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Can TJX's Expansion Plans Sustain Growth in 2025 Amid High Costs?

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The TJX Companies, Inc. (TJX - Free Report) has maintained strong growth, thanks to its off-price retail model and commitment to offering exceptional value to customers. The company continues to benefit from its expanding store network and growing e-commerce efforts. However, like many retailers, TJX is facing challenges from a rising cost environment.

TJX’s Solid Growth Strategy

The TJX Companies continues to thrive by prioritizing an exceptional shopping experience and offering unmatched value to its customers. A clear indicator of its business strength is the consistent growth in customer transactions, which drove a solid comp store sales increase of 3% in the third quarter of fiscal 2025, reaching the upper end of its forecast. Comparable store sales rose 2% at Marmaxx (the United States), 3% at HomeGoods (the United States), 2% at TJX Canada and 7% at TJX International (Europe & Australia). This steady growth underscores the success of its strategy and positions the company for long-term sustainability.

TJX remains focused on maintaining effective cost control, key to enhancing its profitability. The company achieved a pre-tax profit margin of 12.3%, marking a 30-basis-point (bps) increase in the fiscal third quarter. The upside was driven by the timing of specific expenses, cost-saving measures and an increase in net interest income. This, coupled with a 50-bps expansion in the gross margin due to higher merchandise margins demonstrates TJX's operational efficiency and strong control.

 

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TJX’s Expansion Plans Hold Promise

The TJX Companies is rapidly expanding its footprint in the United States, Europe, Canada and Australia. During the third quarter of fiscal 2025, the company added 56 stores, ending the quarter with 5,057 stores. Management sees potential for continued store openings, with the goal of adding 1,200 stores across its current markets, which would expand its existing retail footprint of more than 5,000 stores. The company is also making a strategic push into Spain, with plans to open its first stores under the T.K. Maxx banner by early 2026. The company is also strengthening its presence in high-growth regions through investments in Mexico, the UAE and Saudi Arabia.

With increasing consumers resorting to online shopping, The TJX Companies has undertaken several initiatives to boost online sales and strengthen its e-commerce business. With its expertise in offering high-quality branded merchandise at attractive prices, TJX is well-positioned to capture a larger share of the growing off-price retail sector.

Rising Costs & Margin Pressure Hurt TJX

The TJX Companies is dealing with the adverse impacts of the high expenses. The increase in store wage and payroll costs has raised concerns. As a result, selling, general and administrative expenses as a percentage of sales grew by 10 bps, reaching 19.5% in the third quarter of fiscal 2025. Higher store wages and payroll costs are expected to continue. These higher operating costs could lead to a contraction in margins in the upcoming quarters.

Conclusion: TJX’s Balancing Act

The TJX Companies is undeniably on a strong growth trajectory, driven by solid customer demand, operational efficiency, and an expanding store and online presence. However, rising operational costs present challenges that could affect the company’s profitability in the near term. Investors will need to watch how TJX balances these factors — capitalizing on its growth opportunities while managing rising costs — as it moves forward into fiscal 2025.

Shares of the Zacks Rank #3 (Hold) company have gained 5.3% in the past three months compared with the industry’s growth of 3.1%.

Three Promising Stocks

Some top-ranked stocks in the Retail-Wholesale space are Tapestry (TPR - Free Report) , Abercrombie & Fitch Co. (ANF - Free Report) and The Gap Inc. (GAP - Free Report) .

Tapestry is a designer and marketer of fine accessories and gifts for women and men in the United States and internationally. The company currently sports a Zacks Rank #1 (Strong Buy). You can see the complete list of today’s Zacks #1 Rank stocks here.

The Zacks Consensus Estimate for TPR’s current fiscal-year earnings and sales indicates growth of 1.4% and 7.7%, respectively, from the previous year’s reported figures. Tapestry has a trailing four-quarter average earnings surprise of 11.3%.

Abercrombie is a specialty retailer of premium, high-quality casual apparel. The company presently flaunts a Zacks Rank #1.

The Zacks Consensus Estimate for the company’s current fiscal-year sales and earnings implies growth of 15% and 69.3%, respectively, from the previous year’s reported number. ANF has a trailing four-quarter average earnings surprise of 14.8%.

Gap is a premier international specialty retailer offering diverse clothing, accessories and personal care products. It currently sports a Zacks Rank #1.

The Zacks Consensus Estimate for Gap’s current fiscal-year earnings and sales calls for growth of 0.8% and 41.3%, respectively, from the previous year’s reported figures. GAP has a trailing four-quarter average earnings surprise of 101.2%.

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