TJX COMPANIES INC /DE/
POS AM, 1996-07-01
VARIETY STORES
Previous: ZALE CORP, 8-K, 1996-07-01
Next: ZURN INDUSTRIES INC, DEF 14A, 1996-07-01



<PAGE>   1
 
   
      AS FILED WITH THE SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION ON JULY 1, 1996
                                                                               
                                                       REGISTRATION NO. 333-5501
================================================================================
                       SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION
                             WASHINGTON, D.C. 20549                            
   
                         POST EFFECTIVE AMENDMENT NO. 1
    
                                       TO
                                   FORM S-3
                            REGISTRATION STATEMENT
                                    UNDER
                          THE SECURITIES ACT OF 1933
                            ---------------------
                           THE TJX COMPANIES, INC.
            (Exact name of registrant as specified in its charter)

               DELAWARE                                     04-2207613
     (State or other jurisdiction                        (I.R.S. Employer
   of incorporation or organization)                  Identification Number)
                             770 COCHITUATE ROAD
                       FRAMINGHAM, MASSACHUSETTS 01701
                                (508) 390-1000
 (Address, including zip code, and telephone number, including area code, of
                  registrant's principal executive offices)
                              DONALD G. CAMPBELL
                     Executive Vice President -- Finance
                           The TJX Companies, Inc.
                             770 Cochituate Road
                       Framingham, Massachusetts 01701
                                (508) 390-1000
 (Name and address, including zip code, and telephone number, including area
                    code, of agent for service of process)
                             ---------------------
                                  COPIES TO:
 
   
<TABLE>
<S>                            <C>                                 <C>
   ARTHUR G. SILER, ESQ.         KIRK A. DAVENPORT, ESQ.            DENNIS S. HERSCH, ESQ.
      ROPES & GRAY                  LATHAM & WATKINS                DAVIS POLK & WARDWELL
  ONE INTERNATIONAL PLACE      885 THIRD AVENUE, SUITE 1000         450 LEXINGTON AVENUE
BOSTON, MASSACHUSETTS 02110        NEW YORK, NY 10022              NEW YORK, NEW YORK 10017
      (617) 951-7000                 (212) 906-1200                    (212) 450-4545
</TABLE>
    
 
     APPROXIMATE DATE OF COMMENCEMENT OF PROPOSED SALE TO THE PUBLIC:  From time
to time after the effective date of this Registration Statement as determined by
market conditions.
     If the only securities being registered on this Form are being offered
pursuant to dividend or interest reinvestment plans, please check the following
box.  / /
     If any of the securities being registered on this form are to be offered on
a delayed or continuous basis pursuant to Rule 415 under the Securities Act of
1933, other than securities offered only in connection with dividend or interest
reinvestment plans, check the following box.  /X/
     If this Registration Statement is filed to register additional securities
for an offering pursuant to Rule 462(b) under the Securities Act, please check
the following box and list the Securities Act registration number of the earlier
effective registration statement for the same offering:  / /
     If this Registration Statement is a post-effective amendment filed pursuant
to Rule 462(c) under the Securities Act, check the following box and list the
Securities Act registration statement number of the earlier effective
registration statement for the same offering.  / /
     If delivery of the prospectus is expected to be made pursuant to Rule 434,
please check the following box:  / /

                             ---------------------

     Pursuant to Rule 429 under the Securities Act of 1933, the Prospectus
included herein contains a combined Prospectus that also relates to a total of
$50,000,000 of debt securities of the Registrant previously registered under
Registration Statement on Form S-3 No. 33-60059 (which was declared effective on
June 13, 1995) and not issued. This Registration Statement constitutes
Post-Effective Amendment No. 1 to Registration Statement on Form S-3 No.
33-60059 pursuant to which the total amount of unsold debt securities previously
registered under Registration Statement on Form S-3 No. 33-60059 may be offered
and sold as Common Stock, Preferred Stock or Debt Securities, without limitation
as to class of securities, together with the securities registered hereunder,
through the use of the combined Prospectus included herein relating to Common
Stock, Preferred Stock and Debt Securities. In the event any of such previously
registered Debt Securities are offered and sold prior to the effective date of
this Registration Statement, the amount of such Debt Securities will not be
included in any Prospectus hereunder.

                             ---------------------

     THE REGISTRANT HEREBY AMENDS THIS REGISTRATION STATEMENT ON SUCH DATE OR
DATES AS MAY BE NECESSARY TO DELAY ITS EFFECTIVE DATE UNTIL THE REGISTRANT SHALL
FILE A FURTHER AMENDMENT WHICH SPECIFICALLY STATES THAT THIS REGISTRATION
STATEMENT SHALL THEREAFTER BECOME EFFECTIVE IN ACCORDANCE WITH SECTION 8(a) OF
THE SECURITIES ACT OF 1933 OR UNTIL THIS REGISTRATION STATEMENT SHALL BECOME
EFFECTIVE ON SUCH DATE AS THE SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION, ACTING
PURSUANT TO SAID SECTION 8(a), MAY DETERMINE.

================================================================================
<PAGE>   2
 
     INFORMATION CONTAINED HEREIN IS SUBJECT TO COMPLETION OR AMENDMENT. A
     REGISTRATION STATEMENT RELATING TO THESE SECURITIES HAS BEEN FILED WITH THE
     SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION. THESE SECURITIES MAY NOT BE SOLD NOR
     MAY OFFERS TO BUY BE ACCEPTED PRIOR TO THE TIME THE REGISTRATION STATEMENT
     BECOMES EFFECTIVE. THIS PROSPECTUS SHALL NOT CONSTITUTE AN OFFER TO SELL OR
     THE SOLICITATION OF AN OFFER TO BUY NOR SHALL THERE BE ANY SALE OF THESE
     SECURITIES IN ANY STATE IN WHICH SUCH OFFER, SOLICITATION OR SALE WOULD BE
     UNLAWFUL PRIOR TO REGISTRATION OR QUALIFICATION UNDER THE SECURITIES LAWS
     OF ANY SUCH STATE.
 
PROSPECTUS (SUBJECT TO COMPLETION,
   
ISSUED JULY 1, 1996)
    
 
                                    [LOGO]
 
                 COMMON STOCK, PREFERRED STOCK, DEBT SECURITIES

                             ---------------------
   
     The TJX Companies, Inc. ("TJX" or the "Company") intends to issue from time
to time in one or more series its (i) shares of common stock, par value $1.00
per share (the "Common Stock"), (ii) shares of preferred stock, par value $1.00
per share (the "Preferred Stock") and (iii) unsecured debt securities (the "Debt
Securities"). The holder (the "Selling Stockholder") of the Company's Series D
Cumulative Convertible Preferred Stock, par value $1.00 per share ("Series D
Preferred Stock"), and the Company's Series E Cumulative Convertible Preferred
Stock, par value $1.00 per share ("Series E Preferred Stock"), may also offer
and sell (i) up to 1,349,528 shares of Common Stock (the "Series D Selling
Stockholder Offered Securities") issued to the Selling Stockholder upon
conversion of such shares of Series D Preferred Stock and (ii) up to 2,267,207
shares of Common Stock (the "Series E Selling Stockholder Offered Securities,"
and, together with the Series D Selling Stockholder Offered Securities, the
"Selling Stockholder Offered Securities") issued to the Selling Stockholder upon
conversion of the Series E Preferred Stock held by the Selling Stockholder. The
Common Stock, Preferred Stock and Debt Securities offered by the Company hereby
(collectively, the "Company Offered Securities") will have an aggregate initial
public offering price not to exceed $600,000,000 or the equivalent thereof in
one or more foreign currencies or composite currencies, on terms to be
determined at the time of sale. The Company Offered Securities may be offered,
separately or as units with other Offered Securities, in separate series in
amounts, at prices and on terms to be determined at the time of sale and to be
set forth in a supplement to this Prospectus (a "Prospectus Supplement"). The
Selling Stockholder Offered Securities may be offered in amounts, at prices and
on terms to be determined at the time of sale and to be set forth in a
Prospectus Statement.
    
 
     The Debt Securities will rank equally with all other unsubordinated and
unsecured indebtedness of the Company. See "Description of Debt Securities."
 
     The specific terms of the Company Offered Securities and the Selling
Stockholder Offered Securities (collectively, the "Offered Securities") in
respect of which this Prospectus is being delivered, such as, where applicable,
(i) in the case of Common Stock, the public offering price; (ii) in the case of
Preferred Stock, the specific title and stated value, number of shares or
fractional interests therein, and the dividend, liquidation, redemption,
conversion, voting and other rights and the initial public offering price; (iii)
in the case of Debt Securities, the specific designation, aggregate principal
amount, currency, denomination, maturity, priority, interest rate (which may be
variable or fixed), time of payment of interest, terms for optional redemption
or repayment or for sinking fund payments, terms for conversion into or exchange
for other Offered Securities or other securities of the Company, the designation
of the Trustee acting under the applicable Indenture and the initial public
offering price; and (iv) in the case of all Company Offered Securities, whether
such Offered Security will be offered separately or as a unit with other Offered
Securities, will be set forth in the accompanying Prospectus Supplement. The
Prospectus Supplement will also contain information, where applicable, about
certain United States Federal income tax considerations relating to, and any
listing on a securities exchange of, the Offered Securities covered by the
Prospectus Supplement.
 
     The Offered Securities may be sold for public offering to underwriters or
dealers, which may be a group of underwriters represented by one or more
managing underwriters. In addition, the Offered Securities may be sold directly
by the Company or the Selling Stockholder or through agents designated from time
to time. See "Plan of Distribution." The names of any such agents, dealers or
managing underwriters, and of any underwriters, involved in the sale of the
Offered Securities in respect of which this Prospectus is being delivered and
the applicable agent's commission, dealer's purchase price or underwriter's
discount will be set forth in the Prospectus Supplement. The net proceeds to the
Company from such sale will also be set forth in the Prospectus Supplement. Any
underwriters, dealers or agents participating in the offering of Offered
Securities may be deemed "underwriters" within the meaning of the Securities Act
of 1933, as amended (the "Securities Act"). The Company will not receive any of
the proceeds from any sale of Selling Stockholder Offered Securities by the
Selling Stockholder. See "Selling Stockholder."

                             ---------------------

  THIS PROSPECTUS MAY NOT BE USED TO CONSUMMATE SALES OF OFFERED SECURITIES
   UNLESS ACCOMPANIED BY A PROSPECTUS SUPPLEMENT. THE DEBT SECURITIES WILL
    BE UNSECURED OBLIGATIONS OF THE COMPANY, WILL NOT BE OBLIGATIONS OF A
    DEPOSITORY INSTITUTION AND WILL NOT BE INSURED BY THE FEDERAL DEPOSIT
           INSURANCE CORPORATION OR ANY OTHER GOVERNMENTAL AGENCY.

                             ---------------------

 THESE SECURITIES HAVE NOT BEEN APPROVED OR DISAPPROVED BY THE SECURITIES AND
      EXCHANGE COMMISSION OR ANY STATE SECURITIES COMMISSION NOR HAS THE
    SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION OR ANY STATES SECURITIES COMMISSION
         PASSED UPON THE ACCURACY OR ADEQUACY OF THIS PROSPECTUS. ANY
            REPRESENTATION TO THE CONTRARY IS A CRIMINAL OFFENSE.

