Frequently Asked Questions

How long does it take to become a Buyer at TJX?

Typically it will take an average of 4 - 6 years to get into Buying. This is a very competitive program and not all people make it to the buyer level for various reasons (performance, career change, etc.).

Why does the career path begin in Planning?

It is very important for you to spend the first few years of your career in the Planning and Allocation Department to fully understand the off-price business and to fully comprehend how to build product assortments. In addition, this is where you learn how to analyze and drive a business while discovering what works and what does not work in the stores. The time you spend on the Planning side of the business prepares you with the skills necessary to make swift decisions and make million dollar decisions, which are the skills Buyers use everyday.

Will I be required to work in the stores?

The CMTP is about driving the business from the Corporate side. The initial training may require you to spend a few days in the stores to learn about store operations and product assortment, but the career path is not working in the stores.

How important is relationship-building in a career at The TJX Companies?

Building successful relationships can be key to your success at The TJX Companies. At each level through out the Corporate Merchandise Training Program you will need to form many working relationships with your peers and management. Eventually, as a Buyer you will need to cultivate strong relationships with vendors.

Is there travel involved?

In Planning and Allocation you will travel locally to stores and have an opportunity to go on some vendor visits. As a Buyer you will travel regularly to New York City and other domestic and international centers.

How is placement determined?

Placement within the different divisions of the TJX Companies is based on business needs. During PASE you will find out your placement in either Marshall’s, T.J. Maxx, A.J. Wright, or HomeGoods. Throughout your career you may be transferred to different departments and divisions to broaden your experience and skills while being exposed to different product classifications.

How do you get promoted?

Your career begins after successfully completing the PASE Program. Throughout your career in Merchandising you will spend various amounts of time in each position. Your advancement through the career path is linked to your performance and business needs. TJX also offers many opportunities for long-term career growth in management positions within our Planning and Buying Departments.

What does diversity mean to TJX?

We at TJX understand that both our customers and the talent pool from which our associates come are increasingly diverse. Our core values of respect, integrity and fairness are inherent in the relationships we build with each other, our vendors and our customers. We are committed to leveraging the differences among our associates and customers to create both a diversified mix of talent within TJX and a diversified mix of merchandise within our stores. We consider the unique views and opinions of our associates to be the key to our growth and success in the future.

Can I transfer out of the program into another department?

Joining the CMTP is a commitment. We are hiring individuals who want a career in Merchandising and are looking to progress in this career path. The Corporate policy does require you to stay in position for six months before requesting a transfer, however, we hope that if you decide to join this program that you are committed to sticking with it.

How much time will I be working on the computer?

In all of the positions you will be required to spend a significant amount of time on the computer. The computer is used to analyze the business, create planning strategies, to ship product and to check on the status of merchandise.

Are you easily accessible to public transportation?

TJX is not easily accessible to public transportation. A variable work schedule is part of the CMTP based on the needs of the business. You may need to travel to area stores or work hours that do not coincide with the public transportation schedule.

Is retail experience required? What skills are needed?

Prior retail experience is not essential, but what is critical to success are strong analytical and leadership skills, strategic and creative thinking, passion to drive and impact a business and an excitement for merchandise. Most candidates have a Business-related degree (i.e. Business, Fashion Merchandising, Finance, Marketing), but we recruit all academic majors and individuals with equivalent work experience.

Click here to apply for the Corporate Merchandise Training Program