Over nearly 50 years, TJ Maxx has grown to be a household name all over the U.S., while its parent company has built a major international presence. There are currently more than 1,300 TJ Maxx stores operating across the U.S., and that's nothing compared to the footprint of its parent company, TJX Companies, Inc., which also owns Marshalls, HomeGoods, Homesense, and Sierra, among others outside of the U.S.
TJX operates more than 5,200 stores across ten countries, and the plans are to keep on growing. The company has a long-term goal of operating 7,500 stores worldwide, roughly 2,200 more than its current footprint. However, even amid these ambitious plans for expansion, some major U.S. markets are seeing their favorite off-price shops shutter — and these closures are confusing a loyal customer base.
The TJX company has disclosed plans to eventually operate 7,500 stores across its brands worldwide, betting that its off-price model will continue to be in demand even as inflation headlines dominate the news cycle, and Americans scramble to save on groceries and other necessities.
Naturally, some Maxxinistas are wondering why their local shop is closing, or has already closed, amid such an ambitious plan to open more stores across the world.
Here's a breakdown of what the company has said about its expansion plans across TJ Maxx, Marshalls, HomeGoods, and its other brands, and what we know so far about the thousands of stores TJX hopes to add over the long term.
Which stores are closing?
Despite healthy earnings for the company overall, several TJ Maxx stores in the U.S. closed their doors for good in 2026. That includes a major flagship store in Boston on Newbury Street and two locations in Maryland, in Silver Spring and Cumberland.
A WARN (Worker Adjustment and Retraining Notification) notice indicated that 117 workers were affected by the Boston closure, though many were offered positions at nearby TJX locations.
The company has framed the closures as related to its real estate strategy rather than a sign of financial trouble, a claim that seems to be supported by its continued sales and earnings growth through a range of economic environments.
Which states are getting new stores?
Amid those closures, several states are getting new TJ Maxx locations.
In the final months of 2026, TJ Maxx has opened, is opening, or is relocating stores in Arizona (Payson), Florida (Destin), Oklahoma (Broken Arrow), Texas (Portland and Waco), Pennsylvania (Gibsonia), Idaho (Ponderay), North Carolina (Charlotte), New Jersey (Paramus), and Iowa (Marshalltown). Puerto Rico will also get a new store in Carolina.
The new store openings far outpace the reported closures for 2026.
'Rebalancing' the TJ Maxx footprint
Retail analysts suggest that the closures could be more about pivoting towards more profitable markets.
A few stores closing down, particularly in major cities like Boston where retail spaces tend to be more expensive, doesn't mean the company's larger plans for expansion will be impacted.
Finding the right locations where the most profit can be generated might involve some trial and error, which CEO Ernie Herrman acknowledged when discussing earnings earlier this year.
According to Reuters, reports indicated sales growth slowed in the second quarter at TJ Maxx and Marshalls. Herrman admitted the company "could have executed our store mix better" by stocking more basic and impulse-driven items. Quarter three sales were looking up, the outlet reported.
The perks of the off-price model
TJ Maxx's hold on the off-price game gives it a particular advantage other retailers simply don't have.
It is the largest off-price retailer in the U.S. and internationally, and the company prides itself on its wide range of quality, brand-name clothing and merchandise offered "at prices generally 20% to 60% below full-price retailers' regular prices."
Though it may be harder to find the exact, brand-name item you are looking for at TJ Maxx and other TJX stores, for some customers, the browsing for heavily discounted treasure aspect is part of the fun.
The threat of inflation
Even with those steep discounts, though, inflation can spread to all spending categories, and there are some signs indicating that consumers may be hesitant to spend those discretionary dollars in the final months of 2026.
Data from the University of Michigan indicates that consumer sentiment has been creeping down as prices of everyday goods like gas and groceries remain high.
Yet data collected from Bank of America for September indicates that discretionary spending has remained solid, and though it's still early to judge, holiday spending has already begun and is growing at a steady rate.
Bottom line
When it comes to TJ Maxx and its parent company, closing a few stores is more than likely a real estate/retail price decision rather than an ominous sign about the company's future.
The reach of major online retailers has likely cut into profits in some markets more than others, especially since Amazon Prime members can save money on shipping, reducing the need for former TJ Maxx browsers to leave their homes to find those amazing, off-price deals.
Still, decades of expansion, a long-term goal of roughly 2,200 additional stores across its brands, and several more stores opening this year suggest that the TJX lineup is positioned to keep growing despite competition and the ups and downs of the economy.
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FAQs
Can I still use my TJ Maxx gift card if my local store closes?
Yes. TJ Maxx gift cards can be redeemed at another TJ Maxx location, online at tjmaxx.com, or at other TJX stores, including Marshalls and HomeGoods. A local closure doesn't limit you to spending your balance at that location.
Can I return TJ Maxx purchases to Marshalls or HomeGoods?
No. Although the brands share a parent company, TJ Maxx purchases must be returned to a TJ Maxx store under its return policy. If your usual location closes, look for another nearby TJ Maxx to handle an eligible return.
How can I check whether my local TJ Maxx is still open?
Start with the store locator on TJ Maxx's website to find nearby locations. If you've heard about a possible closure, call the store directly to confirm its operating status and hours before making the trip.
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