Marshalls discount stores coming to Canada
TJX, which operates Winners, plans to open six stores next spring
Globe and Mail Update Published on Tuesday, Jul. 20, 2010 5:57PM EDT Last updated on Tuesday, Jul. 20, 2010 6:11PM EDT
The apparel discount segment is about to expand in Canada.
TJX Cos. Inc. (TJX-N42.040.641.55%), which runs Winners low-cost fashion stores in Canada, will launch its Marshalls discount chain here next spring.
“We believe Marshalls will offer Canadians yet another avenue to great brands, great fashions and excellent values for the entire family†Carol Meyrowitz, chief executive officer of TJX in Framingham, Mass., said on Tuesday. “This is another example of our emphasis on international expansion.â€
The company, which also runs the HomeSense chain of home decor stores, envisions 90 to 100 Marshalls stores in Canada eventually.
She said TJX enjoys its best financial returns from its Canadian division, which runs 208 Winners stores, 79 HomeSense outlets and three StyleSense shoe and accessories outlets. Its U.S. stores include 903 T.J. Maxx outlets and 819 Marshalls and it also has stores in Europe.
Winners is known for selling coveted brands such as Calvin Klein, Prada and Ralph Lauren at up to 60 per cent off their regular price. It purchases excess inventory from suppliers and retailers.
And while TJX has made headway with its key concepts in Canada, its StyleSense chain, launched almost two years ago, is still being tested here with no plans for expansion. “We’re going to be in test mode for a little while longer,†spokeswoman Sherry Lang said on Tuesday.
She said Marshalls will differentiate itself from Winners in its product categories, although she didn’t elaborate. In the United States Marshalls carries more children’s and men’s wear and footwear than its T.J. Maxx stores.
The company will roll out its first six Marshalls stores in Canada next spring.
