The TJX Companies, Inc. Reports Above-Plan September 2003 Sales

FRAMINGHAM, Mass.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Oct. 9, 2003--The TJX Companies, Inc. today reported strong September 2003 sales results. Sales for the five-week period ended October 4, 2003, were $1,313 million, up 16% over $1,131 million achieved during the five-week period ended October 5, 2002. For the 35 weeks ended October 4, 2003, sales reached $8,206 million, a 9% increase over last year's $7,528 million. Consolidated comparable store sales for the five-week period ended October 4, 2003, increased 8% from last year. For the 35-week, 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 very pleased that September sales outperformed our expectations. Apparel sales benefited by seasonably cool, fall weather in September this year, compared with unseasonably warm weather during the same month last year. Inventories remain in excellent condition with our stores receiving a steady flow of fresh and exciting fashions at great values."

The TJX Companies, Inc. is the leading off-price retailer of apparel and home fashions in the U.S. and worldwide. The Company operates 742 T.J. Maxx, 658 Marshalls, 168 HomeGoods and 89 A.J. Wright stores in the United States. In Canada, the Company operates 158 Winners and 23 HomeSense stores, and in Europe, 137 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 September 2003 sales results, operations and business trends is available by calling [phone] or via the Internet at www.tjx.com. This recording will remain available via the phone and Internet through Thursday, October 16, 2003. The Company expects to release its October 2003 sales on Thursday, November 6, 2003, at approximately 8:15 a.m. EST. Concurrent with that press release, a recorded message with more detailed information regarding TJX's October sales results, operations and business trends will be available via the phone and Internet through Thursday, November 13, 2003. Additionally, the Company expects to release third quarter fiscal 2004 earnings on Tuesday, November 11, 2003, 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, Inc., will hold a conference call with stock analysts to discuss the Company's third quarter results, operations and business trends. 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 by dialing 800-879-4598 through Tuesday, November 18, 2003.