A couple weeks ago we were invited to check out the new and improved AJ Wright store in Methuen, MA. We're not going to lie, at first we were a little skeptical since we hadn't really heard great reviews of AJ Wright in the past. Actually I was kind of psyched at first because I was getting confused with AC Moore, the craft store. Then I remember the commercials for AJ Wright and couldn't get the jingle out of my head.
In case you don't know about AJ Wright, it's a bit similar to Marshall's or TJ Maxx, it's actually owned by the same company. I pretty much LIVE in TJ Maxx and Marshall's (I consider myself a pretty fabulous deal-seeker), but never consider AJ Wright. But they wanted us to come to their special event to see how AJ Wright had revamped their image. And anytime we're invited to a shopping-related event, especially when we're given the challenge of seeing how much we can individually purchase with a $100 gift card, we don't argue. So, we trecked to Methuen on an amazingly rainy day to check out the scene.
Ooh, the store was actually a lot prettier than we thought it would be. Freshly painted with bright colors and everything was neat and tidy. Sometimes stores like this can get quite messy, so we were pleasantly surprised. We were greeted by Ashley and Keri who brought us to the back room and offered us a great lunch. And then handed us AJ Wright totes with calculators and notebooks and our $100 gift cards and told us to get shopping. OK then, that's never a problem. We were not going to argue with that!
Of course, we started with the clothing. And we liked what we saw. Totally adorable dresses at AJ Wright? For $9.99? Add that to the carriage please.
Another dress for only $12.99? We'll take it!
We both look like regular AJ Wright shoppers! We were having a blast. And sort of felt like we were on a game show... which is obviously awesome.
The fitting rooms felt a bit like McDonald's playgrounds with the bright colors and chunky seats. But, seriously, they were the cleanest fitting rooms we've been in in similar stores.
We modeled... or pretended to.
We spent A LONG TIME shopping. In fact, we sort of lost track of time. There was so much to see and we wanted to make the most of our gift cards. We made a guy in line photograph us holding are giftcards and all our goods. Everyone stared. Because they were majorly jealous, of course. 😉
We are seriously amazing. Look how close we got!
Yup, both of us.
We went to AJ Wright on the same day we were published in the Herald. And since we spent so ridiculously long in the store, we made sure to go to Rite Aid next door to grab the remaining copies. And make the girl behind the counter take our photo. What? We were excited!
Check out our purchases! Remember, we each had $100 to spend... it's unreal how much we bought!
Chels's Purchases:
• muffin pan
• Kitchen Aid spatula, measuring cups, and measuring spoons!
• two very pretty turquoise vases
• and a splatter shield/cover for the microwave
• awesome wooden dish rack-that I'd been dying to purchase but couldn't justify spending a ton of money on one! This was $7.99... see what a little patience will get you!
• awesome color block maxi dress
• yellow stretchy t-shirt (it was $3.99!)
• long sleeve button down buffalo plaid shirt for my awesome brother. Rarely do I go on shopping sprees without buying him something. i love him 🙂
• color block yellow and gray dress. It's a little too tight in the... bottom area... so I tuck it into my jeans and make it a cute top! You have to get creative when bargain shopping!
• a set of queen size sheets
• umm... and obviously I bought Wedding Crashers. It was $4.99 and I would never let that opportunity pass me by 🙂
Sues's Purchases:
I obviously bought that dress I tried on! I bought a shirt for Chris too, but he snatched it up before I could photograph it (I guess that's a good thing?)
Also, I got TWO. Count them, TWO, really adorable pairs of flats. AJ Wright had a huge shoe selection and so many that I wanted. I've been looking for some new pairs and didn't want to spend a ton. $9.99 each! I'll take it. And those black ones? Are probably the most comfortable pair of flats I've ever owned. Hello, $9.99.
Some beautiful bathroom decor. A pretty trash can, soap dispenser, and rug.