                             ---------------------

        THE DATE OF THIS PROSPECTUS IS                          , 1996.
<PAGE>   3
 
     No person is authorized in connection with any offering made hereby to give
any information or to make any representation not contained or incorporated by
reference in this Prospectus, and any information or representation not
contained or incorporated herein must not be relied upon as having been
authorized by the Company or the Underwriters. This Prospectus does not
constitute an offer to sell or the solicitation of an offer to buy any security
other than the securities covered by this Prospectus, nor does it constitute an
offer or solicitation by any person in any jurisdiction in which it is unlawful
for such person to make such an offer or solicitation. Neither the delivery of
this Prospectus at any time nor any sale made hereunder shall under any
circumstance imply that the information herein is correct as of any date
subsequent to the date hereof.
                            ------------------------
 
                               TABLE OF CONTENTS

                                        PAGE
                                        ----
Incorporation of Certain Documents by
  Reference...........................    3
Available Information.................    3
The Company...........................    4
Use of Proceeds.......................    4
Consolidated Ratio of Earnings to
  Fixed Charges and of Earnings to
  Combined Fixed Charges and Preferred
  Stock Dividends.....................    4
Selling Stockholder...................    5
Description of Capital Stock..........    6
Description of Debt Securities........   21
Plan of Distribution..................   31
Legal Opinions........................   32
Experts...............................   32
 
                            ------------------------
 
     IN CONNECTION WITH ANY OFFERING OF SECURITIES HEREUNDER AT FIXED PRICES,
THE UNDERWRITERS MAY OVER-ALLOT OR EFFECT TRANSACTIONS WHICH STABILIZE OR
MAINTAIN THE MARKET PRICE OF THE SHARES OF COMMON STOCK, PREFERRED STOCK AND/OR
DEBT SECURITIES OF THE COMPANY AT LEVELS ABOVE THOSE WHICH MIGHT OTHERWISE
PREVAIL IN THE OPEN MARKET. SUCH TRANSACTIONS MAY BE EFFECTED ON THE NEW YORK
STOCK EXCHANGE, IN THE OVER-THE-COUNTER MARKET OR OTHERWISE. SUCH STABILIZING,
IF COMMENCED, MAY BE DISCONTINUED AT ANY TIME.
 
                                        2
<PAGE>   4
 
                INCORPORATION OF CERTAIN DOCUMENTS BY REFERENCE
 
     The following documents previously or simultaneously filed with the
Securities and Exchange Commission (the "Commission") (File No. 1-4908) are
incorporated herein by reference:
 
          (a) The Company's Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended
     January 27, 1996;
 
          (b) The Company's Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the thirteen weeks
     ended April 27, 1996;
 
          (c) The Company's Current Report on Form 8-K dated May 24, 1996 (filed
     June 5, 1996);
 
          (d) The Company's Current Report on Form 8-K dated June 18, 1996
     (filed June 20, 1996).
 
          (e) The Company's Amendment No. 4 on Form 8-A/A dated June 3, 1996 to
     the Company's Registration Statement on Form 8-A in respect of the Common
     Stock, including without limitation the description of the Common Stock set
     forth therein; and
 
          (f) The consolidated financial statements of Marshalls of Roseville,
     Minn., Inc. and the unaudited pro forma condensed consolidated financial
     statements of the Company set forth in the Company's Amendment No. 1 on
     Form 8-K/A dated November 17, 1995 (filed January 31, 1996).
 
     All documents filed by the Company pursuant to Section 13(a), 13(c), 14 or
15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended (the "Exchange Act")
after the date of this Prospectus and prior to the termination of the offering
made hereby shall be incorporated by reference into this Prospectus and shall be
deemed to be a part of this Prospectus from the date of filing of such
documents. See "Available Information." Any statement contained in a document
incorporated by reference herein shall be deemed to be modified or superseded to
the extent that a statement contained in this Prospectus or in the accompanying
Prospectus Supplement, or in any other subsequently filed incorporated document,
modifies or supersedes such statement. The Company will provide, upon written or
oral request, without charge, to each person to whom a copy of this Prospectus
has been delivered, a copy of any or all of the documents which have been or may
be incorporated in this Prospectus by reference, other than certain exhibits to
such documents. Requests for such copies should be directed to: The TJX
Companies, Inc., 770 Cochituate Road, Framingham, Massachusetts 01701 (telephone
(508) 390-1000), Attention: Sherry Lang, Manager of Investor Relations.
 
                             AVAILABLE INFORMATION
 
     The Company is subject to the informational requirements of the Exchange
Act, and, in accordance therewith, files periodic reports, proxy materials and
other information with the Commission. Such reports, proxy materials and other
information filed by the Company can be inspected and copied at the public
reference facilities maintained by the Commission at Judiciary Plaza, 450 Fifth
Street, N.W., Room 1024, Washington, D.C. 20549, and at the Commission's
regional offices at 7 World Trade Center, 13th Floor, New York, New York 10048,
and 500 West Madison Street, Suite 1400, Chicago, Illinois 60661-2511. Copies of
such material can be obtained from the Public Reference Section of the
Commission at 450 Fifth Street, N.W., Washington, D.C. 20549, at prescribed
rates. The Commission maintains a Web site that contains reports, proxy and
information statements and other information regarding the Company; the address
of such site is http://www.sec.gov. In addition, similar information concerning
the Company can be inspected at the NYSE, 20 Broad Street, New York, New York
10005.
 
     This Prospectus constitutes a part of a Registration Statement on Form S-3
(together with all amendments and exhibits thereto, the "Registration
Statement") filed by the Company with the Commission under the Securities Act of
1933, as amended (the "Securities Act"), with respect to the securities offered
hereby. This Prospectus does not contain all the information included in the
Registration Statement, certain parts of which are omitted in accordance with
the rules and regulations of the Commission. Reference is made to such
Registration Statement and to the exhibits thereto for further information with
respect to the Company and the Offered Securities.
 
                                        3
<PAGE>   5
 
                                  THE COMPANY
 
     The TJX Companies, Inc. is the largest off-price family apparel retailer in
North America. The Company operates T.J. Maxx stores, the recently acquired
Marshalls chain, and Winners Apparel Ltd., a Canadian off-price family apparel
chain. The Company is also developing HomeGoods, a U.S. off-price home fashion
chain, and T.K. Maxx, an off-price family apparel concept in the United Kingdom.
The Company also has operated the Chadwick's of Boston off-price women's fashion
catalog. The Company's mission is to consistently deliver value to its customers
by providing rapidly changing assortments of brand-name merchandise at prices
substantially below department and specialty store regular prices. Net sales of
the Company for the fiscal year ended January 27, 1996 were $4.4 billion,
including Marshalls sales since its acquisition by TJX in November 1995. The
Company's combined T.J. Maxx and Marshalls division represents the substantial
majority of the Company's sales volume.
 
     On May 24, 1996, the Company's subsidiary Chadwick's of Boston, Ltd. filed
with the Commission a Registration Statement (File No. 333-4427) related to the
sale by the Company in an underwritten public offering of up to 9,260,000 shares
(or approximately 61%), excluding 1,389,000 shares (or approximately 9%) subject
to an underwriters' overallotment option, of the common stock of Chadwick's,
which operates the Chadwick's of Boston fashion catalog.
 
                                USE OF PROCEEDS
 
     Unless otherwise indicated in the Prospectus Supplement relating thereto,
the net proceeds from the sale of the Company Offered Securities by the Company
will be added to the Company's general funds and used for the repayment of debt,
the redemption or repurchase of Preferred Stock, or other general corporate
purposes. None of the proceeds from the sale of Selling Stockholder Offered
Securities by the Selling Stockholder will be received by the Company.

<TABLE>
             CONSOLIDATED RATIO OF EARNINGS TO FIXED CHARGES AND OF
        EARNINGS TO COMBINED FIXED CHARGES AND PREFERRED STOCK DIVIDENDS
 
     The following are the consolidated ratio of earnings to fixed charges and
the consolidated ratio of earnings to combined fixed charges and preferred stock
dividends of the Company for each of the periods indicated. The following ratios
reflect the Company's Hit or Miss division, which was sold on September 30,
1995, as a discontinued operation. On November 17, 1995 the Company acquired
Marshalls. The Company has included the results of Marshalls in its consolidated
results commencing November 18, 1995. Accordingly, the following ratios include
the historical results of Marshalls only from and after November 18, 1995. These
ratios should be considered in conjunction with the consolidated financial
statements, related notes and other financial information incorporated by
reference herein.
 
<CAPTION>
                                                     FISCAL YEAR ENDED                           THIRTEEN WEEKS ENDED
                              ---------------------------------------------------------------   -----------------------
                              JANUARY 25,  JANUARY 30,  JANUARY 29,  JANUARY 28,  JANUARY 27,   APRIL 29,     APRIL 27,
                                 1992         1993         1994         1995         1996         1995          1996
                              -----------  -----------  -----------  -----------  -----------   ---------     ---------
<S>                               <C>          <C>          <C>          <C>          <C>          <C>           <C>
Ratio of earnings to fixed
  charges(1).................     3.79x        4.04x        4.42x        2.92x        1.94x        1.65x         2.14x

Ratio of earnings to combined
  fixed charges and preferred
  stock dividends(1).........     3.79x        3.65x        3.69x        2.52x        1.70x        1.47x         1.83x

<FN> 
- ---------------
(1) For purposes of computing the ratio of earnings to fixed charges and the
    ratio of earnings to combined fixed charges and preferred stock dividends,
    "earnings" represent income from continuing operations, provision for taxes,
    interest expense and the interest portion of rentals. "Fixed charges"
    represents interest expense, capitalized interest, and a portion of rentals,
    which is considered representative of the interest factor. "Preferred stock
    dividends" represent the preferred stock dividend requirements increased to
    an amount representing the pre-tax earnings that would be required to cover
    such dividend requirements.

</TABLE>
 
                                        4
<PAGE>   6
 
                              SELLING STOCKHOLDER
 
   
     All of the shares of Common Stock (if any) issued upon conversion of the
shares of Series D Preferred Stock (the "Series D Conversion Shares") and/or
upon conversion of the shares of Series E Preferred Stock held by the Selling
Stockholder (the "Series E Conversion Shares," and together with the Series D
Conversion Shares, the "Conversion Shares"), which Conversion Shares may be
offered from time to time hereby, will be sold by Nashua Hollis CVS, Inc. (the
"Selling Stockholder"), a wholly owned subsidiary of Melville Corporation
("Melville"). As of June 27, 1996 based on the market price of the Common Stock
on that date, the shares of Series D Preferred Stock could have been converted
into 1,349,528 shares of Common Stock (subject to adjustment in the event of
stock splits, reverse stock splits and similar events) and the 350,000 shares of
Series E Preferred Stock held by the Selling Stockholder could have been
converted into 1,889,339 shares of Common Stock (subject to adjustment in the
event of stock splits, reverse stock splits and similar events).
    
