The TJX Companies reported April 2005 sales were $1.2 billion, up 9% over the $1.1 billion achieved during the four-week period in 2004. For the thirteen weeks ended April 30, 2005, sales reached $3.7 billion, a 9% increase over last year's $3.4 billion. Consolidated comparable store sales for the four-week period ended April 30, 2005, increased 4% over last year. For the thirteen-week period ended April 30, 2005, consolidated comparable store sales increased 3% over last year.
Edmond English, President and Chief Executive Officer of The TJX Companies, Inc., commented, “We were generally pleased with the lift in sales that we saw in April, following softer sales in March. That said, the unseasonably cold weather that prevailed in New England and the Midwest as the month progressed caused trends to slow. With first quarter consolidated comparable store sales at the low end of our expectations, combined with higher-than-planned markdown activity at Marmaxx and Winners, we now expect first quarter earnings per share to come in slightly below the low end of our previously stated range of $.32 – $.34. With our open-to-buy position across our divisions in even better shape than this time last year, I am very encouraged about our ability to flow fresh, exciting merchandise to our stores, as well as our business prospects, as we enter the summer selling season.”
