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FRAMINGHAM – TJX Companies announced most of the TJ Maxx, Marshalls, Sierra Trading Post, and HomeGoods stores could re-open by the end of June.
The fitting rooms at U.S. stores will remain closed even when the stores re-open.
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Beginning May 2, 2020 , the Framingham-based company started to reopen stores in select states and countries in accordance with local government guidelines.
To date, the Company has reopened more than 1,600 of its stores worldwide.
Initial sales overall have been above last year’s sales across all states and countries for the over 1,100 stores that have been reopened for at least a week.
Stores in Massachusetts have not re-opened yet.
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However, it is still early in the quarter and sales could fluctuate. In the U.S., the Company has fully or partially reopened in 25 states.
Internationally, TJX Canada began reopening stores in some provinces this week, and stores in Germany, Austria, Poland, the Netherlands, and Australia are fully open. Stores in the U.K. and Ireland remain closed.
The Company also reopened its four e-commerce websites in the U.S. and U.K.
The Company expects to continue reopening stores around the world in a phased approach as more states and countries reopen for retail.
The Company believes that it could be mostly reopened by the end of June based on current government guidance.
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New Health and Safety Practices
As various states and countries have started to reopen, the Company has reopened stores and distribution centers in accordance with government guidelines and at its own pace.
The Company has put in place geographically recommended practices to help protect the health and well-being of its Associates and customers.
Globally, these include social distancing protocols, providing Associates access to personal protective equipment, and enhanced cleaning efforts. More specifically in the U.S. and Canada, these include:
- Require usage of a face mask by store Associates while working.
- Posted signage that the Company expects customers to wear a face covering when shopping its stores.
- Providing Associates with face masks and gloves, and adding hand sanitation stations throughout stores for Associates and customers.
- Implemented new cleaning regimens throughout the day, including enhanced cleaning of high-touch surfaces, such as PIN pads and shopping carts.
- Installed protective shields at registers.
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- Applied social distancing guidelines including:
- Added distancing markers in queue lines and outside stores as necessary.
- Posted signage and providing in-store announcements on social distancing etiquette.
- Require daily health screenings and temperature checks for all store Associates prior to and upon reporting to work.
- Trained field organization on new health protocols prior to store reopenings.
- Implemented new store occupancy limits, even where not required by regulations.
- Temporarily closed fitting rooms in the U.S. and reduced fitting room occupancy by 50% in Canada.
- Established new procedures for merchandise returns.
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MetroWest Medical Center