 
   
     In connection with the acquisition of Marshalls, the Company issued to
Melville the shares of Series D Preferred Stock. Melville subsequently
transferred the shares to the Selling Stockholder. In addition to the Series D
Preferred Stock, the Company also issued to Melville in connection with the
Marshalls acquisition 1,500,000 shares of Series E Preferred Stock (which also
were subsequently transferred to the Selling Stockholder). The shares of Series
E Preferred Stock are convertible into shares of Common Stock ranging in number
from 8,097,165 to 9,716,599 (subject to adjustment in the event of stock splits,
reverse stock splits and similar events). On June 28, 1996, the Selling
Stockholder sold 1,150,000 shares of Series E Preferred Stock pursuant to an
underwritten public offering. Neither Melville nor the Selling Stockholder owns
any equity securities of the Company other than the Series D Preferred Stock and
Series E Preferred Stock.
    
 
   
     Subject to the Lockup Period described below and the Standstill and
Registration Rights Agreement referred to below, the Selling Stockholder
currently intends to proceed as soon as practicable with the public sale of the
remaining shares of Series E Preferred Stock held by it, but has no current
plans to dispose of the Series D Preferred Stock. Melville intends to evaluate
and review market, industry and general economic conditions (including the
Company's common stock price) from time to time, and based on such prevailing
conditions and the Company's stock price at the time, there can be no assurance
as to when or whether the Selling Stockholder will proceed with such public sale
of Series E Preferred Stock. In addition, Melville may consider from time to
time various alternative courses of action as permitted by the Standstill and
Registration Rights Agreement. Such actions may include, in circumstances
permitted by the Standstill and Registration Rights Agreement and subject to the
Lockup Period, the sale of all or a portion of the Company's Series D Preferred
Stock and Series E Preferred Stock held by the Selling Stockholder (or common
stock issuable upon conversion of some or all of such preferred stock) in the
open market, in privately negotiated transactions, through an underwritten
public offering or otherwise.
    
 
     Because the Selling Stockholder may offer all or some of the Conversion
Shares pursuant to the offering contemplated by this Prospectus, and because
there are currently no agreements, arrangements or understandings with respect
to the sale of any Conversion Shares that will be held by the Selling
Stockholder after the completion of this offering (except for certain
restrictions on transfer contained in the Standstill and Registration Rights
Agreement referred to below), no estimate can be given as to the number of
shares of Common Stock that will be held by the Selling Stockholder after
completion of this offering. See "Plan of Distribution."
 
   
     In connection with the sale of 1,150,000 shares of Series E Preferred Stock
on June 28, 1996 pursuant to an underwritten public offering, the Selling
Stockholder agreed that without the prior written consent of Morgan Stanley &
Co. Incorporated, as representative of the underwriters in such offering, it
would not, during the 30-day period ending on July 24, 1996 (the "Lockup
Period"), offer, pledge, sell, contract to sell, sell any option or contract to
purchase, purchase any option or contract to sell, grant any option, right or
warrant to purchase or otherwise transfer or dispose of, directly or indirectly,
any shares of Series E Preferred Stock, any shares of Common Stock or any
securities convertible into or exercisable or exchangeable for Common Stock
(including the Series D Preferred Stock).
    
 
     The Company and Melville entered into an agreement dated as of November 17,
1995 (the "Standstill and Registration Rights Agreement"), a copy of which is
incorporated by reference as an exhibit to the
 
                                        5
<PAGE>   7
 
Registration Statement of which this Prospectus is a part, pursuant to which the
Company agreed to register the offer and sale of the Conversion Shares held by
the Selling Stockholder under the Securities Act, and the Selling Stockholder
and the Company agreed to indemnify each other against certain liabilities,
including liabilities under the Securities Act in connection with the sale of
the shares pursuant to a registered public offering contemplated by the
Standstill and Registration Rights Agreement. Pursuant to the Standstill and
Registration Rights Agreement, the Selling Stockholder is required to pay the
underwriting discounts and commissions and expenses of its legal counsel and
accountants associated with the offering, and the Company is generally required
to pay all of the other expenses directly associated with the offering,
including, without limitation, the cost of registering the shares offered
hereby, including applicable registration and filing fees, printing expenses and
applicable expenses for legal counsel and accountants incurred by the Company.
 
                          DESCRIPTION OF CAPITAL STOCK
 
     The following summary description of the Company's capital stock does not
purport to be complete and is subject to, and qualified in its entirety by
reference to, the Restated Certificate of Incorporation of the Company, as
amended (the "Certificate"), the respective Certificates of Designation (each, a
"Certificate of Designation") with respect to each series of Preferred Stock
described herein and the By-Laws of the Company (the "By-Laws"), copies of which
are incorporated by reference as exhibits to the Registration Statement relating
to the offering herein.
 
AUTHORIZED CAPITAL STOCK
 
     The Company's authorized capital stock consists of 155 million shares of
capital stock, of which 150 million shares are Common Stock, $1.00 par value per
share, and 5 million shares are Preferred Stock, $1.00 par value per share. The
Certificate authorizes the issuance of shares of Preferred Stock from time to
time in one or more series not exceeding the aggregate number of shares of
Preferred Stock authorized by the Certificate, without stockholder approval,
with such voting powers, designations, preferences and relative, participating,
optional or other special rights, and qualifications, limitations or
restrictions thereof, as are set forth in resolutions adopted by the Company's
Board of Directors. Thus, without stockholder approval, the Company could
authorize the issuance of Preferred Stock with voting, conversion and other
rights that could dilute the voting power and other rights of holders of the
Common Stock and, subject to any limiting terms thereof, other series of
Preferred Stock. The Company may from time to time amend the Certificate to
increase the number of authorized shares of Common Stock or Preferred Stock in
the manner provided by the Certificate and the General Corporation Law of the
State of Delaware.
 
   
     There were outstanding as of June 27, 1996 1,650,000 shares of $3.125
Series C Cumulative Convertible Preferred Stock ("Series C Preferred Stock"),
250,000 shares of Series D Cumulative Convertible Preferred Stock ("Series D
Preferred Stock") and 1,500,000 shares of Series E Cumulative Convertible
Preferred Stock ("Series E Preferred Stock") of the Company.
    
 
COMMON STOCK
 
     Subject to the rights of holders of Preferred Stock, holders of Common
Stock are entitled to receive such dividends as may from time to time be
declared by the Board of Directors of the Company out of such funds legally
available for declaration of dividends. Holders of Common Stock are entitled to
one vote per share on every question submitted to them at a meeting of
stockholders or otherwise. In the event of a liquidation, dissolution or winding
up and distribution of the assets of the Company, after paying or setting aside
for the holders of Preferred Stock the full preferential amounts to which they
are entitled, and subject to any rights of any series of Preferred Stock to
participate pro rata with the Common Stock with respect to distributions, the
holders of Common Stock will be entitled to receive pro rata all of the
remaining assets of the Company available for distribution to stockholders.
There are no pre-emptive rights for holders of Common Stock. The issued and
outstanding shares of Common Stock are fully paid and nonassessable. Shares of
Common Stock are not convertible into shares of any other class of capital stock
of the Company.
 
PREFERRED STOCK
 
     The following description of certain terms of the Preferred Stock sets
forth certain general terms and provisions of the Preferred Stock to which a
Prospectus Supplement may relate. Specific terms of any series of
 
                                        6
<PAGE>   8
 
Preferred Stock offered by a Prospectus Supplement will be described in the
Prospectus Supplement relating to such series of Preferred Stock. The
description set forth below does not purport to be complete and is subject to,
and qualified in its entirety by reference to, the Certificate and the
Certificate of Designations (the "Designation") establishing a particular series
of Preferred Stock , which will be in the form filed as an exhibit to, or
incorporated by reference in, the Registration Statement of which this
Prospectus is a part at or prior to the time of issuance of such series of
Preferred Stock.
 
  General
 
     The Preferred Stock will have the dividend, liquidation, redemption,
conversion, and voting rights set forth below unless otherwise provided in the
Prospectus Supplement relating to a particular series of Preferred Stock.
Reference is made to the Prospectus Supplement relating to the particular series
of the Preferred Stock offered thereby for specific terms, including (i) the
title and liquidation preference per share of such Preferred Stock and the
number of shares offered; (ii) the price at which such Preferred Stock will be
issued; (iii) the dividend rate (or method of calculation), the dates on which
dividends shall be payable and the dates from which dividends shall commence to
accumulate; (iv) any redemption or sinking fund provisions of such Preferred
Stock; (v) any conversion or exchange provisions of such Preferred Stock; (vi)
the voting rights, if any, of such Preferred Stock; (vii) whether such Preferred
Stock will be listed on a national securities exchange; and (viii) any
additional dividend, liquidation, redemption, sinking fund and other rights,
preferences, privileges, limitations, and restrictions of such Preferred Stock.
The Preferred Stock will, when issued, be fully paid and nonassessable. Payment
of dividends on any series of Preferred Stock may be restricted by loan
agreements, indentures or other transactions entered into by the Company. The
accompanying Prospectus Supplement describes any material contractual
restrictions on dividend payments. The foregoing and following description is
not intended to be an exclusive list of the terms that may be applicable to any
Preferred Stock offered hereby and shall not limit in any respect the ability of
the Company to issue Preferred Stock with terms different from or in addition to
those described above or elsewhere in this Prospectus provided that such terms
are not inconsistent with this Prospectus.
 
  Dividend Rights
 
     The Preferred Stock will be preferred over the Common Stock as to payment
of dividends. Each series of Preferred Stock may rank junior to, senior to, or
on a parity with any other series of Preferred Stock with respect to the payment
of dividends. Holders of shares of each series of Preferred Stock are entitled
to receive, when and as declared by the Board of Directors of the Company out of
assets of the Company legally available for payment, dividends (in cash, shares
of Common Stock or Preferred Stock, or otherwise) at the rate and on the date or
dates set forth in the Prospectus Supplement. Each dividend is payable to
holders of record as they appear on the stock register of the Company on a
record date, not more than 60 nor less than 10 days before the payment date,
fixed by the Board of Directors of the Company. Dividends payable for each full
dividend period are computed by annualizing the dividend rate and dividing by
the number of dividend periods in a year. Dividends payable for any period
greater or less than a full dividend period are computed on the basis of a
360-day year consisting of twelve 30-day months. Different series of Preferred
Stock may be entitled to dividends at different dividend rates or based on
different methods of determination. The Preferred Stock is not entitled to any
dividend, whether payable in cash, property or stock, in excess of full accrued
dividends. No interest is payable in respect of any accrued and unpaid
dividends.
 
     Dividends on any series of Preferred Stock may be cumulative or
noncumulative, as provided in the Prospectus Supplement relating thereto. If the
Board of Directors fails to declare a dividend payable on a dividend payment
date on any series of Preferred Stock for which dividends are noncumulative,
then the right to receive a dividend in respect of the dividend period ending on
such dividend payment date will be lost, and the Company shall have no
obligation to pay the dividend accrued for that period, whether or not dividends
are declared for any future period. With respect to each series of Preferred
Stock, the dividends on each share of such series with respect to which
dividends are cumulative shall be cumulative from the date of issue of such
share unless some other date is set forth in the Prospectus Supplement relating
to any such series.
 
