1

                                     PAGE 1

                                    FORM 10-Q

                       SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION
                              WASHINGTON, DC 20549

                 /X/ Quarterly Report Under Section 13 and 15(d)
                     of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934

                                       or

             / / Transition Report Pursuant to Section 13 and 15(d)
                     of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934

For Quarter Ended August 1, 1998
Commission file number 1-4908

                             The TJX Companies, Inc.
             (Exact name of registrant as specified in its charter)

                DELAWARE                                    04-2207613
    (State or other jurisdiction of                      (I.R.S. Employer
     incorporation or organization)                     Identification No.)
                                                   
          770 Cochituate Road                      
       Framingham, Massachusetts                              01701
(Address of principal executive offices)                    (Zip Code)

                                  (508)390-1000
              (Registrant's telephone number, including area code)

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant (1) has filed all reports required
to be filed by Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 during
the preceding 12 months (or for such shorter period that the registrant was
required to file such reports), and (2) has been subject to such filing
requirements for the past 90 days.  Yes X . No   .
                                       ---    ---

The number of shares of Registrant's Common Stock outstanding as of August 29,
1998: 314,622,327.


   2


                                     PAGE 2

                          PART I FINANCIAL INFORMATION
              THE TJX COMPANIES, INC. AND CONSOLIDATED SUBSIDIARIES
                              STATEMENTS OF INCOME
                                   (UNAUDITED)
                  DOLLARS IN THOUSANDS EXCEPT PER SHARE AMOUNTS


                                                    Thirteen Weeks Ended
                                                 --------------------------
                                                  August 1,        July 26,
                                                       1998            1997
                                                 ----------       ---------

Net sales                                        $1,864,236      $1,698,372
                                                 ----------      ----------

Cost of sales, including buying and
   occupancy costs                                1,418,490       1,323,261

Selling, general and administrative expenses        303,332         283,788

Interest expense, net                                 1,425           1,545
                                                 ----------      ----------

Income before income taxes                          140,989          89,778

Provision for income taxes                           56,113          37,200
                                                 ----------      ----------

Net income                                           84,876          52,578

Preferred stock dividends                             1,238           4,601
                                                 ----------      ----------

Net income available to common shareholders      $   83,638      $   47,977
                                                 ==========      ==========

Earnings per share:
   Basic                                         $      .26       $     .15
   Diluted                                       $      .25       $     .15
                                                                       
Cash dividends per common share                  $      .03       $    .025


The accompanying notes are an integral part of the financial statements.


   3


                                     PAGE 3

                          PART I FINANCIAL INFORMATION
              THE TJX COMPANIES, INC. AND CONSOLIDATED SUBSIDIARIES
                              STATEMENTS OF INCOME
                                   (UNAUDITED)
                  DOLLARS IN THOUSANDS EXCEPT PER SHARE AMOUNTS


                                                   Twenty-Six Weeks Ended
                                                 --------------------------
                                                  August 1,        July 26,
                                                       1998            1997
                                                 ----------      ----------

Net sales                                        $3,640,083      $3,258,522
                                                 ----------      ----------

Cost of sales, including buying and
  occupancy costs                                 2,748,751       2,525,880

Selling, general and administrative expenses        603,167         557,526

Interest expense, net                                 1,383           2,400
                                                 ----------      ----------

Income before income taxes                          286,782         172,716

Provision for income taxes                          114,139          71,677
                                                 ----------      ----------

Net income                                          172,643         101,039

Preferred stock dividends                             2,488           7,226
                                                 ----------      ----------

Net income available to common shareholders      $  170,155      $   93,813
                                                 ==========      ==========


Earnings per share:
    Basic                                        $      .53      $      .29
    Diluted                                      $      .51      $      .28
                                                                       
Cash dividends per common share                  $      .06      $      .05


The accompanying notes are an integral part of the financial statements.


   4


                                     PAGE 4

              THE TJX COMPANIES, INC. AND CONSOLIDATED SUBSIDIARIES
                                 BALANCE SHEETS
                                   (UNAUDITED)
                                  IN THOUSANDS

                                        August 1,   January 31,    July 26,
                                             1998          1998        1997
                                       ----------    ----------  ----------

ASSETS
- ------
Current assets:
  Cash and cash equivalents            $   58,017    $  404,369  $  138,232
  Accounts receivable                      81,493        60,735      75,691
  Merchandise inventories               1,469,956     1,190,170   1,421,529
  Prepaid expenses                         63,627        27,357      34,462
                                       ----------    ----------  ----------
      Total current assets              1,673,093     1,682,631   1,669,914
                                       ----------    ----------  ----------

Property, at cost:
  Land and buildings                      113,911       108,729     103,542
  Leasehold costs and improvements        514,437       480,964     456,091
  Furniture, fixtures and equipment       663,190       611,470     572,360
                                       ----------    ----------  ----------
                                        1,291,538     1,201,163   1,131,993
  Less accumulated depreciation
    and amortization                      576,215       515,027     471,070
                                       ----------    ----------  ----------
                                          715,323       686,136     660,923

Other assets                               22,837        36,645      47,330
Goodwill and tradename,
  net of amortization                     201,235       204,220     213,079
                                       ----------    ----------  ----------

TOTAL ASSETS                           $2,612,488    $2,609,632  $2,591,246
                                       ==========    ==========  ==========

LIABILITIES
- -----------
Current liabilities:
  Short-term debt                      $    6,613    $        -  $    7,966
  Current installments of
    long-term debt                         22,669        23,360      17,716
  Accounts payable                        639,188       582,791     576,964
  Accrued expenses and other
    current liabilities                   566,190       553,643     559,885
  Federal and state income taxes
    payable                                32,361        57,863       4,020
                                       ----------    ----------  ----------
      Total current liabilities         1,267,021     1,217,657   1,166,551
                                       ----------    ----------  ----------

Long-term debt exclusive of 
  current installments:
    Real estate mortgages                       -             -      21,827
    Equipment notes                           738         1,127       1,544
    General corporate debt                219,904       219,897     219,891

Deferred income taxes                         952         6,859      12,541

SHAREHOLDERS' EQUITY
- --------------------
Preferred stock at face value,
  authorized 5,000,000 shares, par 
  value $1, issued and outstanding 
  632,600; 727,300; and 1,204,100 
  shares of Series E cumulative
  convertible stock                        63,260        72,730     120,410
Common stock, authorized 600,000,000
  shares, par value $1, issued and
  outstanding 314,772,568; 159,901,247;
  and 161,218,240 shares                  314,772       159,901     161,218
Additional paid-in capital                      -       202,053     340,920
Retained earnings                         745,841       729,408     546,344
                                       ----------    ----------  ----------

      Total shareholders' equity        1,123,873     1,164,092   1,168,892
                                       ----------    ----------  ----------

TOTAL LIABILITIES AND
  SHAREHOLDERS' EQUITY                 $2,612,488    $2,609,632  $2,591,246
                                       ==========    ==========  ==========

The accompanying notes are an integral part of the financial statements.


