Bristol department store celebrates 30th anniversary

This year marks three decades since the off-price retailer opened their first international store.

TK Maxx, a subsidiary of the American apparel and home goods company TJX Companies, opened its first-ever UK and international store in The Galleries Shopping Centre in Bristol in 1994.

The store revolutionised the way Britons shopped and since offers a unique treasure hunt shopping experience, and customers continue to enjoy the huge assortment of big brands and designer labels at up to 60% less than the recommended retail price (RRP).

In 2019, the Bristol store relocated to a larger site in the Bristol Shopping Quarter and now employs over 60 associates, one of whom has been there since the opening day in 1994.

Since its expansion to the UK, 358 stores have opened across the UK and 644 in Ireland, Germany, Poland, Austria and The Netherlands.

Deborah Dolce, Group Director at TK Maxx, who has been at the company for 30 years herself, said, “Reflecting on TK Maxx's 30th anniversary, it's brilliant to see how our dedication to unrivalled value and quality has truly shaped our journey.

"From our roots in The Galleries Shopping Centre to our expansion to more than 700 stores across Europe, our commitment to providing customers with an unbeatable treasure hunt shopping experience has remained at the heart of who we are. 

"Alongside our success, we are proud to have been active over the years in many charity and community endeavours, from our Cancer Research UK clothing recycling scheme to our Comic Relief partnership to supporting hundreds of local community organisations. 

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"Our growth wouldn't have been possible without the passion and dedication of our staff, as well as the loyalty and support of our customers over the past three decades, for which we are truly grateful. 

"Thank you to everyone. As we look ahead, we're excited to continue delighting our customers with amazing finds at unbeatable prices for many years to come." 

Karen Green, a Bristol store associate who joined the first UK TK Maxx team in 1994, is one of a number of staff in the business who have been with the company since it launched in the UK 30 years ago.

She said: “It’s an amazing achievement to reach thirty years with TK Maxx, and I still love my job just as much as I did when I first started. Shopping has changed over the years, and a lot of shops have come and gone in Bristol, but TK Maxx has always remained popular in the city and it's the customers that really make my job worthwhile”.