     Unless full dividends (including, in the case of cumulative Preferred
Stock, accumulations, if any, in respect of prior dividend payment periods) on
all outstanding shares of each series of Preferred Stock ranking
 
                                        7
<PAGE>   9
 
senior to a particular series of Preferred Stock have been paid or declared and
set aside for payment for all the then-current dividend payment period (and, if
such other Preferred Stock is cumulative, all other dividend payment periods
terminating on or before the date of payment of such dividend), no dividend may
be declared on shares of such series of Preferred Stock (other than a dividend
paid in stock ranking junior to any series of Preferred Stock ranking senior to
such series of Preferred Stock as to dividends), nor may shares of such series
of Preferred Stock be redeemed or purchased by the Company (other than a
purchase or redemption made by issue or delivery of stock ranking junior to any
Series of Preferred Stock ranking senior to such series of Preferred Stock as to
dividends, or upon liquidation, dissolution or winding up). Unless full
dividends (including, in the case of cumulative Preferred Stock, accumulations,
if any, in respect of prior dividend payment periods) on all outstanding shares
of such series of Preferred Stock have been paid or declared and set aside for
payment for the then-current dividend payment period (and, if such Preferred
Stock is cumulative, all previous dividend payment periods), no dividend (other
than a dividend paid in stock ranking junior to such series of Preferred Stock
as to dividends) may be declared on any stock ranking junior to such series of
Preferred Stock as to dividends, nor may any stock ranking junior to such series
of Preferred Stock as to dividends or upon liquidation, dissolution or winding
up be redeemed or purchased by the Company (other than a purchase or redemption
made by issue or delivery of stock ranking junior to such series of Preferred
Stock as to dividends or upon liquidation, dissolution or winding up); provided
that, unless prohibited by the terms of any other outstanding series of
Preferred Stock, any monies theretofore deposited in any sinking fund with
respect to any Preferred Stock in compliance with the terms thereof may
thereafter be applied in accordance with the terms thereof. If dividends on such
series of Preferred Stock and on any other series of Preferred Stock ranking on
a parity as to dividends with such series of Preferred Stock are in arrears, any
dividend payment on account of such arrearage must be made ratably upon all
outstanding shares of such series of Preferred Stock and such other series of
Preferred Stock in proportion to the respective amounts of accrued dividends.
 
  Rights Upon Liquidation
 
     In the event of any voluntary or involuntary liquidation, dissolution or
winding up of the Company not including mergers, consolidations and sale of all
or substantially all assets, before any payment or distribution of assets
(whether from capital or surplus) is made to holders of any series of Preferred
Stock upon liquidation, dissolution or winding up, the holders of each class or
series of Preferred Stock ranking senior to such series of Preferred Stock upon
liquidation, dissolution or winding up shall be entitled to receive full payment
of their liquidation preferences. In the event of any voluntary or involuntary
liquidation, dissolution or winding up of the Company, before any payment or
distribution of assets (whether from capital or surplus) is made to holders of
Common Stock or any other stock of the Company ranking junior to the shares of
such series of Preferred Stock upon liquidation, dissolution or winding up, the
holders of such series of Preferred Stock shall receive a liquidation preference
per share in the amount set forth in the Prospectus Supplement and shall be
entitled to receive all accrued and unpaid dividends through the date of
distribution, and the holders of any class or series of Preferred Stock ranking
on a parity with such series of Preferred Stock as to liquidation, dissolution
or winding up shall be entitled to receive the full respective liquidation
preferences (including any premium) to which they are entitled and shall receive
all accrued and unpaid dividends with respect to their respective shares through
and including the date of distribution. If, upon such a voluntary or involuntary
liquidation, dissolution or winding up of the Company, the assets of the Company
are insufficient to pay in full the amounts described above as payable with
respect to such series of Preferred Stock and any class or series of Preferred
Stock of the Company ranking on a parity with such series of Preferred Stock as
to liquidation, dissolution or winding up, the holders of such series of
Preferred Stock and of such other class or series of Preferred Stock will share
ratably in any such distribution of assets of the Company first in proportion to
their respective liquidation preferences until such preferences are paid in
full, and then in proportion to their respective amounts of accrued but unpaid
dividends. After payment of any such liquidating preference and accrued
dividends, the shares of such series of Preferred Stock will not be entitled to
any further participation in any distribution of assets by the Company. Neither
the sale of all or substantially all the assets of the Company, nor the merger
or consolidation of the Company into or with any other corporation, will be
deemed to be a liquidation, dissolution or winding up of the Company.
 
                                        8
<PAGE>   10
 
  Redemption
 
     A series of the Preferred stock may be redeemable, in whole or in part, at
the option of the Company, and may be subject to mandatory redemption pursuant
to a sinking fund, in each case upon terms, at the times and at the redemption
prices set forth in the Prospectus Supplement relating to such series.
 
     The Prospectus Supplement relating to a series of Preferred Stock that is
subject to mandatory redemption will specify the number of shares of such series
of Preferred Stock that will be redeemed by the Company in each year commencing
after a date to be specified, at a redemption price per share to be specified,
together with an amount equal to any accrued and unpaid dividends thereon to the
date of redemption. The redemption price may be payable in cash, capital stock
or in cash received from the net proceeds of the issuance of capital stock of
the Company, as specified in the Prospectus Supplement relating to such series
of Preferred Stock. If the redemption price is payable only from the net
proceeds of the issuance of capital stock of the Company, the terms of such
series may provide that, if no such capital stock shall have been issued or to
the extent the net proceeds from any issuances are insufficient to pay in full
the aggregate redemption price then due, the applicable shares of such series of
Preferred Stock shall automatically and mandatorily be converted into shares of
the applicable capital stock of the Company pursuant to conversion provisions
specified in the Prospectus Supplement relating to such series of Preferred
Stock.
 
     If fewer than all the outstanding shares of any series of the Preferred
Stock are to be redeemed, whether by mandatory or optional redemption, the
selection of the shares to be redeemed shall be determined by lot or pro rata as
may be determined by the Board of Directors or a duly authorized committee
thereof, or by any other method that may be determined by the Board of Directors
or such committee to be equitable. From and after the date of redemption (unless
default shall be made by the Company in providing for the payment of the
redemption price), dividends shall cease to accrue on the shares of Preferred
Stock called for redemption and all rights of the holders thereof (except the
right to receive the redemption price) shall cease.
 
     In the event that full dividends, including accumulations in the case of
cumulative Preferred Stock, on any series of Preferred Stock have not been paid,
such series of Preferred Stock may not be redeemed in part and the Company may
not purchase or acquire any shares of such series of Preferred Stock otherwise
than pursuant to a purchase or exchange offer made on the same terms to all
holders of such series of Preferred Stock.
 
  Conversion
 
     The Prospectus Supplement for any series of Preferred Stock will state the
terms, if any, on which shares of that series are convertible into shares of
Common Stock or another series of Preferred Stock. As described under
"Redemption" above, under certain circumstances, the Preferred Stock may be
mandatorily converted into Common Stock or another series of Preferred Stock.
The Preferred Stock will have no preemptive rights.
 
  Voting Rights
 
     All shares of any series of Preferred Stock shall have the voting rights
(if any) set forth in the Prospectus Supplement relating to any such series.
Except as indicated below or as expressly required by applicable law, holders of
Preferred Stock have no voting rights.
 
     If the equivalent of six full quarterly dividends payable on any series of
Preferred Stock are in arrears, the maximum authorized number of directors of
the Company will be increased by two and the holders of such series of Preferred
Stock, voting separately as a class with the holders of shares of any other
series of Preferred Stock ranking on a parity with such series of Preferred
Stock and upon which like voting rights have been conferred and are exercisable,
will be entitled to elect two directors for successive one-year terms until all
dividends in arrears on such series of Preferred Stock have been paid or
declared and set apart for payment. Upon payment or declaration and setting
apart of funds for payment of all such dividends in arrears, the term of office
of each director elected will immediately terminate and the number of directors
constituting the entire Board of Directors of the Company will be reduced by the
number of directors elected by the holders of
 
                                        9
<PAGE>   11
 
such series of Preferred Stock and any other series of Preferred Stock ranking
on a parity with such series of Preferred Stock as discussed above.
 
     The Company may not, without the affirmative vote or consent of two-thirds
of the votes of the holders of such series of Preferred Stock and each other
series of Preferred Stock ranking on a parity with such series of Preferred
Stock and upon which like voting rights have been conferred (voting together as
a single class), create, authorize or issue, or reclassify any authorized stock
of the Company into, or create, authorize or issue any obligation or security
convertible into or evidencing a right to purchase, any shares of any class of
stock of the Company ranking prior to such series of Preferred Stock or any
other series of Preferred Stock which ranks on a parity with such series of
Preferred Stock as to dividends or upon liquidation, dissolution or winding up.
The Company may not, without the affirmative vote or consent of two-thirds of
the votes of the holders of the outstanding shares of such series of Preferred
Stock and each other series of Preferred Stock of the Company similarly
affected, if any, voting together as a single class, amend, alter or repeal any
provision of the Certificate which would materially and adversely affect the
preferences, rights, powers or privileges, qualification, limitations and
restrictions of such series of Preferred Stock and any such other series of
Preferred Stock; provided, however, that the creation, issuance or increase in
the amount of authorized shares of any other series of Preferred Stock ranking
on a parity with or junior to such series of Preferred Stock with respect to the
payment of dividends or the distribution of assets upon liquidation, dissolution
or winding up of the affairs of the Company will not be deemed to materially and
adversely affect such rights and preferences, privileges or voting powers.
 
  No Other Rights
 
     The shares of a series of Preferred Stock will not have any preferences,
voting powers or relative, participating, optional or other special rights
except as set forth above or in the applicable Prospectus Supplement, the
Certificate or the applicable Certificate of Designation or as otherwise
required by laws.
 
  Transfer Agent and Registrar
 
     The transfer agent and registrar for each series of Preferred Stock will be
designated in the applicable Prospectus Supplement.
 
SERIES C PREFERRED STOCK
 
  Ranking
 
     The Series C Preferred Stock ranks senior to the Common Stock and on a
parity with the Series D Preferred Stock and the Series E Preferred Stock, with
respect to the payment of dividends and upon liquidation, dissolution or winding
up. The Company may not, without the consent of two-thirds of the votes of the
holders of the outstanding shares of Series C Preferred Stock and all other
outstanding shares of Preferred Stock ranking on a parity with the Series C
Preferred Stock either as to dividends or upon liquidation, dissolution or
winding up, voting together as a single class, create, authorize or issue, or
reclassify any authorized stock of the Company into, or create, authorize or
issue any obligation or security convertible into or evidencing a right to
purchase, any shares of any class of stock of the Company ranking prior to the
Series C Preferred Stock or ranking prior to any other series of Preferred Stock
which ranks on a parity with the Series C Preferred Stock. However, the Company
may create additional classes of stock or issue series of Preferred Stock
ranking on a parity with the Series C Preferred Stock with respect to the
payment of dividends or upon liquidation, dissolution and winding up without the
consent of any holder of Series C Preferred Stock.
 
