The TJX Companies, Inc. is a leading apparel and home accessories retailer, both in the United States and internationally. The company ranks 87th in the 2023 Fortune 500 list. At the end of fiscal year 2023, TJX had a total of 4,800 stores spread across nine countries and three continents, as well as five proprietary e-commerce platforms.
The group of companies operates:
- TJ Maxx and Marshalls (collectively known as Marmaxx), HomeGoods, Sierra and Homesense and their respective e-commerce platforms in the United States
- Winners, HomeSense and Marshalls (collectively known as TJX Canada) in Canada
- TK Maxx in Germany, Poland, Austria, the Netherlands and Australia (collectively as TJX International)
- TK Maxx and Homesense in the UK and Ireland (TJX International)
- TK Maxx’s e-commerce platform in the UK (TJX International)
To gain an insight into the working world at TJX Europe, FashionUnited spoke to Pietro Gallo. It was about his role in purchasing, the development opportunities in the company and advice for those interested in joining TJX Europe.
Can you tell us a little about yourself, your career path and your time at TJX Europe?
My name is Pietro, I’m 33 years old and I come from Milan, where I also completed my studies in ancient history. In 2014 I moved to London and worked for another trading company for four years. This time ignited my passion for fashion and retail. In 2018 I moved to TJX Europe. The location of TJX Europe’s purchasing office in Milan piqued my interest and led me to apply for the Head Office Graduate position in the UK.
In my free time I am an enthusiastic athlete and sports fan. I also enjoy good food and wine, which is particularly beneficial in my position as a food and wine buyer at TJX Europe – I’m always looking forward to new product samples! Traveling and networking are also among my leisure activities.
What are your responsibilities as a buyer at TJX?
The role of a buyer is extremely versatile; every day brings new challenges. As mentioned, I work in food and wine for TJX Europe. This means that I am constantly on the market, always looking for exciting new products, providers and business opportunities.
I manage and monitor the performance of my current suppliers and base my purchasing decisions on this data.
What does a typical working day look like for you?
A “typical” working day looks different for me every week. I’m usually in the office in Milan on Mondays, where I go over the sales figures with my team. It’s always fascinating to see how our purchases develop! On Tuesdays and Wednesdays I go to the market, meet traders, visit shops and look for new business opportunities. On Thursdays I devote myself to writing orders, and on Fridays I prepare for the coming week.
I also travel through Europe every month to visit our branches and the competition – this is definitely one of my favorite tasks!
What do you particularly enjoy about your work?
Above all, I value the autonomy and trust that I am given at TJX Europe. I really enjoy visiting retailers and discovering (and of course trying!) the latest products directly on the market. Teamwork, not only in the Milan office but also with colleagues from other European offices and our main office in the UK, is another important aspect for me. The special work culture at TJX Europe makes the company an excellent place to work.
In terms of the social component, I made many valuable friendships during my time at TJX Europe, both in the UK and in Milan. When I travel to London, I usually stay with colleagues who have now become close friends.
What qualifications and skills would you recommend for people seeking a similar position?
TJX Europe is open to applications from all disciplines. What is most important is an interest and passion for the specific business area and for retail in general. I myself have a degree in ancient history and particularly emphasized my passion for fashion and retail when applying.
What sets TJX Europe apart from other clothing companies?
TJX Europe sets itself apart from its European competitors with its unique purchasing model – and that’s exactly what makes us so successful! In addition, the company attaches great importance to the personal and professional development of its employees, which is an integral part of the corporate culture.
What type of jobs does TJX Europe offer?
There are a variety of career opportunities at TJX Europe, from corporate headquarters positions to branch jobs to roles in distribution and processing centers. It offers excellent opportunities for professional development and career advancement, as well as the freedom to be authentic. You will be part of a company that values individuality and places great value on a good work-life balance.
Whether you choose an entry-level position or a trainee program, you can be confident that your skills and knowledge will grow in a supportive environment.
Do you have any tips for people interested in working at TJX Europe?
TJX Europe is an excellent employer. My advice: Be open and curious. Find out as much information as you can about the company and program you are interested in. A look at TJX social media, as well as a visit to one of our stores and our e-commerce sites, can give you a complete picture of our product offerings.
What advice would you give to those starting out in this industry?
Be curious and ask lots of questions. Learning from your colleagues is invaluable. At TJX Europe, an open and curious approach encourages collaboration with team members at all levels and allows you to continually expand and improve your skills.