Then the branch of TK Maxx in London’s Kensington High Street, there are just two men browsing the menswear floor. It’s just days after Prince Harry revealed in his memoir Spare that he shopped for “casual everyday clothes” at the designer discount chain. Similar to Harry’s “system”, which he explains in his book, the two are “working on one shelf and another” before standing in front of a mirror holding sweaters and jeans against their bodies in place to use the changing rooms. Maybe the royal is onto something?
Before moving to California and sporting a more polished look with luxury brands like suits from Celine and Brioni, Harry took a more everyman approach to fashion. “Beautiful and comfortable,” is how he sums it up in his book.
The designer discount giant offers shopping at its most basic. He describes his stores as “no frills”. Clothing is simply divided into categories such as tops.
The retailer manages to keep its prices low, up to 60% less than the recommended retail price, by buying current and past season stock from overstocked manufacturers and overstocked stores.
Items and brands vary from store to store. But in the menswear department at the Kensington High Street store, Harry’s local branch, there are rails of Ben Sherman shirts (£27.99), Tommy Hilfiger jeans (£49.99) and polo shirts from Gant (39, £99). Harry’s ill-fitting shirts and baggy jeans circa 2013 suddenly make sense. There is also an entire shelf of his favorite woven belts.
A staff member confirms that there are no spare rooms and they never know what items are coming. Instead, they receive a weekly delivery on Sunday (some stores receive daily) of stock which they place directly from the truck on the shop floor.
All shelves are on wheels so managers can change the layout of the store to accommodate the ever-changing inventory.
Harry says he shopped 15 minutes before closing time. Staff say the only time the shop is really busy is during the Christmas period, describing it as “madness”. It’s more likely that Harry took a Supermarket Sweep approach, limiting the amount of time spent fishing through an endless mass of clothes piled together.
Harry also claims he was “particularly fond of their once-a-year sale,” a quote that has gone viral with many questioning whether he actually understands how the discount store works.
A spokesperson for TK Maxx said: “While we’re delighted that Prince Harry is a huge fan, we thought we should explain that we don’t actually do sales. Instead, we offer value, style and great savings all year round.”
In its defense next to the men’s dressing rooms on Kensington High Street, there’s a clearance section with yellow price stickers offering even bigger discounts. Think a Ben Sherman corduroy shirt for £18 and popular cargo trousers for £24.99. Very fitting for the late prince era.
Store staff confirm they have never seen Harry or any other royals. However, the “Love Island crew” are regulars and they are excited to tell me that they saw musician Stormzy a few weeks ago.
Originally from the US, where it is known as TJ rather than TK, the first British TK Maxx opened in Bristol in 1994. Creating a new way of shopping for designer pieces, it now has 352 independent stores with almost half located in parks retail.
The UK’s sixth-biggest fashion group reported turnover of £2.1bn in September, up from £1.3bn in 2021.
The chain has gained somewhat of a cult following over the years, particularly among the fashion crowd, and Harry’s comments will no doubt spark further interest.
Stylist Joseph Parker runs the tkfashun Instagram account where he highlights the best weekly finds at the Oxford Street branch. Meanwhile, insiders say the Ealing store in west London is the best for Vivienne Westwood while there’s always plenty of Marc Jacobs at the Fort Shopping Park branch in Manchester.
