The TJX Companies reported sales for the five-week period ended January 1, 2005, were $2.1 billion, up 15% over $1.8 billion achieved during the five-week period ended January 3, 2004. For the 48 weeks ended January 1, 2005, sales reached $14.1 billion, an increase of 14% over last year’s $12.4 billion. Consolidated comparable store sales for the five-week period ended January 1, 2005, were up 6% over last year. For the 48-week, year-to-date period, consolidated comparable store sales increased 5% over last year.

Edmond J. English, President and Chief Executive Officer of The TJX Companies, Inc., stated, “In general, Christmas business surged late in December, as we had expected. We are pleased with our above-plan December sales, which were driven by the Marmaxx division’s strong comp store sales performance. Once again, flowing fresh merchandise to our T.J. Maxx and Marshalls stores right up until the holidays served us well. That said, with continued softer sales at other divisions, we remained disciplined in clearing product aggressively in order to keep our assortments fresh, which resulted in higher-than-planned markdown activity. We are now anticipating fourth quarter earnings per share to come in near the low end of our previously stated range of $.39 – $.42 per share. Moving through January, inventories are in extremely good shape as we begin to transition to spring offerings.”