Mixing and Maxxing: Shopping reviews on new TJ Maxx

By Aaron Girdham

The Dalles, Ore, Aug. 22, 2026 — TJ Maxx opened Sunday, Aug. 16, at the Columbia River Center on Mount Hood Street to The Dalles, the largest retail clothing store entry since JC Penny shuttered almost a decade ago.

The store brings name-brand and designer apparel to The Dalles, as well as clothing, shoes, cosmetics and a large section in the back devoted to home décor. The store is 22,000 square feet, and likely an anchor that will pump the economy as out-of-town shoppers eat, drink, buy gas and visit other stores.

More than 2,000 shoppers crowded the store on its opening day. Where blank paper and crayons used to take up space in what was once a Staples, aisles and racks of new clothes, jewelry and cologne now bring fashion diversity and an impulse-shopping dynamic to The Dalles.

An average of 1,000 shoppers per day have steadily attended the store since, according to TJ Maxx Manager Alexis Long.

However, the big question is: Is The Dalles too slow-paced for this store?

Here is what people think.

Shaila, TJ Maxx ManagerAlexis Long and JJ

“I do think TJ Maxx will be successful. We did a lot of research before coming here. There were other options, but we landed in The Dalles because it’s a really great place for both the locals and tourists — like windsurfers. We know this is something the community has been looking for for a while,” manager Alexis Long said.

The store has already become beneficial to the community, as it has opened positions for 80 local employees.

“Only the management team is from out of the area,” Long said. She is originally from North Carolina and she personally recommends the skin products the store offers.

Local employees JJ and Shaiala have full confidence, from an insider perspective, that the store will be a success.

“Of course this store will be successful. Everybody loves this place. We keep the store nice and clean. There’s a good energy here. The staff’s only been working here since the beginning of August, and already we are like a family. Come to the store and everyone’s outfit will get an upgrade today. We’ve got Calvin Klein and Uggs, and the prices are definitely better than Hood River, speaking from experience,” JJ said.

Shaiala said the store was set on a good foundation.

“We’ve got good management and good employees who are committed to each other and communicate well. The team is really getting along. The prices we have right now are about half the price of clothing stores anywhere else.”

News of the store has attracted customers from across the Gorge.

Lana and friend

Shopper Lana, from Tacoma, said, “I came here on the first day, and there were like well over a hundred people in the store. The prices are way better. We actually have a place to shop at that we can afford. I mean, I think everyone is tired of driving to Portland. They have a lot of good styles here, too. It’s a lot of teenage fits and fast fashion. It will 100% bring good fashion to The Dalles.”

Angel and Moriah came from Hood River.

“The Maxx is pretty nice. They have a big selection. I think this will definitely be successful. I mean, stores like this are always successful. Then, being right next to the Safeway is a great location. Their prices are definitely better than Ross in Hood River, and they have some quality clothes here. I hope they keep restocking new stuff like this.”

Locals have been surprised by the store and its large turnout.

Noelani

“I had a really fun time shopping. There’s a lot of trendy stuff there. I went back-to-school shopping there on the weekend with my family. But it was pretty overwhelming with the huge crowd,” local teen Noelani commented. “TJ Maxx is also a hit or miss sometimes. You have to do a bit of hunting so you aren’t wearing the outfits everyone else is.”

Charles Rankin of The Dalles

Charles Rankin, from The Dalles, said, “At first glance it looks like nothing special. But when you walk through the doors it’s like stepping into Portland. You can find what you want with easy access. It’s definitely a step up from Hood River.”

“They have a large amount of the type of stuff that you can find in Portland. It seems like the staff is good at welcoming customers and the prices reflect that they want to build a good relationship with the community. The fashion in The Dalles is pretty limited. There’s no real streetwear. Everyone in The Dalles usually has similar dressing patterns, but I feel like the community will accept this store and that will improve how everyone dresses. I feel like the store will balance out the commute shopping for our people here. As of right now, this store is a solid eight out of five. They’ve done a great job making shopping easy.”