   5


                                     PAGE 5

              THE TJX COMPANIES, INC. AND CONSOLIDATED SUBSIDIARIES
                            STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS
                                   (UNAUDITED)
                                  IN THOUSANDS

                                                      Twenty-Six Weeks Ended
                                                      -----------------------
                                                      August 1,      July 26,
                                                           1998          1997
                                                      ---------     ---------
Cash flows from operating activities:                 
  Net income                                          $ 172,643     $ 101,039
   Adjustments to reconcile net income                
    to net cash (used in) operating activities:       
     Depreciation and amortization                       65,585        60,633
     Property disposals                                   1,391         5,036
     Other                                                 (622)         (100)
     Changes in assets and liabilities:               
       (Increase) in accounts receivable                (20,758)      (18,416)
       (Increase) in merchandise inventories           (279,786)     (362,024)
       (Increase) in prepaid expenses                   (36,270)      (18,083)
       Increase in accounts payable                      56,397        43,019
       Increase in accrued expenses                   
        and other current liabilities                    12,547        11,644
       (Decrease) in income taxes payable               (25,502)      (40,145)
       Increase (Decrease) in deferred income taxes      (2,934)        2,730
                                                      ---------     ---------
Net cash (used in) operating activities                 (57,309)     (214,667)
                                                      ---------     ---------
                                                      
Cash flows from investing activities:                 
  Property additions                                    (94,235)      (80,966)
  Proceeds from sale of other assets                      8,338             -
  Proceeds adjustment for sale of Chadwick's                  -       (28,805)
                                                      ---------     ---------
Net cash (used in) investing activities                 (85,897)     (109,771)
                                                      ---------     ---------
                                                      
Cash flows from financing activities:                 
  Proceeds from borrowings of short-term debt             6,613         7,966
  Principal payments on long-term debt                   (1,080)      (10,579)
  Common stock repurchased                             (194,486)      (45,580)
  Proceeds from sale and issuance of common           
   stock, net                                             7,340         4,469
  Cash dividends                                        (21,533)      (22,789)
                                                      ---------     ---------
Net cash (used in) financing activities                (203,146)      (66,513)
                                                      ---------     ---------
                                                      
Net cash (used in) continuing operations               (346,352)     (390,951)
Net cash provided by discontinued operations                  -        54,451
                                                      ---------     ---------
Net (decrease) in cash and cash equivalents            (346,352)     (336,500)
                                                      
Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of year          404,369       474,732
                                                      ---------     ---------
                                                      
Cash and cash equivalents at end of period            $  58,017     $ 138,232
                                                      =========     =========

The accompanying notes are an integral part of the financial statements.


   6


                                     PAGE 6

                 MANAGEMENT'S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF RESULTS
                      OF OPERATIONS AND FINANCIAL CONDITION
                      -------------------------------------

    Thirteen Weeks (Second Quarter) and Twenty-Six Weeks Ended August 1, 1998
         Versus Thirteen Weeks and Twenty-Six Weeks Ended July 26, 1997
         --------------------------------------------------------------

Net sales from continuing operations for the second quarter were $1,864.2
million, up 10% from $1,698.4 million last year. For the six months, net sales
from continuing operations were $3,640.0 million, up 12% from $3,258.5 million
for the same period last year. The increase in sales is primarily attributable
to an increase in same store sales and new stores. Same store sales for the
second quarter increased by 6% at T.J. Maxx, 7% at Marshalls, 17% at Winners, 6%
at HomeGoods and 13% at T.K. Maxx. Same store sales for the six months increased
by 6% at T.J. Maxx, 8% at Marshalls, 14% at Winners, 7% at HomeGoods and 10% at
T.K. Maxx.

Net income for the second quarter was $84.9 million, or $.25 per common share
(diluted) versus $52.6 million, or $.15 per common share. For the six months,
net income was $172.6 million, or $.51 per common share versus $101 million, or
$.28 per common share.

The following table sets forth operating results expressed as a percentage of
net sales:

                                             Percentage of Net Sales
                                      --------------------------------------
                                       13 Weeks Ended       26 Weeks Ended
                                      ----------------    ------------------
                                      8/1/98   7/26/97    8/1/98     7/26/97
                                      ------   -------    ------     -------

Net sales                             100.0%    100.0%    100.0%      100.0%
                                      -----     -----     -----       -----
Cost of sales, including buying
  and occupancy costs                  76.1      77.9      75.5        77.5
Selling, general and administrative
  expenses                             16.2      16.7      16.5        17.1
Interest expense, net                    .1        .1        .1          .1
                                      -----     -----     -----       -----
Income before income taxes              7.6%      5.3%      7.9%        5.3%
                                      =====     =====     =====       =====

Cost of sales, including buying and occupancy costs as a percent of net sales,
decreased in both periods from the prior year. The improvement in both periods
reflects improved merchandise margins, particularly at T.J. Maxx and Marshalls
resulting from strong inventory management and strong growth in sales.

Selling, general and administrative expenses, as a percentage of net sales
decreased in both periods from the prior year. The improvement in this ratio is
primarily due to the strong sales performance.

Interest expense, net, includes income of $5.0 million in the second quarter and
$10.9 million in the first six months of the current year, versus interest
income of $5.3 million and $11.4 million for the quarter and six months ended
last year. Gross interest expenses decreased due to the early write-off of
deferred financing costs associated with the Company's replacement, in September
1997, of its former revolving credit agreement, as well as the benefit of
reduced fees associated with the new agreement.


   7


                                     PAGE 7

The Company's effective income tax rate is 39.8% for the quarter ended and six
months ended August 1, 1998 versus 41.4% and 41.5% for the second quarter and
six months ended last year, respectively. This reduction is due to a lower
effective state income tax rate, the impact of foreign operations and a
favorable tax benefit associated with a charitable donation of appreciated
property.

The following table sets forth the operating results of the Company's
major business segments: (unaudited)

                                          (In Thousands)

                             Thirteen Weeks Ended       Twenty-Six Weeks Ended
                           ------------------------   -------------------------
                            August 1,      July 27,    August 1,       July 26,
                                 1998          1997         1998           1997
                           ----------    ----------   ----------     ----------
Net sales:                                            
  Off-price family                                    
    apparel stores         $1,837,419    $1,677,034   $3,587,884     $3,216,791
  Off-price home                                      
    fashion stores             26,817        21,338       52,199         41,731
                           ----------    ----------   ----------     ----------
                           $1,864,236    $1,698,372   $3,640,083     $3,258,522
                           ==========    ==========   ==========     ==========
                                                      
Operating income (loss):                              
  Off-price family                                    
    apparel stores         $  157,470    $  110,369   $  324,831     $  216,572
  Off-price home                                      
    fashion stores             (2,246)       (3,706)      (4,502)        (6,539)
                           ----------    ----------   ----------     ----------
                              155,224       106,663      320,329        210,033
                                                      
General corporate expense      12,158        14,686       30,859         33,610
Goodwill amortization             652           654        1,305          1,307
Interest expense, net           1,425         1,545        1,383          2,400
                           ----------    ----------   ----------     ----------
                                                      
Income before                                         
  income taxes             $  140,989    $   89,778   $  286,782     $  172,716
                           ==========    ==========   ==========     ==========

The off-price family apparel stores segment, T.J. Maxx, Marshalls, Winners, T.K.
Maxx and A.J. Wright, significantly increased its operating income for both the
second quarter and six months. These results reflect strong inventory management
and the strong sales performance. The decline in general corporate expense in
both periods reflects higher charges in the prior year associated with a
deferred compensation award (initially denominated in shares of the Company's
common stock), granted to the Company's Chief Executive Officer in the first
quarter of fiscal 1998.

