The TJX Companies, Inc. Reports Strong April 2002 Sales

FRAMINGHAM, Mass.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--May 9, 2002--The TJX Companies, Inc. (NYSE: TJX) today reported April 2002 sales results. Sales for the four-week period ended May 4, 2002 were $899 million, up 15% over $784 million achieved during the same four-week period ended May 5, 2001. For the thirteen weeks ended May 4, 2002, sales reached $2,710 million, an increase of 17% over last year's $2,321 million. Consolidated comparable store sales for the four-week period ended May 4, 2002 increased 4% over last year. For the thirteen-week period ended May 4, 2002, consolidated comparable store sales increased 7%.

Edmond J. English, President and Chief Executive Officer of The TJX Companies, Inc. stated, "We are very pleased with our strong sales momentum and that April sales exceeded our expectations. Our above-plan performance continues to be driven by the quality and compelling values of our merchandise which in turn is driving customer traffic. Our inventories remain in excellent shape, allowing us to take advantage of the plentiful 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 701 T.J. Maxx, 589 Marshalls, 125 HomeGoods and 52 A.J. Wright stores in the United States. In Canada, the Company operates 137 Winners and 11 HomeSense stores, and in Europe, 105 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 2002 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 16, 2002. Additionally, the Company expects to release its first quarter fiscal 2003 earnings on Tuesday, May 14, 2002 before 9:30 a.m. EDT. At 11:00 a.m. EDT 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 21, 2002.