The TJX Companies, Inc. Reports April 2001 Sales Exceed Expectations

FRAMINGHAM, Mass.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--May 10, 2001--The TJX Companies, Inc. (NYSE: TJX) today reported April 2001 sales results. Sales for the four week period ended May 5, 2001 were $784 million, up 10% over $712 million achieved during the same four week period ended May 6, 2000. For the thirteen weeks ended May 5, 2001, sales reached $2,321 million, an increase of 8% over last year's $2,152 million. Consolidated comparable store sales for the four week period ended May 5, 2001 increased 3% over last year. For the thirteen week period ended May 5, 2001, consolidated comparable store sales were flat with last year.

Edmond J. English, President and Chief Executive Officer of The TJX Companies, Inc. stated, "We are pleased that, with the return to more seasonable weather in much of the United States and Canada, sales exceeded our expectations in April. Additionally, inventories remain in excellent shape and we are well-positioned to continue to take advantage of the terrific off-price buys in the market."

The TJX Companies, Inc. is the leading off-price retailer of apparel and home fashions in the U.S. and worldwide. The Company operates 665 T.J. Maxx, 546 Marshalls, 93 HomeGoods and 28 A.J. Wright stores in the United States. In Canada, the Company operates 123 Winners and 4 HomeSense stores, and in Europe, 76 T.K. Maxx stores. TJX's press releases and financial information are also available at www.tjx.com.

A recorded message with more detailed information regarding TJX's April 2001 sales results and its business is available by calling [phone] or via the Internet at www.tjx.com. The recording will remain available via the phone and Internet through Thursday, May 17, 2001. Additionally, the Company expects to release its first quarter fiscal 2002 earnings on Tuesday, May 15, 2001 before 9:30 a.m. EST. At 11:00 a.m. EST that day, Edmond English, President and Chief Executive Officer of The TJX Companies, will hold a conference call with stock analysts to discuss the Company's first quarter results. A real time webcast of the call will be available at www.tjx.com. A replay of the call will also be available at www.tjx.com and at [phone] through May 22, 2001.