Stores in operation at the end of the period are as follows:

                               August 1, 1998       July 26, 1997
                               --------------       -------------

      T.J. Maxx                      593                 578
      Marshalls                      464                 453
      Winners                         81                  68
      HomeGoods                       25                  21
      T.K. Maxx                       35                  21


   8


                                     PAGE 8

FINANCIAL CONDITION

Cash flows from operating activities for the six months reflect increases in
inventories and accounts payable that are primarily due to normal seasonal
requirements.

In February 1998, the Company completed its $250 million stock buyback program
initiated in June 1997, and announced its intention to purchase an additional
$250 million of the Company's common stock. During the first six months ended
August 1, 1998, the Company repurchased a combined total of 8,387,000 shares
(adjusted for the June 1998 stock split) at a cost of $194.5 million.

On April 8, 1998, the Company approved a two-for-one stock split to be effected
in the form of a 100% stock dividend which was subject to approval by the
shareholders of an increase in the number of authorized shares of the Company's
common stock. On June 2, 1998, the Company's shareholders approved the increase
making the two-for-one stock split effective. The split was distributed on June
25, 1998 to shareholders of record on June 11, 1998 and resulted in the issuance
of 158.9 million shares of common stock. All historical earnings per share
amounts have been restated to reflect the two-for-one stock split as well as the
two-for-one stock split distributed in June 1997.

The following table (unaudited) sets forth the shareholders' equity
transactions for the six months ended August 1, 1998: (Dollars In Millions)

                                Prfd    Common
                               Stock     Stock    Add'l
                                Face      Par    Paid-In    Retained
                               Value     Value   Capital    Earnings     Total
                              -------   ------   -------    --------   --------

Balance, January 31, 1998      $72.7    $159.9   $ 202.0     $729.4    $1,164.0

Net income                         -         -         -      172.6       172.6
                               
Cash dividends:                                                        
   Preferred                       -         -         -       (2.5)       (2.5)
   Common                          -         -         -      (19.0)      (19.0)
                              
Conversion of Series E                                                 
  cumulative convertible                                               
  preferred stock into common   (9.5)      1.0       8.5         -            -

Common stock repurchased           -      (5.7)   (118.6)     (70.2)     (194.5)
                                
Stock split                        -     158.9     (96.3)     (62.6)          -
                                
Issuance of common                                                     
  stock under stock                                                    
  incentive plan                   -        .7       7.7          -         8.4
                                
Comprehensive income (loss)        -         -      (3.3)      (1.9)       (5.2)
                               -----    ------   -------     ------    --------

Balance, August 1, 1998        $63.2    $314.8   $     -     $745.8    $1,123.8
                               =====    ======   =======     ======    ========


   9


                                     Page 9

The Company has developed plans to address issues related to the impact on its
computer systems of the year 2000. Financial and operational systems have been
assessed and plans have been developed, to address systems modification
requirements. The Company expects to spend an aggregate of approximately $12
million on conversion costs in fiscal years 1998 through 2000. The Company has
spent approximately $6 million on conversion costs to date. There can be no
guarantee that a failure to resolve a year 2000 issue by the Company or a third
party whose systems may interface with the Company, would not have a material
effect on the Company.


   10


                                     PAGE 10

                NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

1.  The results for the first six months are not necessarily indicative of
    results for the full fiscal year, because the Company's business, in common
    with the businesses of retailers generally, is subject to seasonal
    influences, with higher levels of sales and income generally realized in the
    second half of the year.

2.  The preceding data are unaudited and reflect all normal recurring
    adjustments, the use of retail statistics, and accruals and deferrals
    among periods required to match costs properly with the related
    revenue or activity, considered necessary by the Company for a fair
    presentation of its financial statements for the periods reported, all
    in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles and
    practices consistently applied.  Certain amounts in prior period
    financial statements have been reclassified for comparative purposes.

3.  The Company's cash payments for interest and income taxes are as
    follows: (In Thousands)

                                                    Twenty-Six Weeks Ended
                                                   -----------------------
                                                   August 1,      July 26,
                                                        1998          1997
                                                   ---------      --------
    Cash paid for:
     Interest                                       $ 12,013      $ 14,259
     Income taxes                                   $143,051      $109,524

4. In October 1988, the Company completed the sale of its former Zayre Stores
   division to Ames Department Stores, Inc. ("Ames"). In April 1990, Ames filed
   for protection under Chapter 11 of the Federal Bankruptcy Code and in
   December 1992, Ames emerged from bankruptcy under a plan of reorganization.

   The Company remains contingently liable for the leases of most of the former
   Zayre stores still operated by Ames. In addition, the Company is contingently
   liable on a number of leases of the Hit or Miss division, the Company's
   former off-price women's specialty stores, sold on September 30, 1995. The
   Company believes that the Company's contingent liability on these leases will
   not have a material effect on the Company's financial condition.

   The Company is also contingently liable on certain leases of its former
   warehouse club operations (BJ's Wholesale Club and HomeBase), which was
   spun off by the Company in fiscal 1990 as Waban Inc.  During fiscal
   1998, Waban Inc. was renamed HomeBase, Inc. and spun-off its BJ's
   Wholesale Club division (BJ's Wholesale Club, Inc.).  HomeBase, Inc.
   and BJ's Wholesale Club, Inc. are primarily liable on their respective
   leases and have indemnified the Company for any amounts the Company may
   have to pay with respect to such leases.  In addition, HomeBase, Inc.,
   BJ's Wholesale Club, Inc. and the Company have entered into agreements
   under which BJ's Wholesale Club, Inc. has substantial indemnification
   responsibility with respect to such HomeBase, Inc. leases.  The Company
   is also contingently liable on certain leases of BJ's Wholesale Club,
   Inc. for which both BJ's Wholesale Club, Inc. and HomeBase, Inc. remain
   liable.  The Company believes that its contingent liability on the
   HomeBase, Inc. and BJ's Wholesale Club, Inc. leases will not have a
   material effect on the Company's financial condition.


   11


                                     Page 11

5. In February 1998, the Company completed its $250 million stock buyback
   program initiated in June 1997, and announced its intention to purchase an
   additional $250 million of the Company's common stock. During the first six
   months ended August 1, 1998, the Company repurchased a combined total of
   8,387,000 shares (adjusted for the June 1998 stock split) at a cost of $194.5
   million

6. On April 8, 1998, the Company approved a two-for-one stock split to be
   effected in the form of a 100% stock dividend which was subject to approval
   by the shareholders of an increase in the number of authorized shares of the
   Company's common stock. On June 2, 1998, the Company's shareholders approved
   the increase making the two-for-one stock split effective. The split was
   distributed on June 25, 1998 to shareholders of record on June 11, 1998 and
   resulted in the issuance of 158.9 million shares of common stock. All
   historical earnings per share amounts have been restated to reflect the
   two-for-one stock split as well as the two-for-one stock split distributed in
   June 1997.