  Dividends
 
     Holders of shares of the Series C Preferred Stock are entitled to
cumulative dividends payable quarterly at an annual rate of $3.125 per share.
With limited exceptions, holders of Series C Preferred Stock are entitled to
Full Cumulative Dividends before dividends may be declared on junior stock and
before such junior stock may be redeemed or purchased by the Company.
 
                                       10
<PAGE>   12
\ 
  Liquidation Rights
 
     In the event of any voluntary or involuntary liquidation, dissolution or
winding up of the Company (not including mergers, consolidations or sales of all
or substantially all assets), holders of Series C Preferred Stock are entitled
to receive a liquidation preference of $50 per share plus accrued dividends,
prior to any distribution on junior stock.
 
  Optional Redemption
 
     Commencing September 1, 1995, the Series C Preferred Stock is redeemable at
the option of the Company at any time at a redemption price per share (expressed
as a percentage of the $50 liquidation preference thereof), of 104.375%,
declining annually to 100% in 2002, plus accrued dividends.
 
  Voting Rights
 
     Except as indicated below or as expressly required by applicable law, the
holders of the Series C Preferred Stock have no voting rights.
 
     If the equivalent of six full quarterly dividends payable on the Series C
Preferred Stock are in arrears, the holders of Series C Preferred Stock, voting
separately as a class with the holders of shares of any other series of
Preferred Stock which ranks on a parity with the Series C Preferred Stock and
has been granted like voting rights which are then exercisable, will be entitled
to elect two directors for successive one-year terms until all dividends in
arrears on the Series C Preferred Stock have been paid or declared and set apart
for payment.
 
     The consent of two-thirds of the votes of the holders of the Series C
Preferred Stock and each other series of Preferred Stock which ranks on a parity
with the Series C Preferred Stock and has been granted like voting rights
(voting together as a single class), is required for the Company to create,
authorize or issue, or reclassify any authorized stock of the Company into, or
create, authorize or issue any obligation or security convertible into or
evidencing a right to purchase, any shares of any class of stock of the Company
ranking prior to the Series C Preferred Stock or any other series of Preferred
Stock which ranks on a parity with the Series C Preferred Stock. The Company may
not, without the affirmative vote or consent of two-thirds of the votes of the
holders of the outstanding shares of the Series C Preferred Stock and each other
series of Preferred Stock of the Company similarly affected, voting together as
a single class, amend, alter or repeal any provision of the Certificate which
would materially and adversely affect the preferences, rights, powers or
privileges, qualification, limitations and restrictions of the Series C
Preferred Stock and any such other series of Preferred Stock. The creation,
issuance or increase in the amount of authorized shares of any other series of
Preferred Stock ranking on a parity with or junior to the Series C Preferred
Stock with respect to the payment of dividends or the distribution of assets
upon liquidation, dissolution or winding up of the affairs of the Company will
not be deemed to have such material and adverse effect.
 
  Conversion
 
     Shares of the Series C Preferred Stock are convertible at any time at the
option of the holder thereof into a number of shares of Common Stock equal to
the aggregate liquidation preference of the shares of Series C Stock surrendered
for conversion divided by the conversion price of $25.9375 per share of Common
Stock, subject to adjustment as described below.
 
     The initial conversion price of $25.9375 is subject to adjustment (under
formulae set forth in the Certificate of Designations) in certain events,
including certain subdivisions and combinations of the Common Stock, the
issuance of Common Stock as a dividend or distribution on Common Stock,
extraordinary dividends or distributions on Common Stock and payment in respect
of a tender or exchange offer by the Company or any subsidiary of the Company
for the Common Stock to the extent that the cash and value of any other
consideration included in such payment per share of Common Stock exceeds the
Current Market Price per share of Common Stock on the Trading Day next
succeeding the date of payment.
 
     If any transaction shall occur, including without limitation (i) any
recapitalization or reclassification of shares of Common Stock (other than a
change in par value, or from par value to no par value, or from no par
 
                                       11
<PAGE>   13
 
value to par value, or as a result of a subdivision or combination of the Common
Stock), (ii) any consolidation or merger of the Company with or into another
person or any merger of another person into the Company (other than a merger
that does not result in a reclassification, conversion, exchange or cancellation
of Common Stock), (iii) any sale or transfer of all or substantially all of the
assets of the Company, or (iv) any compulsory share exchange, pursuant to any of
which holders of Common Stock shall be entitled to receive other securities,
cash or other property, then appropriate provision shall be made so that the
holder of each share of Series C Preferred Stock then outstanding shall have the
right thereafter to convert such share only into (x) in the case of any such
transaction that does not constitute a Common Stock Fundamental Change (as
defined below) and subject to funds being legally available for such purpose
under applicable law at the time of such conversion, the kind and amount of the
securities, cash or other property that would have been receivable upon such
recapitalization, reclassification, consolidation, merger, sale, transfer or
share exchange by a holder of the number of shares of Common Stock issuable upon
conversion of such share of Series C Preferred Stock immediately prior to such
recapitalization, reclassification, consolidation, merger, sale, transfer or
share exchange, after giving effect, in the case of any Non-Stock Fundamental
Change (as defined below), to any adjustment in the conversion price in
accordance with clause (i) of the following paragraph, and (y) in the case of
any such transaction that constitutes a Common Stock Fundamental Change, common
stock of the kind received by holders of Common Stock as a result of such Common
Stock Fundamental Change in an amount determined in accordance with clause (ii)
of the following paragraph.
 
     Notwithstanding any other provision in the preceding paragraphs to the
contrary, if any Fundamental Change (as defined below) occurs, then the
conversion price in effect will be adjusted immediately after such Fundamental
Change as follows:
 
          (i) in the case of a Non-Stock Fundamental Change, the conversion
     price of the shares of Series C Preferred Stock immediately following such
     Non-Stock Fundamental Change shall be the lower of (A) the conversion price
     in effect immediately prior to such Non-Stock Fundamental Change, but after
     giving effect to any other prior adjustments effected pursuant to the
     preceding paragraphs, and (B) the product of (1) the greater of the
     Applicable Price (as defined below) and the then applicable Reference
     Market Price (as defined below) and (2) a fraction, the numerator of which
     is $50 and the denominator of which is (x) the amount of the redemption
     price for one share of Series C Preferred Stock if the redemption date were
     the date of such Non-Stock Fundamental Change, plus (y) any then accrued
     and then-accumulated and unpaid dividends on Series C Preferred Stock; and
 
          (ii) in the case of a Common Stock Fundamental Change, the conversion
     price of the shares of Series C Preferred Stock immediately following such
     Common Stock Fundamental Change shall be the conversion price in effect
     immediately prior to such Common Stock Fundamental Change, but after giving
     effect to any other prior adjustments effected pursuant to the preceding
     paragraphs, multiplied by a fraction, the numerator of which is the
     Purchaser Stock Price (as defined below) and the denominator of which is
     the Applicable Price; provided, however, that in the event of a Common
     Stock Fundamental Change in which (A) 100% of the value of the
     consideration received by a holder of Common Stock is common stock of the
     successor, acquiror, or other third party (and cash, if any, paid with
     respect to any fractional interests in such common stock resulting from
     such Common Stock Fundamental Change) and (B) all of the Common Stock of
     the Company shall have been exchanged for, converted into, or acquired for,
     common stock of the successor, acquiror or other third party (and any cash
     with respect to fractional interests), the conversion price of the shares
     of Series C Preferred Stock immediately following such Common Stock
     Fundamental Change shall be the conversion price in effect immediately
     prior to such Common Stock Fundamental Change multiplied by a fraction, the
     numerator of which is one (1) and the denominator of which is the number of
     shares of common stock of the successor, acquiror, or other third party
     received by a holder of one share of Common Stock as a result of such
     Common Stock Fundamental Change.
 
     Depending upon whether a Fundamental Change is a Non-Stock Fundamental
Change or a Common Stock Fundamental Change, a holder may receive significantly
different consideration upon conversion. In the event of a Non-Stock Fundamental
Change, the holder has the right to convert shares of Series C Preferred Stock
into the kind and amount of the shares of stock and other securities or property
or assets (including
 
                                       12
<PAGE>   14
 
cash), except as otherwise provided above, as is determined by the number of
shares of Common Stock receivable upon conversion at the conversion price as
adjusted in accordance with clause (i) of the preceding paragraph. However, in
the event of a Common Stock Fundamental Change in which less than 100% of the
value of the consideration received by a holder of Common Stock is common stock
of the successor, acquiror or other third party, a holder of a share of Series C
Preferred Stock who converts such share following the Common Stock Fundamental
Change will receive consideration in the form of such common stock only, whereas
a holder who converted such share prior to the Common Stock Fundamental Change
would have received consideration in the form of such common stock as well as
any other securities or assets (which may include cash) issuable upon conversion
of such share of Series C Preferred Stock immediately prior to such Common Stock
Fundamental Change.
 
  Definitions
 
     Capitalized terms not otherwise defined have the meanings set forth in
"Definitions" following the description of Series E Preferred Stock.
 
     The following terms shall have the meanings indicated in respect of the
Series C Preferred Stock:
 
          "Applicable Price" shall mean (i) in the event of a Non-Stock
     Fundamental Change in which the holders of the Common Stock receive only
     cash, the amount of cash received by a holder of one share of Common Stock
     and (ii) in the event of any other Non-Stock Fundamental Change or any
     Common Stock Fundamental Change, the average of the reported last sale
     price for one share of the Common Stock (determined as provided in the
     Certificate of Designations) during the 10 Trading Days immediately prior
     to the Record Date for the determination of the holders of Common Stock
     entitled to receive cash, securities, property or other assets in
     connection with such Non-Stock Fundamental Change or Common Stock
     Fundamental Change or, if there is no such Record Date, prior to the date
     upon which the holders of the Common Stock shall have the right to receive
     such cash, securities, property or other assets.
 
          "Common Stock Fundamental Change" shall mean any Fundamental Change in
     which more than 50% of the value (as determined in good faith by the Board
     of Directors of the Company) of the consideration received by holders of
     Common Stock consists of common stock that, for the 10 Trading Days
     immediately prior to such Fundamental Change, has been admitted for listing
     or admitted for listing subject to notice of issuance on a national
     securities exchange or quoted on the National Market System of the National
     Association of Securities Dealers, Inc. Automated Quotations System;
     provided, however, that a Fundamental Change shall not be a Common Stock
     Fundamental Change unless either (i) the Company continues to exist after
     the occurrence of such Fundamental Change and the outstanding shares of
     Series C Preferred Stock continue to exist as outstanding shares of Series
     C Preferred Stock, or (ii) not later than the occurrence of such
     Fundamental Change, the outstanding shares of Series C Preferred Stock are
     converted into or exchanged for shares of convertible preferred stock of a
     corporation succeeding to the business of the Company, which convertible
     preferred stock has powers, preferences and relative, participating,
     optional or other rights, and qualifications, limitations and restrictions
     substantially similar to those of the Series C Preferred Stock.
 
          "Fair Market Value" shall mean the amount which a willing buyer would
     pay a willing seller in an arm's length transaction.
 
