TJX Closing AJ Wright Stores, Thousands Laid Off

FRAMINGHAM, Mass. (AP) – TJX Cos. says it is shuttering its A.J. Wright discount stores, cutting 4,400 jobs and converting the stores to other brands such as T.J. Maxx.

Ninety one stores will be converted into T.J. Maxx, Marshalls or HomeGoods stores and 71 will be closed along with two distribution centers. About 4,400 jobs will be cut and 3,400 staffers will remain employed at the converted stores.

TJX said the move allows the company, based in Framingham, Mass., to focus on its more profitable businesses.

All 162 A.J. Wright stores will close by mid-February. And 91 will reopen under a different name after eight weeks.

The move will cost $150 million to $170 million to close the stores and $12 million to $15 million to convert the 91 stores that will reopen.

Copyright 2010 by The Associated Press.  All Rights Reserved.

Locally, there are 2 AJ Wrights in Rhode island (Cranston, East Providence), and 23 stores in Massachusetts, including Fall River, New Bedford and Brockton.