7. The computation of basic and diluted earnings per share is as follows:

   For The Thirteen Weeks Ended                       August 1,         July 26,
   ----------------------------                            1998             1997
                                                   ------------     ------------
                                     ($'s in thousands except per share amounts)
                                                                   
   Net income (Numerator in diluted calculation)   $     84,876     $     52,578
   Less preferred dividends                               1,238            4,601
                                                   ------------     ------------
   Net income available to common shareholders                     
     (Numerator in basic calculation)              $     83,638     $     47,977
                                                   ============     ============
                                                                   
   Shares for basic and diluted earnings per                       
     share calculations:
   Average common shares outstanding for                           
      basic EPS                                     317,367,085      319,231,612
     Dilutive effect of stock options and awards      5,721,400        3,934,092
     Dilutive effect of convertible                                  
      preferred stock                                14,048,540       31,918,782
                                                   ------------     ------------
   Average common shares outstanding                               
     for diluted EPS                                337,137,025      355,084,486
                                                   ============     ============

         Basic earnings per share                  $       0.26     $       0.15
         Diluted earnings per share                $       0.25     $       0.15




   12


                                     PAGE 12

   For The Twenty-Six Weeks Ended                     August 1,         July 26,
   ------------------------------                          1998             1997
                                                   ------------     ------------
                                     ($'s in thousands except per share amounts)

   Net income (Numerator in diluted calculation)   $    172,643     $    101,039
   Less preferred dividends                               2,488            7,226
                                                   ------------     ------------
   Net income available to common shareholders                     
     (Numerator in basic calculation)              $    170,155     $     93,813
                                                   ============     ============

   Shares for basic and diluted earnings per                       
     share calculations:                                           
   Average common shares outstanding for                           
      basic EPS                                     318,350,224      318,924,242
     Dilutive effect of stock options and awards      5,862,259        3,598,598
     Dilutive effect of convertible                                
      preferred stock                                14,742,915       32,153,724
                                                   ------------     ------------
   Average common shares outstanding                               
     for diluted EPS                                338,955,398      354,676,564
                                                   ============     ============

         Basic earnings per share                  $       0.53     $       0.29
         Diluted earnings per share                $       0.51     $       0.28
                                                   ============     ============

8. The Company adopted Statement of Financial Accounting Standards No. 130,
   Reporting Comprehensive Income (SFAS No. 130), in the first quarter ended May
   2, 1998. The components of other comprehensive income for the Company
   generally include foreign currency translation adjustments of its foreign
   subsidiaries (including related hedging activity) and unrealized gains and
   losses on marketable securities. Restatement of prior period information is
   required. The computation of comprehensive income follows: (In Thousands)

                               Thirteen Weeks Ended      Twenty-Six Weeks Ended
                              ---------------------     -----------------------
                              August 1,    July 26,     August 1,      July 26,
                                   1998        1997          1998          1997
                              ---------    --------     ---------      --------

   Net income                   $84,876     $52,578      $172,643      $101,039
     Other comprehensive
     income (loss) net of
       reclassification
       adjustments               (1,372)     (3,556)       (5,178)       (3,824)
                                -------     -------      --------      --------
   Total comprehensive
   income                       $83,504     $49,022      $167,465      $ 97,215
                                =======     =======      ========      ========

   Cumulative other comprehensive income (loss) is as follows: (In
   Thousands)

                                          August 1,   January 31,      July 26,
                                               1998          1998          1997
                                          ---------   -----------      --------
   Cumulative other comprehensive
     income (loss)                          $(1,862)       $3,316         $(952)
                                            =======        ======         =====


   13


                                     PAGE 13

    Cumulative comprehensive income (loss) has historically been included as a
    component of additional paid-in capital. As a result of equity transactions
    during the second quarter, which have eliminated the balance of additional
    paid-in capital, cumulative comprehensive income (loss) was reclassified to
    retained earnings.

9.  During 1998, the Financial Accounting Standards Board (FASB) issued
    Statement of Financial Accounting Standards (SFAS) No. 133 "Accounting
    for Derivative Instruments and Hedging Activities".  This Statement
    established accounting and reporting standards for derivative
    instruments, including certain derivative instruments embedded in
    other contracts, and for hedging activities.  This statement requires
    that an entity recognize all derivatives as either assets or
    liabilities in the statement of financial position and measure those
    instruments at fair value.  The Company is currently evaluating the
    effects of this change on its current reporting of derivative instruments 
    and hedging activities.


   14


                                     PAGE 14

PART II.  OTHER INFORMATION

Item 4    SUBMISSION OF MATTERS TO A VOTE OF SECURITY HOLDERS

          Information with respect to matters voted on at the Company's Annual
          Meeting of Stockholders on June 2, 1998 (during the period covered by
          this report) was provided in the Company's Quarterly Report on Form
          10-Q for the quarter ended May 2, 1998.

Item 5    OTHER INFORMATION

          STOCKHOLDER PROPOSALS AND DIRECTOR NOMINATIONS

          Proposals of stockholders submitted for consideration at the 1999
          annual meeting of stockholders must be received by the Company no
          later than December 28, 1998 in order to be considered for inclusion
          in the Company's proxy materials for that meeting.

          Under recent changes to the Federal proxy rules and the Company's
          By-Laws, if a stockholder who wishes to present a proposal at the
          Company's 1999 annual meeting that will not be included in the
          Company's proxy statement fails to notify the Company by January 25,
          1999, then the proxies that management solicits for the 1999 annual
          meeting will include discretionary authority to vote on the
          stockholder's proposal, if it is properly brought before the meeting.
          Under the Company's By-Laws, such a proposal would not be properly
          brought before the meeting because it would not satisfy the advance
          notice procedure contained in the Company's By-Laws with respect to
          stockholder nomination of candidates for election as directors and
          other stockholder proposals (whether or not such proposals are to be
          included in the Company's proxy material). A notice regarding
          stockholder nominations for director or other stockholder proposals
          must be received by the Secretary of the Company not less than 90 days
          prior to the first date of mailing of the Company's proxy materials
          for the last annual meeting. Accordingly, with respect to the 1999
          Annual Meeting, the notice must be received by the Secretary of the
          Company by January 25, 1999. The stockholder submitting the nomination
          or proposal must satisfy certain requirements including providing a
          notice containing specified information concerning the persons to be
          nominated or the proposal being made and the stockholder submitting
          the nomination or proposal, all as set forth in the By-Laws. The
          presiding officer of the meeting shall refuse to acknowledge any
          director nomination or other stockholder proposal not made in
          compliance with such advance notice requirements.

Item 6(a) EXHIBITS

      3.1 The By-Laws of the Company, as amended, are filed herewith.

Item 6(b) REPORTS ON FORM 8-K

          The Company was not required to file a current report on Form 8-K
          during the quarter ended August 1, 1998.


