I compared TJ Maxx and Marshalls this holiday season. I would only recommend one.

This story is available exclusively to Business Insider subscribers. Become an Insider and start reading now.Have an account? . I visited TJ Maxx and Marshalls this holiday season. I found good deals at both stores, but the Marshalls seemed disorganized and had smaller selections. The TJ Maxx I visited had higher-quality products and was more organized. TJ Maxx and Marshalls are two of the best-known discount department stores in the US, but they are not the same, as I discovered this holiday season. While the two stores are owned by the same parent company, The TJX Companies, each has a different mission. TJ Maxx calls itself "a one-stop for quality, value, and the coveted brands you know and love," and focuses on higher-end brands, jewelry, and accessories, while Marshalls has an "expanded men's department, as well as a larger shoe department where you'll find styles for women, men, and kids, too." During visits to the stores in New York City in December, I noticed the difference in quality between the two, but that wasn't the only contrast. The Marshalls I visited was more crowded, perhaps contributing to my feeling it was in disarray, while TJ Maxx was emptier, but also felt more organized. Marshalls and TJ Maxx stores vary between locations, so while my experience was consistent with my previous visits to the stores, it may not be true of all locations. The TJX Companies did not respond to a request for comment from Business Insider. I get easily overwhelmed by the options available at stores like these, so I greatly preferred TJ Maxx, even though some items were more expensive. Here's what it was like at both Marshalls and TJ Maxx during peak shopping season. Marshalls and TJ Maxx share a location in Manhattan, so I decided to visit both on the same day to compare the experiences. The outside of Marshalls.Gabbi Shaw/Business Insider The Marshalls was in the basement, while the TJ Maxx was on the second floor. The lobby had escalators going up to TJ Maxx and a staircase going down to Marshalls.Gabbi Shaw/Business Insider This Marshalls was so large that I couldn't see the back of the store. Part of the store.Gabbi Shaw/Business Insider Signs everywhere proclaimed holiday deals. This sign said Under $30.Gabbi Shaw/Business Insider There were also plenty of holiday sweaters. Holiday sweaters were $25.Gabbi Shaw/Business Insider This Marshalls was somewhat disorganized, and I was baffled by the location of some of the displays. The Juicy Bags, which started at $15, were not displayed near similar products.Gabbi Shaw/Business Insider The women's shoes were tucked in a corner. The selection was a bit limited. The shoe section.Gabbi Shaw/Business Insider I also found a table offering skincare options. This table was full.Gabbi Shaw/Business Insider But there wasn't a centralized beauty section. Across the store, another table featured spa sets, such as these from Mario Badescu. Mario Badescu gift sets.Gabbi Shaw/Business Insider There were some good gift ideas here. This makeup brush set was $40. A set...

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