “I don’t get it! And everything is such poor quality these days.”
While a fifth admitted, “I used to love T.J Maxx and I can’t stand it anymore. It’s just straight overconsumption and it’s overstimulating.”
Other commenters claim that T.J. Maxx has always been like this, or at least has for the past few years. “It’s an overstock store meaning they buy over stocked items from other stores,” a sixth pointed out. “Of course they’re gonna have junk.”
@newlifestyleabb Has TJ Maxx lost its touch? Lately the store just feels like micro-trend paradise. Full of poorly made, non-essentials that keep you spending. #tjmaxxfinds #microtrends #overconsupmtion #sustainability ♬ The Winner Is – DeVotchKa & Mychael Danna
What is overconsumption?
Several commenters brought up the concept of ‘overconsumption,’ while Barber herself hastagged the video with that word.
In short, overconsumption refers to the excessive use of goods and resources. It’s believed that overconsumption is a driving force behind the amount of waste people produce, which in turn risks harming the environment.
Overconsumption has a symbiotic relationship with microtrends. Products like Stanley cups are promoted by influencers, which leads to a large number of people wanting to buy that same product in order to participate in the trend.
However, these trends often leave as quickly as they arrive, which results in people abandoning these products en masse. Then, another trend arises, and the cycle continues.
T.J. Maxx didn’t immediately respond to The Mary Sue’s request for comment via email.
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