Our Company roots date back 46 years. In 1976, Bernard (Ben) Cammarata, General Merchandising Manager of Marshalls at the time, was recruited by discount retailer, Zayre Corp.,1 to develop and spearhead the launch of a new off-price chain selling family apparel and home fashions. Under Mr. Cammarata’s leadership, T.J. Maxx was born, with its first stores opening in 1977. In the late 1980s, Zayre was restructured and spun off three of its brands — T.J. Maxx, Hit or Miss, and Chadwick’s of Boston — which served as the initial retail banners of what would become The TJX Companies, Inc. TJX continued to grow steadily over the years, opening stores in new markets, countries, and continents, launching new chains, and acquiring other retailers, to bring its popular off-price model to an even wider network of customers who love our eclectic mix of quality, fashionable, brand name apparel and home fashions, all at amazing value. After nearly 40 years of service to the Company, Mr. Cammarata retired from his position as Chairman of the Board in June 2015 and remains with TJX in an advisory role as Founder and Executive Advisor.
The TJX Companies, Inc. (NYSE: TJX), the leading off-price retailer of apparel and home fashions in the U.S. and worldwide, was ranked 87th in the 2023 Fortune 500 company listings and operates four major divisions: Marmaxx, HomeGoods, TJX Canada, and TJX International (comprised of Europe and Australia). As of January 28, 2023 (the end of the fiscal year), TJX operated over 4,800 stores. The business spans nine countries, across three continents, and includes six e-commerce businesses.
The first two T.J. Maxx stores open in Auburn and Worcester, Massachusetts.
In 1987, Zayre forms a new entity called The TJX Companies, Inc., with T.J. Maxx, Hit or Miss, and Chadwick’s of Boston as the initial retail banners. Following Zayre’s reorganization in 1989, TJX becomes the successor company with Ben Cammarata serving as Chief Executive Officer and President.
TJX acquires Winners Apparel of Canada, a Toronto-based chain of five off-price family apparel stores. Over time, TJX grows this chain into Canada’s largest off-price retailer of family apparel and home fashions.
TJX launches HomeGoods in the U.S., offering an eclectic selection of home fashions from around the world.
TJX launches T.K. Maxx, introducing the off-price concept to the U.K. and then to Ireland. Over time, T.K. Maxx becomes Europe’s only major brick-and-mortar, off-price retailer of apparel and home fashions.
TJX acquires Marshalls, the second largest off-price retailer in the U.S. At this time, Marshalls has 496 stores and offers brand name family apparel, including a broad selection of footwear and menswear. Combined, T.J. Maxx and Marshalls operate more than 1,000 stores nationwide.
TJX sells the Hit or Miss chain to members of Hit or Miss management and outside investors.
TJX sells Chadwick’s of Boston to more closely focus on the synergies between T.J. Maxx and Marshalls and the successful growth of its various off-price store brands.
TJX launches AJWright, an off-price concept similar to T.J. Maxx and Marshalls, but aimed at a different consumer demographic.
TJX launches HomeSense in Canada, introducing the off-price home fashions concept to that country. Similar to HomeGoods, HomeSense offers customers a wide selection of off-price home fashions.
TJX acquires Bob’s Stores, a 31-store, value-oriented retailer of casual family apparel and footwear based in the Northeast region of the U.S.
T.K. Maxx opens stores in Germany, introducing the off-price concept to that country.
TJX brings Homesense to the U.K. with the opening of its first stores.
TJX sells Bob’s Stores to private equity firms.
T.K. Maxx continues its expansion in Europe with the opening of stores in Poland. T.K. Maxx launches its e-commerce site, tkmaxx.comOpens new window, in the U.K.
TJX announces consolidation of the AJWright division.
TJX launches Marshalls, one of its most successful brands, in Canada.
T.J. Maxx opens its 1,000th store.
TJX acquires Sierra Trading Post (rebranded as Sierra in 2019), a U.S. off-price Internet retailer, sierra.comOpens new window.
T.J. Maxx launches its e-commerce site, tjmaxx.comOpens new window.
T.K. Maxx celebrates its 20th anniversary in Europe.
Sierra opens its first two brick-and-mortar stores post-acquisition, bringing this online concept for outdoor apparel to more consumers.
TJX acquires Trade Secret (rebranded to T.K. Maxx stores in 2017), an off-price retailer operating 35 stores in Australia.
T.K. Maxx continues its expansion in Europe, opening stores in Austria and the Netherlands.
Marshalls in the U.S. opens its 1,000th store.
HomeGoods opens its 500th store.
T.K. Maxx opens its 500th store in Europe.
T.J. Maxx celebrates its 40th anniversary.
Homesense expands in Europe, opening two stores in Ireland.
Homesense opens its first U.S. store.
TJX opens its 4,000th store.
HomeGoods celebrates its 25th anniversary.
Homesense celebrates its 10th anniversary in Europe.
Marshalls in the U.S. launches its e-commerce site, marshalls.comOpens new window.
TJX opens its 500th store in Canada.
Winners in Canada celebrates its 30th anniversary.
Marshalls in the U.S. celebrates 25 years as part of The TJX family of brands.
In response to the COVID-19 global pandemic, TJX temporarily closes its stores, distribution centers, e-commerce websites, and offices around the globe.
Starting in the spring 2020, TJX began reopening its operations while prioritizing the health and safety of its Associates and customers, including closing stores temporarily when necessary.
HomeSense in Canada celebrates its 20th anniversary and Marshalls in Canada celebrates 10 years.
T.J. Maxx celebrates its 45th anniversary.
HomeGoods celebrates its 30th anniversary.
Sierra celebrates 10 years as part of the TJX family of brands.
T.K. Maxx celebrates 15 years in Germany.
T.K. Maxx in Ireland celebrates its 10th anniversary
1Zayre Corp. was a public company that began trading on the New York Stock Exchange in 1962.
Updated November 2023