   15


                                     PAGE 15



                                    SIGNATURE

     Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 the
     registrant has duly caused this report to be signed on its behalf by the
     undersigned thereunto duly authorized.



                                         THE TJX COMPANIES, INC.
                                         ------------------------------------
                                         (Registrant)

     Date: September 14, 1998



                                         /s/ Donald G. Campbell
                                         ------------------------------------
                                         Donald G. Campbell, Executive Vice
                                         President - Finance, on behalf
                                         of The TJX Companies, Inc. and as
                                         Principal Financial and Accounting
                                         Officer of The TJX Companies, Inc.

   1
                                                                     Exhibit 3.1



                                                    [As amended through 9/10/98]


                             THE TJX COMPANIES, INC.


                                     BY-LAWS



                                    ARTICLE I

                          Certificate of Incorporation

        The name, location of the principal office or place of business in the
State of Delaware, and the nature of the business or objects or purposes of the
corporation shall be as set forth in its certificate of incorporation. These
by-laws, the powers of the corporation and of its directors and stockholders,
and all matters concerning the management of the business and conduct of the
affairs of the corporation shall be subject to such provisions in regard
thereto, if any, as are set forth in the certificate of incorporation; and the
certificate of incorporation is hereby made a part of these by-laws. In these
by-laws, references to the certificate of incorporation mean the provisions of
the certificate of incorporation (as that term is defined in the General
Corporation Law of the State of Delaware) of the corporation as from time to
time in effect, and references to these by-laws or to any requirement or
provision of law mean these by-laws or such requirement or provision of law as
from time to time in effect.

                                   ARTICLE II

                         Annual Meeting of Stockholders

        (a) The annual meeting of stockholders shall be held either (i) at 11:00
a.m. on the first Tuesday in June in each year, unless that day be a legal
holiday at the place where the meeting is to be held, in which case the meeting
shall be held at the same hour on the next succeeding day not a legal holiday,
or (ii) at such other date and time as shall be designated from time to time by
the board of directors and stated in the notice of the meeting, at which the
stockholders shall elect a board of directors and transact such other business
as may be required by law or these by-laws or as may properly come before the
meeting.

        (b) Except as otherwise fixed pursuant to the provisions of Article
FOURTH of the certificate of incorporation relating to the rights of holders of
any class or series of stock having a preference over the Common Stock as to
dividends or upon liquidation, nominations of persons for election to the board
of directors of the corporation may be made at a meeting of stockholders by or
at the direction of the board of directors or a committee appointed by the board
of directors or by any stockholder of the corporation entitled to vote for the
election of directors at the meeting who complies with the notice procedures set
forth in this Article II. Such nominations, other than those made by or at the
direction of the board of directors or such committee, shall be made pursuant to
timely notice in writing to the secretary of the corporation. To be timely, a
stockholder's notice shall be delivered to or mailed and received at the
principal executive offices of the corporation not less than 90 days prior to
the date the corporation first mailed its 


                                       1




   2

proxy materials for the prior year's annual meeting. Such stockholder's notice
shall set forth (a) as to each person whom the stockholder proposes to nominate
for election or re-election as a director, (i) the name, age, business address
and residence address of such person, (ii) the principal occupation or
employment of such person, (iii) the class and number of shares of the
corporation which are beneficially owned by such person, and (iv) any other
information relating to such person that is required to be disclosed in
solicitations of proxies for election of directors, or is otherwise required, in
each case pursuant to Regulation 14A under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934,
as amended (including without limitation such person's written consent to being
named in the proxy statement as the nominee and to serving as a director if
elected); and (b) as to the stockholder giving the notice (i) the name and
address, as they appear on the corporation's books, of such stockholder and (ii)
the class and number of shares of the corporation which are beneficially owned
by such stockholder. At the request of the board of directors any person
nominated by the board of directors for election as a director shall furnish to
the secretary of the corporation that information required to be set forth in a
stockholder's notice of nomination which pertains to the nominee. No person
shall be eligible for election as a director of the corporation unless nominated
in accordance with the procedures set forth in this Article II. The chairman of
the meeting shall, if the facts warrant, determine and declare to the meeting
that a nomination was not made in accordance with the procedures prescribed by
the by-laws, and if he should so determine, he shall so declare to the meeting
and the defective nomination shall be disregarded.

        (c) At an annual meeting of the stockholders, only such business shall
be conducted as shall have been properly brought before the meeting. To be
properly brought before an annual meeting business must be (a) specified in the
notice of meeting (or any supplement thereto) given by or at the direction of
the board of directors, (b) otherwise properly brought before the meeting by a
stockholder. For business to be properly brought before an annual meeting by a
stockholder, the stockholder must have given timely notice thereof in writing to
the secretary of the corporation. To be timely, a stockholder's notice must be
delivered to or mailed and received at the principal executive offices of the
corporation, not less than 90 days prior to the date the corporation first
mailed its proxy materials for the prior year's annual meeting. A stockholder's
notice to the secretary shall set forth as to each matter the stockholder
proposes to bring before the annual meeting (a) a brief description of the
business desired to be brought before the annual meeting and the reasons for
conducting such business at the annual meeting, (b) the name and address, as
they appear on the corporation's books, of the stockholder proposing such
business, (c) the class and number of shares of the corporation which are
beneficially owned by the stockholder, (d) any material interest of the
stockholder in such business and (e) such other information as the board of
directors reasonably determines is necessary or appropriate to enable the board
of directors and the stockholders to consider the proposal. Notwithstanding
anything in the by-laws to the contrary, no business shall be conducted at any
annual meeting except in accordance with the procedures set forth in this
Article II. The chairman of the annual meeting shall, if the facts warrant,
determine and declare to the meeting that business was not properly brought
before the meeting and in accordance with the provisions of this Article II, and
if he should so determine, he shall so declare to the meeting and any such
business not properly brought before the meeting shall not be transacted.

                                   ARTICLE III

                        Special Meetings of Stockholders

        Except as otherwise required by law and or as fixed pursuant to the
provisions of Article FOURTH of the certificate of incorporation relating to the
rights of the holders of any class or 


                                       2



   3

series of stock having a preference over the Common Stock as to dividends or
upon liquidation, special meetings of the stockholders may be called only by the
chairman of the board, the president, or the board of directors pursuant to a
resolution approved by a majority of the entire board of directors. Such call
shall state the time, place and purposes of the meeting.

                                   ARTICLE IV

                         Place of Stockholders' Meetings

        The annual meeting of the stockholders, for the annual election of
directors and other purposes, shall be held at such place within or without the
State of Delaware as the board of directors shall fix for such meeting.
Adjourned meetings of the stockholders shall be held at such places and at such
times as the board of directors shall fix. Special meetings of the stockholders,
and adjourned special meetings of the stockholders, shall be held at such places
within or without the State of Delaware and such time as the board of directors
shall fix.