          "Fundamental Change" shall mean the occurrence of any transaction or
     event or series of transactions or events pursuant to which all or
     substantially all of the Common Stock of the Company shall be exchanged
     for, converted into, acquired for or shall constitute solely the right to
     receive cash, securities, property or other assets (whether by means of an
     exchange offer, liquidation, tender offer, consolidation, merger,
     combination, reclassification, recapitalization or otherwise); provided,
     however, in the case of any such series of transactions or events, for
     purposes of adjustment of the conversion price, such Fundamental Change
     shall be deemed to have occurred when substantially all of the Common Stock
     of the Company shall have been exchanged for, converted into, or acquired
     for, or shall constitute solely the right to receive, such cash,
     securities, property or other assets, but the adjustment shall be
 
                                       13
<PAGE>   15
 
     based upon the consideration that the holders of Common Stock received in
     the transaction or event as a result of which more than 50% of the Common
     Stock of the Company shall have been exchanged for, converted into, or
     acquired for, or shall constitute solely the right to receive, such cash,
     securities, property or other assets; and provided, further, that such term
     does not include (i) any such transaction or event in which the Company
     and/or any of its subsidiaries are the issuers of all the cash, securities,
     property or other assets exchanged, acquired or otherwise issued in such
     transaction or event, or (ii) any such transaction or event in which the
     holders of Common Stock receive securities of an issuer other than the
     Company if, immediately following such transaction or event, such holders
     hold a majority of the securities having the power to vote normally in the
     election of directors of such other issuer outstanding immediately
     following such transaction or other event.
 
          "Non-Stock Fundamental Change" shall mean any Fundamental Change other
     than a Common Stock Fundamental Change.
 
          "Purchaser Stock Price" shall mean, with respect to any Common Stock
     Fundamental Change, the average of the reported last sale price for one
     share of the common stock received by holders of Common Stock (determined
     as provided in the Certificate of Designations) in such Common Stock
     Fundamental Change during the 10 Trading Days immediately prior to the date
     fixed for the determination of the holders of Common Stock entitled to
     receive such common stock or, if there is no such date, prior to the date
     upon which the holders of the Common Stock shall have the right to receive
     such common stock.
 
          "Reference Market Price" shall initially mean $13.8333 and, in the
     event of any adjustment to the conversion price other than as a result of a
     Fundamental Change, the Reference Market Price shall also be adjusted so
     that the ratio of the Reference Market Price to the conversion price after
     giving effect to any such adjustment shall always be the same as the ratio
     of the initial Reference Market Price to the initial conversion price of
     $25.9375 per share.
 
SERIES D PREFERRED STOCK
 
  Ranking
 
     The Series D Preferred Stock ranks senior to the Common Stock, and on a
parity with the Series E Preferred Stock and the Series C Preferred Stock, with
respect to the payment of dividends and upon liquidation, dissolution or winding
up. The Company may not, without the consent of two-thirds of the votes of the
holders of the outstanding shares of Series D Preferred Stock and all other
outstanding shares of Preferred Stock ranking on a parity with the Series D
Preferred Stock either as to dividends or upon liquidation, dissolution or
winding up, voting together as a single class, create, authorize or issue, or
reclassify any authorized stock of the Company into, or create, authorize or
issue any obligation or security convertible into or evidencing a right to
purchase, any shares of any class of stock of the Company ranking prior to the
Series D Preferred Stock or ranking prior to any other series of Preferred Stock
which ranks on a parity with the Series D Preferred Stock. However, the Company
may create additional classes of stock or issue series of Preferred Stock
ranking on a parity with the Series D Preferred Stock with respect to the
payment of dividends or upon liquidation, dissolution and winding up without the
consent of any holder of Series D Preferred Stock.
 
  Dividends
 
     Holders of shares of the Series D Preferred Stock are entitled to
cumulative dividends payable quarterly at an annual rate of $1.8138 per share.
With limited exceptions, holders of Series D Preferred Stock are entitled to
Full Cumulative Dividends before dividends may be declared on junior stock and
before such junior stock may be redeemed or purchased by the Company.
 
  Liquidation Rights
 
     In the event of any voluntary or involuntary liquidation, dissolution or
winding up of the Company (not including mergers, consolidations or sales of all
or substantially all assets), the holders of each class or series of
 
                                       14
<PAGE>   16
 
Preferred Stock ranking senior to the Series D Preferred Stock shall first
receive full payment of their liquidation preferences. Holders of Series D
Preferred Stock are then entitled to receive a liquidation preference of $100
per share plus accrued dividends prior to any distribution on stock ranking
junior to the Series D Preferred Stock.
 
  Mandatory Redemption in Event of Sale
 
     Shares of the Series D Preferred Stock are subject to mandatory redemption
in the following circumstances. If at any time not less than 10 Business Days
before November 17, 1996 the Company shall consummate any Sale (generally
defined as a sale of all or substantially all of the assets or stock of an
operating division or subsidiary of the Company other than T.J. Maxx or
Marshalls at a value of not less than a $25 million premium over the book value
of such assets or stock), then the Company is required to apply as much of the
Sale Proceeds (generally defined as the net cash proceeds, if any (after
subtracting all fees and expenses related to such transaction), received by the
Company in respect of any Sale) received by the Company in respect of such Sale
as is necessary to redeem all then outstanding shares of Series D Preferred
Stock (or, if fewer, as many such shares as can be redeemed at the Call Price
out of such Sale Proceeds). Upon any such redemption, the Company shall deliver
to the holders of shares of Series D Preferred Stock, in exchange for each share
so redeemed, cash in an amount equal to the sum of (i) $100 per share plus (ii)
Full Cumulative Dividends thereon to the date fixed for redemption.
 
  Voting Rights
 
     Except as indicated below or as expressly required by applicable law, the
holders of the Series D Preferred Stock have no voting rights.
 
     If the equivalent of six full quarterly dividends payable on the Series D
Preferred Stock are in arrears, the maximum authorized number of directors of
the Company will be increased by two and the holders of Series D Preferred
Stock, voting separately as a class with the holders of shares of any other
series of Preferred Stock ranking on a parity with the Series D Preferred Stock
and upon which like voting rights have been conferred and are exercisable, will
be entitled to elect two directors for successive one-year terms until all
dividends in arrears on the Series D Preferred Stock have been paid or declared
and set apart for payment. Upon payment or declaration and setting apart of
funds for payment of all such dividends in arrears, the term of office of each
director elected will immediately terminate and the number of directors
constituting the entire Board of Directors of the Company will be reduced by the
number of directors elected by the holders of the Series D Preferred Stock and
any other series of Preferred Stock ranking on a parity with the Series D
Preferred Stock as discussed above.
 
     The Company may not, without the consent of two-thirds of the votes of the
holders of the Series D Preferred Stock and each other series of Preferred Stock
ranking on a parity with the Series D Preferred Stock and upon which like voting
rights have been conferred (voting together as a single class), create,
authorize or issue, or reclassify any authorized stock of the Company into, or
create, authorize or issue any obligation or security convertible into or
evidencing a right to purchase, any shares of any class of stock of the Company
ranking prior to the Series D Preferred Stock or any other series of Preferred
Stock which ranks on a parity with the Series D Preferred Stock. The Company may
not, without the consent of two-thirds of the votes of the holders of the
outstanding shares of the Series D Preferred Stock and each other series of
Preferred Stock of the Company similarly affected, if any, voting together as a
single class, amend, alter or repeal any provision of the Certificate which
would materially and adversely affect the preferences, rights, powers or
privileges, qualification, limitations and restrictions of the Series D
Preferred Stock and any such other series of Preferred Stock. The creation,
issuance or increase in the amount of authorized shares of any other series of
Preferred Stock ranking on a parity with or junior to the Series D Preferred
Stock with respect to the payment of dividends or the distribution of assets
upon liquidation, dissolution or winding up of the affairs of the Company will
not be deemed to have such material and adverse effect.
 
                                       15
<PAGE>   17
 
  Conversion
 
     On November 17, 1996 (the "Automatic Conversion Date"), unless earlier
converted at the option of the holder, each outstanding share of the Series D
Preferred Stock shall convert automatically (the "Automatic Conversion") into
(i) shares of Common Stock at the Exchange Rate in effect on the Automatic
Conversion Date and (ii) the right to receive an amount in cash equal to Full
Cumulative Dividends on such share to the Automatic Conversion Date.
 
     Shares of Series D Preferred Stock may be converted at the option of the
holder thereof ("Optional Conversion"), at any time through the close of
business on the Business Day prior to November 17, 1996, into (i) shares of
Common Stock at the Exchange Rate in effect on the Optional Conversion Date; and
(ii) the right to receive an amount in cash equal to Full Cumulative Dividends
on such shares to the Optional Conversion Date. Notwithstanding the foregoing,
the Company may, at its option, in lieu of delivering shares of Common Stock on
the Optional Conversion Date, deliver cash in an aggregate amount equal to the
aggregate Closing Price (on the Trading Day preceding the Optional Conversion
Date) of the number of shares of Common Stock otherwise so deliverable
(together, in any event, with Full Cumulative Dividends thereon to the Optional
Conversion Date).
 
     The Exchange Rate is subject to adjustment (under formulae set forth in the
Certificate of Designations) from time to time as appropriate in certain
circumstances, including certain subdivisions and combinations of the Common
Stock, dividends in Common Stock and non-cash dividends and distributions on
Common Stock.
 
     In case of any consolidation or merger to which the Company is a party
(other than a merger or consolidation in which the Company is the continuing
corporation and in which the Common Stock outstanding immediately prior to the
merger or consolidation remains unchanged), or in case of any sale or transfer
to another corporation of the property of the Company as an entirety or
substantially as an entirety, or in case of any statutory exchange of securities
with another corporation (other than in connection with a merger or
acquisition), proper provision shall be made so that each share of the Series D
Preferred Stock shall, after consummation of such transaction, be subject to (i)
conversion at the option of the holder into the kind and amount of securities,
cash or other property receivable upon consummation of such transaction by a
holder of the number of shares of Common Stock into which such share of Series D
Preferred Stock would have been converted if the conversion had occurred
immediately prior to consummation of such transaction (based on the Exchange
Rate in effect immediately prior to such consummation), (ii) conversion on the
Automatic Conversion Date into the kind and amount of securities, cash or other
property receivable upon consummation of such transaction by a holder of the
number of shares of Common Stock into which such share of Series D Preferred
Stock would have been converted if the conversion on the Automatic Conversion
Date had occurred immediately prior to the date of consummation of such
transaction (based on the Exchange Rate in effect immediately prior to such
consummation) and (iii) redemption on any redemption date in exchange for the
kind and amount of securities, cash or other property receivable upon
consummation of such transaction by a holder of the number of shares of Common
Stock that would have been issuable at the Call Price in effect on such
redemption date upon a redemption of such share of Series D Preferred Stock
immediately prior to consummation of such transaction; assuming in each case
that such holder of Common Stock failed to exercise rights of election, if any,
as to the kind or amount of securities, cash or other property receivable upon
consummation of such transaction (provided that if the kind or amount of
securities, cash or other property receivable upon consummation of such
transaction is not the same for each nonelecting share, then the kind and amount
of securities, cash or other property receivable upon consummation of such
transaction for each nonelecting share shall be deemed to be the kind and amount
so receivable per share by a plurality of the nonelecting shares).
 
