The TJX Companies reported March 2005 sales were $1.4 billion, up 6% over the $1.3 billion achieved during the five-week period ended April 3, 2004. For the nine weeks ended April 2, 2005, sales reached $2.5 billion, a 9% increase over last year's $2.3 billion. Consolidated comparable store sales for the five-week period ended April 2, 2005, increased 1% over last year. For the year-to-date period, comparable store sales increased 3%.
Edmond English, President and Chief Executive Officer of The TJX Companies, Inc., commented, “Our comparable store sales increase in March was over very strong performance last year, but below our expectations. The lift in sales that we saw from the shift of Easter from April last year to March this year was offset by unseasonably cold weather throughout the month. Regions in which weather was more seasonable performed well. We are pleased with the fresh, spring merchandise assortments that we are flowing to our stores and remain comfortable with our previously stated expected range of $.32 to $.34 in earnings per share for the first quarter.”