                                    ARTICLE V

                        Notice of Stockholders' Meetings

        Except as may be otherwise required by law, by the certificate of
incorporation or by other provisions of these by-laws, and subject to the
provisions of Article XXII, a written notice of each meeting of stockholders,
stating the place, day and hour thereof and the purposes for which the meeting
is called, shall be given, at least ten days before the meeting, to each
stockholder entitled to vote thereat, by leaving such notice with him or at his
residence or usual place of business, or by mailing it, postage prepaid,
addressed to such stockholder at his address as it appears upon the books of the
corporation. Such notice shall be given by the secretary, or in case of the
death, absence, incapacity or refusal of the secretary, by some other officer or
by a person designated by the board of directors.

                                   ARTICLE VI

                        Quorum and Action of Stockholders

        Any action required or permitted to be taken by the stockholders of the
corporation must be effected at a duly called annual or special meeting of such
holders and may not be effected by any consent in writing by such holders.

        At any meeting of the stockholders, a quorum for the election of
directors or for the consideration of any question shall consist of a majority
of the stock issued and outstanding; except in any case where a larger quorum is
required by law, by the certificate of incorporation or by these by-laws. Stock
owned by the corporation, if any, shall not be deemed outstanding for this
purpose. In any case any meeting may be adjourned from time to time by a
majority of the votes properly cast upon the question, whether or not a quorum
is present, and the meeting may be held as adjourned without further notice.

        When a quorum for the election of any director is present at any
meeting, a plurality of the votes properly cast for election to such office
shall elect to such office. When a quorum for the consideration of a question is
present at any meeting, a majority of the votes properly cast 


                                       3



   4

upon the question shall decide the question; except in any case where a larger
vote is required by law, by the certificate of incorporation or by these
by-laws.

                                   ARTICLE VII

                               Proxies and Voting

        Except as otherwise provided in the certificate of incorporation, and
subject to the provisions of Article XXV, each stockholder shall at every
meeting of the stockholders be entitled to one vote in person or by proxy for
each share of the capital stock held by such stockholder, but no proxy shall be
voted on after three years from its date, unless the proxy provides for a longer
period; and except where the transfer books of the corporation shall have been
closed or a date shall have been fixed as a record date for the determination of
the stockholders entitled to vote, as provided in Article XXV, no share of stock
shall be voted on at any election for directors which has been transferred on
the books of the corporation within twenty days next preceding such election of
directors. Shares of the capital stock of the corporation belonging to the
corporation shall not be voted upon directly or indirectly.

        Persons holding stock in a fiduciary capacity shall be entitled to vote
the shares so held, or to give any consent permitted by law, and persons whose
stock is pledged shall be entitled to vote, or to give any consent permitted by
law, unless in the transfer by the pledgor on the books of the corporation he
shall have expressly empowered the pledgee to vote thereon, in which case only
the pledgee or his proxy may represent said stock and vote thereon or give any
such consent.

        The secretary shall prepare and make, at least ten days before every
election of directors, a complete list of the stockholders entitled to vote at
said election, arranged in alphabetical order, and showing the address of each
stockholder and the number of shares registered in the name of each stockholder.
Such list shall be open to the examination of any stockholder during ordinary
business hours, at the place where said election is to be held, for said ten
days, and shall be produced and kept at the time and place of election during
the whole time thereof, and subject to the inspection of any stockholder who may
be present. The original or duplicate stock ledger shall be the only evidence as
to who are stockholders entitled to examine such list or to vote in person or by
proxy at such election.

                                  ARTICLE VIII

                                     OMITTED

                                   ARTICLE IX

                               Board of Directors

        The whole board of directors shall consist of not less than three nor
more than fifteen directors. Within such limits the whole number of directors
shall be fixed from time to time, subject to the provisions of Article XXI
hereof, by action of the board of directors.

        Except as otherwise fixed pursuant to the provisions of Article FOURTH
of the certificate of incorporation relating to the rights of the holders of any
class or series of stock 

                                       4



   5

having a preference over the Common Stock as to dividends or upon liquidation to
elect additional directors under specified circumstances, the number of
directors of the corporation shall be fixed from time to time by or pursuant to
these by-laws. The directors, other than those who may be elected by the holders
of any class or series of stock having preference over the Common Stock as to
dividends or upon liquidation, shall be classified, with respect to the time for
which they severally hold office, into three classes, designated Class I, Class
II and Class III, as nearly equal in number as possible, with the term of office
of one Class expiring each year. At the annual meeting of stockholders in 1985,
directors of Class I shall be elected to hold office for a term expiring at the
next succeeding annual meeting, directors of Class II shall be elected to hold
office for a term expiring at the second succeeding annual meeting and directors
of Class III shall be elected to hold office for a term expiring at the third
succeeding annual meeting, with the members of each Class to hold office until
their successors are elected and qualified. At each subsequent annual meeting of
the stockholders of the Corporation, the successors to the Class of directors
whose term expires at such meeting shall be elected to hold office for a term
expiring at the annual meeting of stockholders held in the third year following
the year of their election.

        References in these by-laws to the whole board of directors mean the
whole number fixed as herein or in the certificate of incorporation provided,
irrespective of the number at the time in office.

        Each newly created directorship resulting from any increase in the
number of directors may be filled only as provided in Article XXI for the
filling of a vacancy in the office of a director.

        No director need be a stockholder.

                                    ARTICLE X

                        Powers of the Board of Directors

        The board of directors shall have and may exercise all the powers of the
corporation; except such as are conferred upon the stockholders by law, by the
certificate of incorporation or by these by-laws.

                                   ARTICLE XI

                                   Committees

        The board of directors may at any time and from time to time, by
resolution adopted by a majority of the whole board, designate, change the
membership of or terminate the existence of any committee or committees,
including if desired any executive committee, each committee to consist of two
or more of the directors of the corporation. Each such committee shall have such
name as may be determined from time to time by resolution adopted by a majority
of the whole board of directors and shall have and may exercise such powers of
the board of directors in the management of the business and affairs of the
corporation, including power to authorize the seal of the corporation to be
affixed to all papers which may require it, as may be determined from time to
time by resolution adopted by a majority of the whole board. All minutes of
proceedings of committees shall be available to the board of directors on its
request.


                                       5




   6

        In the absence or disqualification of any member of such committee or
committees the member or members thereof present at any meeting and not
disqualified from voting, whether or not he or they constitute a quorum, may
unanimously appoint another member of the board of directors to act at the
meeting in place of such absent or disqualified member.

                                   ARTICLE XII

                       Meetings of the Board of Directors

        Regular meetings of the board of directors may be held without call or
formal notice at such places either within or without the State of Delaware and
at such times as the board may from time to time determine. A regular meeting of
the board of directors may be held without call or formal notice immediately
after and at the same place as the annual meeting of the stockholders.

        Special meetings of the board of directors may be held at any time and
at any place either within or without the State of Delaware when called by the
chairman of the board (if any), the president, the treasurer or two or more
directors, reasonable notice thereof being given to each director by the
secretary, or in the case of the death, absence, incapacity or refusal of the
secretary, by the officer or directors calling the meeting, or without call or
formal notice if each director then in office is either present or waives notice
as provided in Article XXII. In any case it shall be deemed sufficient notice to
a director to send notice by mail at least forty-eight hours or by telegram at
least twenty-four hours before the meeting addressed to him at his usual or last
known business or residence address or to give notice to him in person either by
telephone or by handing him a written notice at least twenty-four hours before
the meeting.

