Bargain hunters
As Prince Harry reveals he’s a big fan of TK Maxx, check out all these other stars who love shopping in discount stores… By Niamh Mceneaney
There are many revelations in Prince Harry’s new book Spare, but the one we found most entertaining is the fact that the Duke of Sussex — just like the rest of us — loves a bargain. He told how, during his younger years, he would receive an official clothing allowance from his father King Charles and the place where he chose to spend most of his not-so-hard-earned cash was in discount store TK Maxx.
In his book, the father of two revealed he was“particularly fond”of the discount store’s annual sale, where he could buy designer items at cheaper prices.
He wrote,“each year I received from Pa an official clothing allowance, but that was strictly for formal wear. Suits and ties, ceremonial outfits. For my everyday casual clothes I’d go to TK Maxx, the discount store. I was particularly fond of their once-a-year sale, when they’d be flush with items from Gap or J Crew, items that had just gone out of season or were slightly damaged.”
Describing his shopping operation, Harry continued,“if you timed it just right, got there on the first day of the sale, you could snag the same clothes that others w ere paying top prices for down the high street!”
Prince William’s younger brother added that he would aim to get to the shop 15 minutes before closing time and work his way “systematically” down the racks. He said he never “dawdled over colour or style”and“certainly never went near a changing room”and“at closing time we would run out with two giant shopping bags, feeling triumphant. Now the papers wouldn’t call me a slob. At least for a little while”.
You see, just like the rest of us, only we didn’t have the worry of being papped in our reduced Gap jeans.
And it seems Harry isn’t the only famous face who loves to shop for bargains as many celebs have admitted their love for discount stores.
In America, shoppers are spoiled for choice when it comes to hunting down cheap items. They have Walmart, Costco and the ultimate A-lister favourite Target. Here are some of the famous faces who have graced their aisles…
In 2011, then first lady Michelle Obama went full incognito whilst spotted shopping at photographer
Charles Dharapak told CBS
News he took the images at the store in Alexandria,virginia, where Michelle was wearing a Nike baseball cap, sunglasses and a floral shirt. The Associated Press reported that Secret Service agents, dressed casually, arrived at the store 30 minutes before the first lady, who shopped with an assistant. She reportedly spent 30-40 minutes shopping and was only recognised by her cashier. “It is not uncommon for the first lady to slip out to run an errand, eat at a local restaurant or otherwise enjoy the city outside the White House gates,” said Kristina Schake, communications director for the first lady. In the 2008 presidential campaign, Mrs Obama proudly proclaimed herself“more of a
Target shopper,”saying she preferred the store to Wal-mart. And in an interview, then president Barack Obama said that“one thing (Michelle) loves to do is shop at Target.” Actor-turned-entrepreneur Jessica Alba started a new line of eco-friendly beauty and household items called The Honest Company, and decided to partner with her all-time favourite Target. Speaking on the store’s corporate blog, Jessica made it clear it wasn’t just business, as she personally shops there herself, saying, “I am personally a huge fan of Target — it’s a one-stop shop for everything!” In 2012, Steve Carell told O, The Oprah Magazine, that Target is“a store I cannot leave without making at least a nominal purchase.” Jennifer Garner is often seen gracing the aisles of Target, and has expressed that she’s“such a fan”of the store. Again, speaking on the retailer’s corporate blog, she said,“(i can get) anything and everything I need around the house, from laundry detergent to cute pool floats... When I’m on set and can’t be home to put my kids to bed, I like to leave them little pillow presents — Target’s the perfect place to find unicorns for one, Harry Potter for another and something silly for the other.”
Costco, the U.S. multinational corporation which operates a chain of membership-only big-box retail stores, is another popular destination for A-listers.
Ryan Seacrest was revealed to be a big fan of the store after he gifted singer Justin Bieber a membership card for his 18th birthday.“i’ve known you for a few years, and I’ve been waiting for this moment because there’s something I’ve wanted to give you on your 18th birthday,”ryan told Justin on his KIIS-FM radio show.“it’s something that I love. My buddies and I used to use this quite a bit when we were roommates. It’s a lot of fun.”
In 2013, Bruce Willis confessed his love for bulk shopping in an interview with
You Magazine. He said,“strange as it may sound, I am a huge fan of Costco. I like that big cart — I fill it up with stuff and then I get to the counter and I don’t need any of it, I don’t need that enormous TV. But in its own way, Costco is like an art museum.”
Meanwhile, singer John Mayer only made his debut visit in 2014.
And he took to Twitter to say that the experience changed his life, saying, “Went to a Costco today. I don’t think I’ve ever been. Went nuts. Now I’m juicing and carbonating and brewing everything in sight.”
And in 2019, during an appearance on Alex Isreal’s video series As It Lays Kris Jenner declared her favourite store is Costco and that she’s“a bulk girl for sure”.
However, Arnold Schwarznegger revealed in 2015 he is more of a Walmart guy as The Terminator himself tweeted about shopping there for“camo robes and pajamas”. And no doubt“he’ll be back”for more!
And then there are some stars who shop for bargains anywhere…
Selena Gomez says that when
“it comes to shopping I love a bargain. I don’t usually spend over the $20 mark. I feel so much better buying a top for $20 that isn’t so different from the one that costs $200. It’s really rare that I buy something expensive, and if I do, I think about it over and over before splashing out.” Kim Kardashian took to Twitter to express her delight after bagging a major bargain found on ebay!“do you guys ever shop on ebay? I just got an Elizabeth and James brand new w tags blazer for $169 it’s in stores now for $450! What a good deal!”
And Lady Gaga revealed she doesn’t shy away from hunting through the sale racks, and even busting out a cheeky coupon here and there. In 2012, the singer tweeted,“why do people look at me like I’m crazy when I use coupons at grocery or try bargaining at retail, I’M FROM NEWYORK WHERE IS THE SALE RACK.”■
“I USE COUPONS AT GROCERY STORES...”