  Definitions
 
     Capitalized terms not otherwise defined have the meanings set forth in
"Definitions" following the description of Series E Preferred Stock.
 
                                       16
<PAGE>   18
 
     The following terms shall have the meanings indicated in respect of the
Series D Preferred Stock:
 
          "Call Price" of each share of Series D Preferred Stock shall mean $100
     per share.
 
          The "Exchange Rate" for the Series D Preferred Stock shall be equal to
     (a) if the Current Market Price on the date of determination is equal to or
     greater than 120% of $15.4375 (the "Threshold Common Stock Price"), the
     number of shares of Common Stock equal to 0.83333333 of the Base Number
     (the "Upper Exchange Rate"), (b) if the Current Market Price on the date of
     determination is less than the Threshold Common Stock Price but greater
     than 80% of $15.4375, the number of shares of Common Stock having a value
     (determined at the Current Market Price) equal to $100 per share of Series
     D Preferred Stock (the "Middle Exchange Rate"), and (c) if the Current
     Market Price on the date of determination is equal to or less than 80% of
     $15.4375, a number of shares of Common Stock (the "Lower Exchange Rate")
     equal to 1.25 multiplied by the Base Number. The Exchange Rate is subject
     to adjustment as set forth in the above section entitled "Conversion."
 
SERIES E PREFERRED STOCK
 
  Ranking
 
     On November 17, 1995, the Company issued 1,500,000 shares of Series E
Preferred Stock in a private placement. The Series E Preferred Stock ranks
senior to the Common Stock, and on a parity with the Series D Preferred Stock
and the Series C Preferred Stock, with respect to the payment of dividends and
upon liquidation, dissolution or winding up. The Company may not, without the
consent of two-thirds of the votes of the holders of the outstanding shares of
Series E Preferred Stock and all other outstanding shares of preferred stock of
the Company (the "Preferred Stock"), ranking on a parity with the Series E
Preferred Stock either as to dividends or upon liquidation, dissolution or
winding up, voting together as a single class, create, authorize or issue, or
reclassify any authorized stock of the Company into, or create, authorize or
issue any obligation or security convertible into or evidencing a right to
purchase, any shares of any class of stock of the Company ranking prior to the
Series E Preferred Stock or ranking prior to any other series of Preferred Stock
which ranks on a parity with the Series E Preferred Stock. However, the Company
may create additional classes of stock or issue series of Preferred Stock
ranking on a parity with the Series E Preferred Stock with respect to the
payment of dividends or upon liquidation, dissolution and winding up without the
consent of any holder of Series E Preferred Stock.
 
  Dividends
 
     Holders of shares of the Series E Preferred Stock are entitled to
cumulative dividends payable quarterly at an annual rate of $7.00 per share.
With limited exceptions, holders of Series E Preferred Stock are entitled to
Full Cumulative Dividends before dividends may be declared on junior stock and
before such junior stock may be redeemed or purchased by the Company.
 
  Liquidation Rights
 
     In the event of any voluntary or involuntary liquidation, dissolution or
winding up of the Company (not including mergers, consolidations or sales of all
or substantially all assets), the holders of each class or series of Preferred
Stock ranking senior to the Series E Preferred Stock shall first receive full
payment of their liquidation preferences. Holders of Series E Preferred Stock
are then entitled to receive a liquidation preference of $100 per share plus
accrued dividends prior to any distribution on stock ranking junior to the
Series E Preferred Stock.
 
  Redemption
 
     Shares of Series E Preferred Stock are not redeemable at the option of the
Company.
 
                                       17
<PAGE>   19
 
  Voting Rights
 
     Except as indicated below or as expressly required by applicable law,
holders of Series E Preferred Stock have no voting rights.
 
     If the equivalent of six full quarterly dividends payable on the Series E
Preferred Stock are in arrears, the maximum authorized number of directors of
the Company will be increased by two and the holders of Series E Preferred
Stock, voting separately as a class with the holders of shares of any other
series of Preferred Stock ranking on a parity with the Series E Preferred Stock
and upon which like voting rights have been conferred and are exercisable, will
be entitled to elect two directors for successive one-year terms until all
dividends in arrears on the Series E Preferred Stock have been paid or declared
and set apart for payment. Upon payment or declaration and setting apart of
funds for payment of all such dividends in arrears, the term of office of each
director elected will immediately terminate and the number of directors
constituting the entire Board of Directors of the Company will be reduced by the
number of directors elected by the holders of the Series E Preferred Stock and
any other series of Preferred Stock ranking on a parity with the Series E
Preferred Stock as discussed above.
 
     The Company may not, without the affirmative vote or consent of two-thirds
of the votes of the holders of the Series E Preferred Stock and each other
series of Preferred Stock ranking on a parity with the Series E Preferred Stock
and upon which like voting rights have been conferred (voting together as a
single class), create, authorize or issue, or reclassify any authorized stock of
the Company into, or create, authorize or issue any obligation or security
convertible into or evidencing a right to purchase, any shares of any class of
stock of the Company ranking prior to the Series E Preferred Stock or any other
series of Preferred Stock which ranks on a parity with the Series E Preferred
Stock as to dividends or upon liquidation, dissolution or winding up. The
Company may not, without the affirmative vote or consent of two-thirds of the
votes of the holders of the outstanding shares of the Series E Preferred Stock
and each other series of Preferred Stock of the Company similarly affected, if
any, voting together as a single class, amend, alter or repeal any provision of
the Certificate which would materially and adversely affect the preferences,
rights, powers or privileges, qualification, limitations and restrictions of the
Series E Preferred Stock and any such other series of Preferred Stock; provided,
however, that the creation, issuance or increase in the amount of authorized
shares of any other series of Preferred Stock ranking on a parity with or junior
to the Series E Preferred Stock with respect to the payment of dividends or the
distribution of assets upon liquidation, dissolution or winding up of the
affairs of the Company will not be deemed to materially and adversely affect
such rights and preferences, privileges or voting powers.
 
  Conversion
 
     On November 17, 1998 (the "Automatic Conversion Date"), unless earlier
converted at the option of the holder, each outstanding share of the Series E
Preferred Stock shall convert automatically (the "Automatic Conversion") into
(i) shares of Common Stock at the Exchange Rate in effect on the Automatic
Conversion Date and (ii) the right to receive an amount in cash equal to Full
Cumulative Dividends on such share to the Automatic Conversion Date.
 
     Shares of Series E Preferred Stock may be converted, in whole or in part,
at the option of the holder thereof ("Optional Conversion"), at any time through
the close of business on the Business Day prior to November 17, 1998, into
shares of Common Stock at the Upper Exchange Rate.
 
     The Exchange Rate is subject to adjustment (under formulae set forth in the
Certificate of Designations) from time to time as appropriate in certain
circumstances, including certain subdivisions and combinations of the Common
Stock, dividends in Common Stock and non-cash dividends and distributions on
Common Stock.
 
     In case of any consolidation or merger to which the Company is a party
(other than a merger or consolidation in which the Company is the continuing
corporation and in which the Common Stock outstanding immediately prior to the
merger or consolidation remains unchanged), or in case of any sale or transfer
to another corporation of the property of the Company as an entirety or
substantially as an entirety, or
 
                                       18
<PAGE>   20
 
in case of any statutory exchange of securities with another corporation (other
than in connection with a merger or acquisition), proper provision shall be made
so that each share of the Series E Preferred Stock shall, after consummation of
such transaction, be subject to (i) conversion at the option of the holder into
the kind and amount of securities, cash or other property receivable upon
consummation of such transaction by a holder of the number of shares of Common
Stock into which such share of Series E Preferred Stock would have been
converted if the conversion had occurred immediately prior to consummation of
such transaction (based on the Exchange Rate in effect immediately prior to such
consummation) and (ii) conversion on the Automatic Conversion Date into the kind
and amount of securities, cash or other property receivable upon consummation of
such transaction by a holder of the number of shares of Common Stock into which
such share of Series E Preferred Stock would have been converted if the
conversion on the Automatic Conversion Date had occurred immediately prior to
the date of consummation of such transaction (based on the Exchange Rate in
effect immediately prior to such consummation); assuming in each case that such
holder of Common Stock failed to exercise rights of election, if any, as to the
kind or amount of securities, cash or other property receivable upon
consummation of such transaction (provided that if the kind or amount of
securities, cash or other property receivable upon consummation of such
transaction is not the same for each nonelecting share, then the kind and amount
of securities, cash or other property receivable upon consummation of such
transaction for each nonelecting share shall be deemed to be the kind and amount
so receivable per share by a plurality of the nonelecting shares). The kind and
amount of securities into which the shares of the Series E Preferred Stock shall
be convertible after consummation of such transaction shall be subject to
adjustment as described above following the date of consummation of such
transaction. The Company may not become a party to any such transaction unless
the terms thereof are consistent with the foregoing.
 
  Fractional Shares
 
     No fractional shares or scrip representing fractional shares of Common
Stock shall be issued upon conversion of Series E Preferred Stock. Instead of
any fractional share of Common Stock that would otherwise be issuable upon
conversion of any shares of Series E Preferred Stock, the Company shall pay a
cash adjustment in respect of such fractional interest in an amount equal to the
same fraction of the Closing Price of a share of Common Stock (or, if there is
no such Closing Price, the fair market value of a share of Common Stock, as
determined or prescribed by the Board of Directors) at the close of business on
the Trading Day immediately preceding the date of conversion.
 
  Listing; Transfer Agent
 
     The Series E Preferred Stock is listed on the NYSE under the symbol "TJX
PrE". The transfer agent, registrar, dividend disbursing agent and redemption
agent for the Series E Preferred Stock will be Boston Equiserve, subject to the
right of the Company to designate another bank or trust company having its
principal office in the United States and having a combined capital and surplus
of at least $100,000,000 to assume some or all of such functions.
 
  Definitions
 
     The following terms shall have the meanings indicated in respect of the
Series E Preferred Stock:
 
          "Base Number" shall mean the number derived from dividing $100 by
     $15.4375.
 
          "Business Day" shall mean any day other than a Saturday, Sunday, or a
     day on which banking institutions in the State of New York or The
     Commonwealth of Massachusetts are authorized or obligated by law or
     executive order to close or a day which is or is declared a national or New
     York or Massachusetts state holiday.
 
          "Closing Price" with respect to any securities on any day shall mean
     the closing sale price regular way on such day or, in case no such sale
     takes place on such day, the average of the reported closing bid and asked
     prices, regular way, in each case on the New York Stock Exchange, or, if
     such security is not listed or admitted to trading on such Exchange, on the
     principal national securities exchange or quotation
 
                                       19
<PAGE>   21
 
     system on which such security is quoted or listed or admitted to trading,
     or, if not quoted or listed or admitted to trading on any national
     securities exchange or quotation system, the average of the closing bid and
     asked prices of such security on the over-the-counter market on the day in
     question as reported by the National Association of Securities Dealers,
     Inc. Automated Quotation System, or a similarly generally accepted
     reporting service, or if not so available, in such manner as furnished by
     any New York Stock Exchange member firm selected from time to time by the
     Board of Directors for that purpose or (solely in the case of Series C
     Preferred Stock) a price determined in good faith by the Board of
     Directors.
 