                                  ARTICLE XIII

                         Quorum and Action of Directors

        At any meeting of the board of directors, except in any case where a
larger quorum or the vote of a larger number of directors is required by law, by
the certificate of incorporation or by these by-laws, a quorum for any election
or for the consideration of any question shall consist of a majority of the
directors then in office, but in any case not less than two directors; but any
meeting may be adjourned from time to time by a majority of the votes cast upon
the question, whether or not a quorum is present, and the meeting may be held as
adjourned without further notice. When a quorum is present at any meeting, the
votes of a majority of the directors present and voting shall be requisite and
sufficient for election to any office, and a majority of the directors present
and voting shall decide any question brought before such meeting, except in any
case where a larger vote is required by law, by the certificate of incorporation
or by these by-laws.

                                   ARTICLE XIV

                       Consent by Directors or Committees

        To the extent permitted by law, whenever a vote or resolution at a
meeting of the board of directors or of any committee thereof is required or
permitted to be taken in connection with any corporate action by any provision
of law or of the certificate of incorporation or of these by-laws, 




                                       6


   7

such meeting and such vote or resolution may be dispensed with and such
corporate action may be taken without such meeting, vote or resolution, if a
written consent to such corporate action is signed by all members of the board
or of such committee, as the case may be, and such written consent is filed with
the minutes of the proceedings of the board or of such committee.

                                   ARTICLE XV

                       Chairman of the Board of Directors

        A chairman of the board may be elected annually from among the directors
by the board of directors at its first meeting following the annual meeting of
the stockholders and shall serve until the first meeting of the board of
directors following the next annual meeting of the stockholders and until his
successor is elected, or until he dies, resigns, is removed or replaced or
becomes disqualified.

        The chairman of the board (if any) shall preside at all meetings of the
stockholders and of the board of directors at which he is present, except that
if there is no chairman or in the absence of the chairman, or at the request of
the chairman, the president shall preside. The chairman (if any) shall have such
other duties and powers as may be designated from time to time by the board of
directors.

                                   ARTICLE XVI

                               Officers and Agents

        The officers of the corporation shall be a president, a treasurer, a
secretary, and such other officers, if any, as the board of directors may in its
discretion elect. The board of directors may delegate to the chief executive
officer the authority to appoint assistant vice presidents, assistant
treasurers, assistant secretaries and such agents, if any, as he may in his
discretion determine to appoint. So far as is permitted by law any two or more
offices may be held by the same person. The chief executive officer may appoint
such officers of the divisions of the corporation as he in his discretion shall
determine, the officers of divisions not being officers of the corporation.
Officers of the divisions may also be appointed officers of the corporation by
the board of directors or by the chief executive officer as above provided.

        Subject to law, to the certificate of incorporation and to the other
provisions of these by-laws, each officer elected by the board of directors or
appointed by the chief executive officer shall have, in addition to the duties
and powers herein set forth, such duties and powers as are commonly incident to
his office and such duties and powers as the board of directors or the chief
executive officer may from time to time designate.

        Officers elected by the board of directors shall be elected annually at
its first meeting following the annual meeting of the stockholders. Officers
appointed by the chief executive officer shall be appointed annually by the
chief executive officer on the day of the annual meeting of the stockholders.
Additional officers may be elected by the board of directors or appointed by the
chief executive officer at any time.

        Each officer elected by the board of directors shall hold office until
the first meeting of the board of directors following the next annual meeting of
the stockholders and until his successor is elected or appointed and qualified,
or until he sooner dies, resigns, is removed or 



                                       7


   8

replaced or becomes disqualified. Each officer and agent appointed by the chief
executive officer shall retain his authority at the pleasure of the chief
executive officer.

                                  ARTICLE XVII

                                    President

        The president shall be the chief executive officer of the corporation
with ultimate responsibility for the corporation's planning and operations, both
financial and operational subject to the policies and direction of the board of
directors.

                                  ARTICLE XVIII

                             Chief Financial Officer

        The chief financial officer is responsible for execution of all
financial policies, plans, procedures and controls of the corporation, and the
maintenance of books and records with respect thereto, including accounting and
treasury functions, internal audit, budgets, borrowings, securities offerings,
investments, tax reporting and financial reporting all subject to the control of
the board of directors and the president. The chief financial officer shall have
such other duties and powers as may be designated from time to time by the board
of directors and the president.

                                   ARTICLE XIX

                             Secretary and Treasurer

        The secretary shall record all the proceedings of the meetings of the
stockholders and the board of directors, in a book or books to be kept for that
purpose, and in his absence from any such meeting a temporary secretary shall be
chosen who shall record the proceedings thereof.

        The secretary shall have charge of the stock ledger (which may, however,
be kept by any transfer agent or agents of the corporation), an original or
duplicate of which shall at all times during the usual hours for business be
open to the examination of every stockholder at the principal office of the
corporation. The secretary shall have such other duties and powers as may be
designated from time to time by the board of directors or by the chief executive
officer.

        The treasurer shall be in charge of the funds and valuable papers of the
corporation and shall have such other duties and powers as may be designated
from time to time by the board of directors, by the chief executive officer or
by the chief financial officer.

                                   ARTICLE XX

                            Resignations and Removals

        Any director or officer may resign at any time by delivering his
resignation in writing to the president or the secretary or to a meeting of the
board of directors, and such resignation shall take effect at the time stated
therein, or if no time be so stated then upon its delivery, and without the
necessity of its being accepted unless the resignation shall so state. Except as
otherwise fixed 


                                       8



   9

pursuant to the provisions of Article FOURTH of the certificate of incorporation
relating to the rights of the holders of any class or series of stock having a
preference over the Common Stock as to dividends or upon liquidation to elect
directors under specified circumstances, any director may be removed from
office, without cause, only by the affirmative vote of the holders of 66 2/3% of
the combined voting power of the then outstanding shares of stock entitled to
vote generally in the election of directors, voting together as a single class.
The board of directors may at any time, by vote of a majority of the directors
present and voting, terminate or modify the authority of any agent.

                                   ARTICLE XXI

                                    Vacancies

        Except as otherwise fixed pursuant to the provisions of Article FOURTH
of the certificate of incorporation relating to the rights of the holders of any
class or series of stock having a preference over the Common Stock as to
dividends or upon liquidation to elect directors under specified circumstances,
newly created directorships resulting from any increase in the number of
directors and any vacancies on the board of directors resulting from death,
resignation, disqualification, removal or other cause shall be filled solely by
the affirmative vote of a majority of the remaining directors then in office,
even though less than a quorum of the board of directors, or by a sole remaining
director. Any director elected in accordance with the preceding sentence shall
hold office for the remainder of the full term of the Class of directors in
which the new directorship was created or the vacancy occurred and until such
director's successor shall have been elected and qualified. No decrease in the
number of directors constituting the board of directors shall shorten the term
of any incumbent director. If the office of any officer becomes vacant, by
reason of death, resignation, removal or disqualification, a successor may be
elected or appointed by the board of directors by vote of a majority of the
directors present and voting. Each such successor officer shall hold office for
the unexpired term, and until his successor shall be elected or appointed and
qualified, or until he sooner dies, resigns, is removed or replaced or becomes
disqualified. The board of directors shall have and may exercise all its powers
notwithstanding the existence of one or more vacancies in the whole board,
subject to any requirements of law or of the certificate of incorporation or of
these by-laws as to the number of directors required for a quorum or for any
vote, resolution or other action.

