The TJX Companies, Inc. Reports December Sales in Line With Expectations

FRAMINGHAM, Mass.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Jan. 9, 2003--The TJX Companies, Inc. today reported December 2002 sales results. Sales for the five-week period ended January 4, 2003 were $1,602 million, up 10% over $1,456 million achieved during the five-week period ended January 5, 2002. For the 48 weeks ended January 4, 2003, sales reached $11,314 million, an increase of 12% over last year's $10,100 million. Consolidated comparable store sales for the five-week period ended January 4, 2003 were up 1% over last year's 10% increase. For the 48-week year-to-date period, consolidated comparable store sales increased 3% over last year.

Edmond English, President and Chief Executive Officer of The TJX Companies, Inc. stated, "We are pleased with our December comparable store sales increase, especially in light of our very strong performance last year. Our focus on gift merchandise and shipping fresh product late into the selling season enabled us to successfully meet the challenges of the difficult economic and highly promotional retail environments."

The TJX Companies, Inc. is the leading off-price retailer of apparel and home fashions in the U.S. and worldwide. The Company operates 715 T.J. Maxx, 629 Marshalls, 143 HomeGoods and 75 A.J. Wright stores in the United States. In Canada, the Company operates 146 Winners and 15 HomeSense stores, and in Europe, 123 T.K. Maxx stores. TJX's press releases and financial information are also available on the Internet at www.tjx.com.

A recorded message with more detailed information regarding TJX's December sales results and its business is available by calling [phone] or via the Internet at www.tjx.com. The sales recording will remain available via the phone and Internet through Thursday, January 16, 2003. TJX expects to release its January 2003 sales results on Thursday, February 6, 2003 at approximately 8:15 a.m. EST. Concurrent with the press release, a recorded message with more detailed information regarding TJX's January sales results and its business will be available by calling [phone] or via the Internet at www.tjx.com. The sales recording will remain available via the phone and Internet through Thursday, February 13, 2003.