TJ Maxx customers have told how they have to go to the bathroom whenever they’re shopping in-store.
A slew of TikTokers shared that they always have the urge at the popular discount retailer.
In a viral video, influencer Mary (@theverymarylife) revealed that she has to head to the bathroom whenever she visits a store with fluorescent lights.
New York shopper Cat (@cat_turn) described TJ Maxx as a "laxative."
Fashionista Yassmin said she dashes to the bathroom after being in the store for just five minutes.
She said: “Something about being in a TJ Maxx makes my digestive work overtime.
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“I don’t know what it is about this place.”
Leigh Ann quipped that without fail she has to go to the bathroom when she heads to a TJ Maxx store.
TikTokers seemed relieved that shoppers admitted they have to go to the bathroom while at TJ Maxx.
One said: “Omg I thought it was just me. This doesn’t happen to me anywhere else except TJ Maxx.”
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Another commented: “I really thought that I was the only one with this problem.
“Guest services knows me. They always watch my half-full cart while I go.”
Scientists have said that relaxed shoppers may have the urge to go to the toilet.
The phenomenon has been named after Mariko Aoki.
Aoki, a Japanese woman admitted in a letter she wrote for a magazine that she had to poop while in a bookstore.
Dr. Sameer Islam, a Texas gastroenterologist, told Men’s Health: “It’s more common than people realize, and I think people are just embarrassed to talk about it.”
Booklovers might find walking into a store relaxing or an escape from the stressful nature of life, per McGill.
Dr. Islam said that others may feel “overwhelmed” by the amount of information on the bookshelves.
While other theories were linked to the smell of paper or ink triggering an urge to go to the toilet.
Some people may be nervous that there isn't a bathroom inside the store, so they have the urge to poop.
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Health experts have said that some people may need to go to the toilet in parks or museums.
The U.S. Sun has approached TJ Maxx for comment.
Mariko Aoki phenomenon
TJ Maxx shoppers have candidly revealed that they have to go to the toilet while wandering around the store.
Scientists have said that the urge comes from the bowels being relaxed.
The phenomenon has been named after Mariko Aoki – a Japanese woman who wrote a letter where she admitted that she had to poop while in a bookstore.
Health experts have said that some book lovers find the environment of a library relaxing, while others are overwhelmed by the content.
Some people might have an urge to go to the toilet in other settings such as parks or museums.
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