                                  ARTICLE XXII

                                Waiver of Notice

        Whenever any notice is required to be given by law or under the
provisions of the certificate of incorporation or of these by-laws, a waiver
thereof in writing, signed by the person or persons entitled to such notice,
whether before or after the time stated therein or otherwise fixed for the
meeting or other event for which notice is waived, shall be deemed equivalent to
such notice.

                                  ARTICLE XXIII

                              Certificates of Stock


                                       9




   10

        Every holder of stock in the corporation shall be entitled to have a
certificate, signed by, or in the name of the corporation by, the president or a
vice president and by the treasurer or an assistant treasurer or the secretary
or an assistant secretary of the corporation, certifying the number of shares
owned by him in the corporation; provided, however, that where such certificate
is signed (1) by a transfer agent or an assistant transfer agent or (2) by a
transfer clerk acting on behalf of the corporation and a registrar, the
signature of the president, vice president, treasurer, assistant treasurer,
secretary or assistant secretary may be facsimile. In case any officer or
officers who shall have signed or whose facsimile signature or signatures shall
have been used on, any such certificate or certificates shall cease to be such
officer or officers of the corporation, whether because of death, resignation or
otherwise, before such certificate or certificates shall have been delivered by
the corporation, such certificate or certificates may nevertheless be adopted by
the corporation and be issued and delivered as though the person or persons who
signed such certificate or certificates or whose facsimile signature or
signatures have been used thereon had not ceased to be such officer or officers
of the corporation, and any such issue and delivery shall be regarded as an
adoption by the corporation of such certificate or certificates. Certificates of
stock shall be in such form as shall, in conformity to law, be prescribed from
time to time by the board of directors.

                                  ARTICLE XXIV

                           Transfer of Shares of Stock

        Subject to applicable restrictions upon transfer, if any, title to a
certificate of stock and to the shares represented thereby shall be transferred
only by delivery of the certificate properly endorsed, or by delivery of the
certificate accompanied by a written assignment of the same, or a written power
of attorney to sell, assign or transfer the same or the shares represented
thereby, properly executed; but the person registered on the books of the
corporation as the owner of shares shall have the exclusive right to receive the
dividends thereon and, except as provided in Article VII with respect to stock
which has been pledged, to vote thereon as such owner or to give any consent
permitted by law, and shall be held liable for such calls and assessments, if
any, as may lawfully be made thereon, and except only as may be required by law,
may in all respects be treated by the corporation as the exclusive owner
thereof. It shall be the duty of each stockholder to notify the corporation of
his post office address.

                                   ARTICLE XXV

                           Transfer Books; Record Date

        The board of directors shall have power to close the stock transfer
books of the corporation for a period not exceeding fifty days preceding the
date of any meeting of stockholders or the date for payment of any dividend or
the date for the allotment of rights or the date when any change or conversion
or exchange of capital stock shall go into effect or for a period of not
exceeding fifty days in connection with obtaining the consent of stockholders
for any purpose; provided, however, that in lieu of closing the stock transfer
books as aforesaid, the board of directors may fix in advance a date, not
exceeding fifty days preceding the date of any meeting of stockholders, or any
other of the above mentioned events, or a date in connection with obtaining such
consent, as a record date for the determination of the stockholders entitled to
notice of, and to vote at, any such meeting and any adjournment thereof, or
entitled to receive payment of any such dividend, or to any such allotment of
rights, or to exercise the rights in respect of any such change, conversion or
exchange of capital stock, or to give such consent, and 


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in such case such stockholders and only such stockholders as shall be
stockholders of record on the date so fixed shall be entitled to such notice of,
and to vote at, such meeting and any adjournment thereof, or to receive payment
of such dividend, or to receive such allotment of rights, or to exercise such
rights, or to give such consent, as the case may be, notwithstanding any
transfer of any stock on the books of the corporation after any such record date
fixed as aforesaid.

                                  ARTICLE XXVI

                              Loss of Certificates

        In the case of the alleged loss or destruction or the mutilation of a
certificate of stock, a duplicate certificate may be issued in place thereof,
upon such terms in conformity with law as the board of directors may prescribe.

                                  ARTICLE XXVII

                                      Seal

        The corporate seal of the corporation shall, subject to alteration by
the board of directors, consist of a flat-faced circular die with the word
"Delaware", together with the name of the corporation and the year of its
organization, cut or engraved thereon. The corporate seal of the corporation may
be used by causing it or a facsimile thereof to be impressed or affixed or
reproduced or otherwise.

                                 ARTICLE XXVIII

                               Execution of Papers

        Except as the board of directors may generally or in particular cases
authorize the execution thereof in some other manner, all deeds, leases,
transfers, contracts, bonds, notes, checks, drafts and other obligations made,
accepted or endorsed by the corporation shall be signed by the president or by
one of the vice presidents or by the treasurer.

                                  ARTICLE XXIX

                                   Fiscal Year

        Except as from time to time otherwise provided by the board of
directors, the fiscal year of the corporation shall terminate on the last
Saturday in January of each year.

                                   ARTICLE XXX

                                   Amendments

        The board of directors and the stockholders shall each have the power to
adopt, alter, amend and repeal these by-laws; and any by-laws adopted by the
directors or the stockholders 


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under the powers conferred hereby may be altered, amended or repealed by the
directors or by the stockholders; provided, however, that these by-laws shall
not be altered, amended or repealed by action of the stockholders, and no by-law
shall be adopted by action of the stockholders, without the affirmative vote of
the holders of at least 66 2/3% of the voting power of all the shares of the
corporation entitled to vote generally in the election of directors, voting
together as a single class.






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5 THIS SCHEDULE CONTAINS SUMMARY FINANCIAL INFORMATION EXTRACTED FROM THE STATEMENTS OF INCOME AND BALANCE SHEETS AND IS QUALIFIED IN ITS ENTIRETY BY REFERENCE TO SUCH FINANCIAL STATEMENTS. 6-MOS JAN-30-1999 AUG-01-1998 58,017,000 0 81,493,000 0 1,469,956,000 1,673,093,000 1,291,538,000 576,215,000 2,612,488,000 1,267,021,000 220,642,000 63,260,000 0 314,772,000 745,841,000 2,612,488,000 3,640,083,000 3,640,083,000 2,748,751,000 2,748,751,000 603,167,000 0 1,383,000 286,782,000 114,139,000 172,643,000 0 0 0 172,643,000 .53 .51