The TJX Companies, Inc. Reports Strong July 2001 Sales

FRAMINGHAM, Mass.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Aug. 9. 2001--The TJX Companies, Inc. (NYSE:TJX) today reported July 2001 sales results. Sales for the four week period ended August 4, 2001 were $745 million, up 13% over $659 million achieved during the same four week period ended August 5, 2000. For the 26 weeks ended August 4, 2001, sales reached $4,812 million, an increase of 9% over last year's $4,410 million. Consolidated comparable store sales for the four week period ended August 4, 2001 were up 5% over last year. For the 13 week second quarter, comparable store sales increased 2% over last year. For the 26 week fiscal year-to-date period, consolidated comparable store sales increased 1% over last year.

Edmond J. English, President and Chief Executive Officer of The TJX Companies, Inc. stated, "We are pleased that our July comparable store sales increase exceeded our expectations. We are encouraged to see continued strength in both juniors and childrens apparel as we enter the back-to-school selling period. Further, our inventories remain in great shape with a very liquid open-to-buy position. This enables us to take advantage of the many opportunities in the marketplace and continue to offer our customers great values in this highly promotional retail environment."

The TJX Companies, Inc. is the leading off-price retailer of apparel and home fashions in the U.S. and worldwide. The Company operates 661 T.J. Maxx, 556 Marshalls, 99 HomeGoods and 31 A.J. Wright stores in the United States. In Canada, the Company operates 123 Winners and 6 HomeSense stores, and in Europe, 83 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 July 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, August 16, 2001. Additionally, the Company expects to release its second quarter fiscal 2002 earnings on Tuesday, August 14, 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 second 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 August 21, 2001.