The TJX Companies, Inc. reported July 2005 sales results. Sales for the four-week period ended July 30, 2005, were $1.1 billion, up 6% over $1.0 billion achieved during the four-week period ended July 31, 2004. For the 26 weeks ended July 30, 2005, sales reached $7.3 billion, an 8% increase over last year's $6.8 billion. Consolidated comparable store sales for the four-week period ended July 30, 2005, increased 1% over last year. For the 13-week second quarter, comparable store sales rose 1% above last year. For the 26-week, year-to-date period, consolidated comparable store sales increased 2% over last year.

Edmond J. English, president and chief executive officer of The TJX Companies, Inc., stated, “Our comparable store sales increase in July was less than we had expected. However, despite softer sales, disciplined inventory management and opportunistic buying led to very strong merchandise margins and, therefore, we are maintaining our outlook for second quarter earnings per share in the range of 25 cents – 26 cents.”