A new framed photo for above my couch. I've been wanting to throw something on that wall until I can get something nice/meaningful and this was perfect for $14.99!
Cupcake pan obviously! I can always use more.
Thank you SO much to Mary, Ashley and Keri for inviting us to check out the new AJ Wright. Honestly, we probably never would have stepped foot inside if we weren't invited to this special event and we're so glad we did. Clearly you can get a lot of shopping done at AJ Wright for not a whole lot of dough. So, in case you're wondering, yes, we will be back! They get new stuff all the time, so we can't wait to see what they have next time we stop in.
AJ Wright Gift Card Giveaway:
And now we have another giveaway! Do you want to go on your own AJ Wright shopping spree? You can win a $50 gift card by commenting on this post and telling us why you're most excited to check out the new AJ Wright. First, you might want to check to see if you have one in your area. If you want to be entered in the contest, specify in the comment. And as always, extra entries for blogging and tweeting! Just let us know.
We are Kindred Spirits Winner:
And we have a winner for the We are Kindred Spirits customized tote bag! After using the random integer generator, the winner is Emily of Better Than Botox! Congrats, Emily, we'll put you in touch with the WAKS girls!
[Sues and Chels]
Nicole says
Great buy ladies. Love the dresses. Methuen is right up the road from me, I would love to win the gift card to go shopping!!!
Tina says
You guys looked like you had a blast! So many cute finds! There's an AJ Wright right down the street from me in Quincy. Pick me!!! 🙂
ttfn300 says
Wow, looks like you guys scored some great stuff! Never heard of the store... but i do like wandering the food/kitchen section of marshalls 🙂
Kate says
Oh man! I'd say about 75% of my wardrobe is from T.J.'s and Marshall's, and a smattering of A.J. Wright in there too since I haven't always lived near one! I love to get lost in the home goods and accessories sections!
Samantha says
CONGRATS TO EMILY FOR WINNING THE WAKS GIVEAWAY!!!! (You will love your tote bag... Kristen is amazing, and I'm not just saying that because I happen to be the other half of "We Are Kindred Spirits!" Hee hee!)
I often find myself spending hours upon hours (not to mentions dollars upon dollars) in all the TJX owned store... looks like you girls had fun!
Stacy says
I don't think I've been to an A.J. Wright in about 10 years. I'm moving in a week and can't wait to visit one to get some things for my new apt. $50 looks like it would go a long way... pick me!
emrlds says
my mom always found the most random things at AJ Wright and I'm excited to try out the newly revamped store! seriously, $8 for the drying rack? amazing!
brookem says
omg i totally want to win this! there's one right near my work and i sometimes go at lunch and end up finding the best steals! i could always go for some new shoes! 😉
Julie Q says
Aww, I had gotten an email from them too to go but I was away both dates they had mentioned. Thanks for the nice recap! Any place that is linked to TJ's, Marshall & HomeGoods has got to be fabooloooos in my book! and getting your picture taken by a cashier? Such a JQ thing to do- and there is nothing wrong wtih that 🙂 hahahaha
kimz says
Oh, the perfect timing of it all. I just moved into a new apartment, and am in the throws of organization and a new design scheme! A GC would surely come in handy ....
kimz says
Oh, and look at that. I spread the word on twitter. Woo hoo!
Molly says
Um, amazing! I always totally pass the AJ Wright next to the Target in Somerville by because I went in once and was totally overwhelmed. As a total bargain hunter and avid Marshalls & TJ Maxxer I would LOVE to see what the new buzz around AJ Wright is about! fabulous job ladies!
Meaghan says
Awesome giveaway.
Erin says
Sheesh...they apparently sell everything there. I absolutely have to check it out.
Anne says
I LOVE AJWright! I can't believe people actually buy kitchen/homegoods at Target in Somerville when a much cheaper alternative is right next door. I've gotten some good dresses there as well. Count me in for the giveaway.
