TJX to move Marshalls into Canada by spring 2011

Home Textiles Today Staff -- Home Textiles Today, 7/20/2010 3:59:16 PM

Framingham, Mass. - Coming spring 2011, Marshalls will become part of the Canadian retail landscape with the first of dozens more hoped to come later.

Home and apparel chain Marshalls, which parent company TJX Companies Inc. described as one of its "most successful chains," currently operates more than 800 units in the U.S. in 42 states and Puerto Rico. With its expansion northward, the chain will become TJX Canada's fourth off-price retail division, along with its other banners Winners, HomeSense and Stylesense.

"I am delighted to announce that we are bringing our Marshalls chain to TJX Canada, where we have our highest financial returns, with the planned opening of six stores in 2011," said Carol Meyrowitz, president and ceo. "Canada has been a very successful market for TJX since we first entered in 1990, and we are excited to continue growing our Canadian business. We believe Marshalls will offer Canadians yet another avenue to great brands, great fashions and excellent values for the entire family."

Marshalls in Canada will be managed by TJX Canada, the parent company's operating group that already manages: Winners, which was acquired in 1990; HomeSense, launched in 2001; and Stylesense, which opened its doors in 2008. Operations, distribution and management will be leveraged from the existing organization. 

Meyrowitz said Marshalls' move into Canada, "is another example of our emphasis on international expansion, and we believe that Marshalls will be extremely well received in Canada."

The company said it is not yet ready to announce specific locations for the initial Canadian stores. But ultimately, TJX estimates the Canadian market can support 90 to 100 Marshalls stores.