TJ Maxx, Marshalls, Home Goods Stores Start To Reopen: Here’s What To Expect

The TJX Companies (TJX), the parent company of TJ Maxx, Marshalls, and Home Goods, has begun reopening its stores. The retailer said it has reopened more than 1,600 locations worldwide.

Stores in 25 states have reopened as well as in Canada, Germany, Austria, Poland, the Netherlands, and Australia. The company’s stores in the U.K. and Ireland continue to remain closed while its-commerce sites in the U.S. and the U.K. have also reopened.

TJX closed all of its TJ Maxx, Marshalls, and Home Goods stores as well as its distribution centers and offices on March 19 because of the coronavirus. The company also temporarily shut down its U.S. and U.K. e-commerce sites shortly after that date. On April 12, the company furloughed the majority of its workforce.

TJX said it plans to continue reopening stores across the globe in a phased approach and in accordance with government guidelines. It expects all of its stores to be reopened by the end of June.

“We have been pleased to reopen as many stores as we have in May, as well as our e-commerce websites,” Ernie Herrman, CEO and president at The TJX Companies, said in a statement. “Although it’s still early and the retail environment remains uncertain, we have been encouraged with the very strong sales we have seen with our initial reopenings.

“We believe this very strong start speaks to our compelling value proposition and the appeal of our treasure-hunt shopping experience, as well as pent-up demand. It has been great to see, especially for the teams working so hard on the reopening preparations and our associates welcoming back our customers.”

To protect its customers and employees, TJX has implemented a series of safety measures. These include practicing social distancing, masks and gloves for workers, and enhanced cleaning efforts at all of its stores.TJX said it expects customers at its stores to wear face masks when shopping.

Hand sanitation stations have also been placed throughout stores, and protective barriers have been installed at checkout registers. The company will also limit store capacities, even when not required by local regulations. Fitting rooms will be closed in the U.S. and reduced by 50% in Canada. New merchandise return procedures have also been established.

“In these unprecedented times, our hearts are with everyone around the world who has been affected by the COVID-19 pandemic, including our associates and their families, our customers, and the communities we serve,” Herrman said. “Throughout our 43-year history, we have navigated through many challenging economic and retail environments, and I am convinced that we will manage through this as well.

“While the pandemic has resulted in our making difficult decisions, TJX has always been and remains a fundamentally strong company. We have a senior management team with decades of TJX and off-price retail experience, who are fully dedicated to managing through this crisis while ensuring the long-term stability and strength of TJX and returning the company to its path of long-term, successful growth,” he added.

TJX reported a net loss of $887 million for the fiscal Q1 2021, with net sales reaching $4.4 billion. TJX said sales were negatively impacted by COVID-19 as it was forced to temporarily close all of its stores.

Shares of TJX stock were up 0.02% as of 9:56 a.m. EDT on Friday.