Dustin says
Ladies! I have loved AJ since the second I came to the east coast. We only have the 1/2 price store in Missouri and that was getting old.
You might remember my slammin tri-tone deck shoes at the Yelp Booze Cruise? AJ Wright $12.99!
Well Steven and I just moved and we could always use some amazingness at AJ Wright! If I were nicer I'd buy stuff for my 15 year old sister, but not if I win this!
XO my dears.
Dustin
Sarah says
This is great timing! I'm moving close to Jacksonville, FL, and would love a gift card to pick things up for my new place (in addition to a couple clothing items -- I don't own quite enough warm weather clothes!). Please enter me in the draw! Thanks for the thorough report. Great website!
Julie says
Wow, I had no idea AJ Wright had such great stuff! I have always been skeptical of the place, but there is one right near my work so I'd love to win so I can check it out!!!
Megan says
WOW! I've never been there, but as a HUGE TJ Maxx and Marshall's fan, I'd love to check it out. And there's even one near me! Brightly colored fitting room, here I come!
Sue says
You guys look like you had a blast! What a way to spend the day...shopping, my fav. I've never been in A.J. Wright as I always thought it was a little on the trashy side. Sorry, not meaning to offend anyone. I love the things you picked out and for dirt cheap. Seems like there's something for everyone. Thanks so much for the opportunity to win a gift card.
Sara says
Wow, I just got an AJ Wright ad in the mail and thought I'd have to check it out again, since I've been complaining about how much I need (cheap) clothes. Weird!
Lauren says
There's nothing like a good bargain to put a smile on my face :). I've never been to an AJ Wright, but I sure would appreciate the opportunity for a shopping spree!
Sarah says
We CheapGirls love a good deal & you two appear to be total kindred spirits! It's tough to stay chic w/o unlimited funds and we're always on the search for places that make it easy to maximize the $, AJ Wright is now a contender it appears. If you give me the $50 GC I'll document my own mini "what can I score w/$50 at AJ Wright" adventure for you girls!
Liz says
Great bargains are amazing! I just found out there is an AJ Wright one only a 1/2 hour away! Would totally put a gift card to good use!
sarah says
Dang, there aren't any AJ Wrights within a 50 mile radius of Fresno, Ca. Bummer because that place sounds awesome! That's so lucky you guys were given $100 gift cards! I'm jealous! You found so many great deals! Love all the clothes and shoes and kitchen stuff! And who doesn't like new sheets?! I usually get overwhelmed in stores like that but AJ Wright looks super clean and organized.
p.s. Hey, I was just wondering if maybe the Gap gift card got lost in the mail because I still haven't received it? If you haven't mailed it out yet that's totally fine -- I just hope it didn't get lost in the mail somehow. Although I wouldn't blame a postal worker for snagging that piece of mail. I personally can't wait to try on those jeans! Please email me and let me know! Thanks! 🙂 email is: [email protected]
Nicole says
Hi Sues and Chels,
I don't know if you are still doing the AJ Wright GC giveaway but I would love to win! I heart bargains and pride myself on getting the 'Maxx for the minimum' (or the 'Wright price'?). Thanks!
Andrea says
AJ Wright seems to have some of the same stuff as Marshalls/TJ Maxx but a bit cheaper and I never think to make the trip...your shoe bargain is how I'd love to spend a gift card, my one pair of flats is due to be retired. love your site! keep up the good work =)
Michele Pineda says
I lived in RI for 7 yrs and did lots of shopping at AJ Wright, and was sad to move back to Maine and not have any stores near me! Being the shopaholic that I am, and missing the fine ethnic foods that I crave, I head to RI and MA about once a month... I am headed back for Sept. 26th and would love to be entered so that I can shop at one of my favorite stores again in E. Providence!
Carmen says
I'm impressed with the dressing rooms--definitely not what you would expect! I've never been to an AJ Wright, but it sounds like a great place to snatch up deals, especially this time of the year! I'd love to be entered to win! 🙂
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