          "Current Market Price" shall mean the average of the daily Closing
     Prices per share of Common Stock for the ten consecutive Trading Days
     immediately prior to the date in question; provided, however, that, if any
     event that results in an adjustment of the Exchange Rate occurs during the
     period beginning on the first day of such ten-day period and ending on the
     applicable conversion date, the Current Market Price as determined pursuant
     to the foregoing shall be appropriately adjusted to reflect the occurrence
     of such event.
 
          "Dividend Payment Date" shall mean January 1, April 1, July 1 and
     October 1 in each year.
 
          "Exchange Rate" for the Series E Preferred Stock shall be equal to (a)
     if the Current Market Price on the date of determination is equal to or
     greater than 120% of $15.4375 (the "Threshold Common Stock Price"), the
     number of shares of Common Stock equal to 0.83333333 of the Base Number
     (the "Upper Exchange Rate"), (b) if the Current Market Price on the date of
     determination is less than the Threshold Common Stock Price but greater
     than $15.4375, the number of shares of Common Stock having a value
     (determined at the Current Market Price) equal to $100 per share of Series
     E Preferred Stock (the "Middle Exchange Rate"), and (c) if the Current
     Market Price on the date of determination is equal to or less than
     $15.4375, a number of shares of Common Stock (the "Lower Exchange Rate")
     equal to the Base Number; provided that for all purposes relating to
     Optional Conversion by a holder pursuant to the above section entitled
     "Conversion," the Exchange Rate shall be equal to the Upper Exchange Rate.
     The Exchange Rate is subject to adjustment as set forth in the above
     section entitled "Conversion."
 
          "Fair Market Value" on any day shall mean the average of the daily
     Closing Prices of a share of Common Stock of the Company on the five (5)
     consecutive Trading Days selected by the Company commencing not more than
     20 Trading Days before, and ending not later than, the earlier of the day
     in question and the day before the "ex" date with respect to the issuance
     or distribution requiring such computation. The term "ex' date", when used
     with respect to any issuance or distribution, means the first day on which
     the Common Stock trades regular way, without the right to receive such
     issuance or distribution, on the exchange or in the market, as the case may
     be, used to determine that day's Closing Price.
 
          "Full Cumulative Dividends" shall mean, with respect to the Series E
     Preferred Stock, or any other capital stock of the Company, as of any date
     the aggregate amount of all then accumulated, accrued and unpaid dividends
     payable on such shares of Series E Preferred Stock, or other capital stock,
     as the case may be, in cash, whether or not earned or declared and whether
     or not there shall be funds legally available for the payment thereof.
 
          "Trading Day" shall mean (x) if the applicable security is listed or
     admitted for trading on the New York Stock Exchange or another national
     securities exchange, a day on which the New York Stock Exchange or such
     other national securities exchange is open for business or (y) if the
     applicable security is quoted on the National Market System of the National
     Association of Securities Dealers Automated Quotation System, a day on
     which trades may be made on such National Market System or (z) if the
     applicable security is not so listed, admitted for trading or quoted, any
     day other than a Saturday or Sunday or a day on which banking institutions
     in the State of New York are authorized or obligated by law or executive
     order to close.
 
                                       20
<PAGE>   22
 
CERTAIN CHARTER AND BY-LAW PROVISIONS
 
     The Certificate and By-Laws contain various provisions that may impede the
acquisition of control of the Company by means of a tender offer, proxy fight or
other means. Such provisions include a classified Board of Directors,
restrictions on the ability of stockholders to remove directors, the ability to
fill vacancies or call a stockholder meeting, and restrictions on stockholder
proposals and amendment of certain charter and by-law provisions.
 
     The Certificate further provides that no director of the company shall be
liable to the Company or its stockholders for monetary damages for breach of
fiduciary duty as a director, except for liability (i) for any breach of the
director's duty of loyalty to the Company or its shareholders, (ii) for acts or
omissions not in good faith or which involve intentional misconduct or a knowing
violation of law, (iii) under Section 174 of the Delaware General Corporation
Law or (iv) for any transaction from which the director derived an improper
personal benefit. Section 174 of the Delaware General Corporation Law specifies
conditions under which directors of Delaware corporations may be liable for
unlawful payment of dividends or unlawful stock purchases or redemptions.
 
SECTION 203 OF THE DELAWARE GENERAL CORPORATION LAW
 
     As a Delaware corporation, the Company is subject to the provisions of
Section 203 of the General Corporation Law of the State of Delaware. Section 203
generally provides that if a person or group acquires 15% or more of a
corporation's voting stock (thereby becoming an "interested stockholder")
without prior board approval, such interested stockholder may not, for a period
of three years, engage in a wide range of business combination transactions with
the corporation. However, this restriction does not apply to a person who
becomes an interested stockholder in a transaction resulting in the interested
stockholder owning at least 85% of the corporation's voting stock (excluding
from the outstanding shares, shares held by officer-directors or pursuant to
employee stock plans without confidential tender offer decisions), or to a
business combination approved by the board of directors and authorized by the
affirmative vote of at least 66 2/3% of the outstanding voting stock not owned
by the interested stockholder. In addition, Section 203 does not apply to
certain business combinations proposed subsequent to the public announcement of
specified business combination transactions which are not opposed by the board
of directors.
 
                         DESCRIPTION OF DEBT SECURITIES
 
     The Debt Securities offered hereby are to be issued under an Indenture,
dated as of September 15, 1993 (the "Indenture"), between the Company and The
First National Bank of Chicago, as Trustee (the "Trustee"), or under a
substantially identical indenture with a different trustee. The following
summary of certain provisions of the Indenture, a copy of which was filed as an
exhibit to the Registration Statement, does not purport to be complete and is
subject to, and is qualified in its entirety by reference to, all provisions of
the Indenture, including the definition therein of certain terms. Wherever
particular sections or defined terms of the Indenture are referred to, it is
intended that such sections or defined terms shall be incorporated herein by
reference. If the Debt Securities are issued under an indenture other than the
Indenture, the Prospectus Supplement will identify the trustee and will describe
any material differences between that indenture and the Indenture.
 
GENERAL
 
     The Debt Securities will rank equally with all other unsecured and
unsubordinated indebtedness of the Company.
 
     The Debt Securities that may be offered under the Indenture are not limited
in amount. As of May 30, 1996, the Company had an aggregate of $257,500,000 in
principal amount of Debt Securities outstanding under the Indenture.
 
     The Debt Securities may be issued in one or more series with the same or
various maturities, at par, at a premium, or with an original issue discount.
The Prospectus Supplement will set forth the initial offering price,
 
                                       21
<PAGE>   23
 
the aggregate principal amount and the following terms of the Debt Securities
in respect of which this Prospectus is delivered: (1) the title of such Debt
Securities; (2) any limit on the aggregate principal amount of such Debt
Securities; (3) the date or dates on which principal on such Debt Securities
will be payable; (4) the rate or rates and, if applicable, the method used to
determine the rate including any commodity, commodity index, stock exchange
index or financial index, at which such Debt Securities will bear interest, if
any, the date or dates from which such interest will accrue, the dates on which
such interest shall be payable and the record date for the interest payable on
any interest payment date; (5) the place or places where principal of, premium,
if any, and interest on such Debt Securities will be payable; (6) the period or
periods within which, the price or prices at which and the terms and conditions
upon which the Debt Securities may be redeemed; (7) the obligation, if any, of
the Company to redeem or purchase the Debt Securities pursuant to any sinking
fund or analogous provisions or at the option of a holder thereof; (8) the
denominations of such Debt Securities, if other than denominations of $1,000
and any integral multiple thereof; (9) the portion of principal amount of such
Debt Securities that shall be payable upon acceleration, if other than the
principal amount thereof; (10) the currency of denomination of such Debt
Securities; (11) the designation of the currency or currencies in which payment
of principal of and interest on such Debt Securities will be made; (12) the
manner in which the amounts of payment of principal of premium, if any, or
interest on such Debt   Securities will be determined, if such amounts may be
determined by reference to an index based on a currency or currencies other
than that in which the Debt Securities are denominated or designated to be
payable or by reference to a commodity, commodity index, stock exchange index
or financial index; (13) if payments of principal of, premium, if any, or
interest on the Debt Securities are to be made in currency other than the
denominated currency, the manner in which the exchange rate with respect to
such payments will be determined; (14) any other terms of such Debt Securities,
which other terms will not be inconsistent with the provisions of the
Indenture; and (15) any depositaries, interest rate calculation agents,
exchange rate calculation agents or other agents with respect to the Debt
Securities other than those originally appointed. (Indenture [Section] 2.2.)
The Prospectus Supplement will set forth any federal income tax, accounting or
special considerations applicable to the Debt Securities.
 
PAYMENT OF INTEREST AND EXCHANGE
 
     Each Debt Security will be issued as a Certificated Debt Security,
registered in the name of the holder or its nominee, or as a Book-Entry Debt
Security represented by a Global Debt Security registered in the name of the
Depositary or its nominee.
 
  Certificated Debt Securities
 
     Principal of, premium, if any, and interest on Certificated Debt Securities
will be payable to the Holders thereof at the principal office of the Trustee in
Chicago, Illinois, or at any paying agency, as defined in the Indenture,
maintained at the time by the Company for such purpose. At the option of the
Company, payment of interest on Certificated Debt Securities may be made by
check mailed to the address of the record holder thereof (the "Holder") as of
the applicable record date as such address appears in the Certificated Debt
Securities Register. Certificated Debt Securities may be transferred or
exchanged at the aforementioned Trustee's office or paying agencies in
accordance with the terms of the Indenture. No service charge will be made for
any transfer or exchange of Certificated Debt Securities, but the Company may
require payment of a sum sufficient to cover any tax or other governmental
charge payable in connection therewith. Certificated Debt Securities will not be
exchangeable for Book-Entry Debt Securities, except under the circumstances
described below under "Global Debt Securities and Book-Entry System." (Indenture
[Sections] 2.4 and 2.7.)
 
     The transfer of Certificated Debt Securities and the right to the principal
of premium, if any, and interest on such Certificated Debt Securities may be
effected only by surrender of the old certificate representing such Certificated
Debt Securities and either reissuance by the Company or the Trustee of the old
certificate to the new Holder or the issuance by the Company or the Trustee of a
new certificate to the new Holder.
 
                                       22
<PAGE>   24
 
  Global Debt Securities and Book-Entry System
 
     Upon issuance, all Book-Entry Debt Securities having the same Issue Date,
interest rate, if any, amortization schedule, if any, maturity date and other
terms, if any, will be represented by one or more Global Debt Securities. Each
Global Debt Security representing Book-Entry Debt Securities will be deposited
with, or on behalf of, the Depositary, and registered in the name of the
Depositary or a nominee of the Depositary. Book-Entry Debt Securities will not
be exchangeable for Certificated Debt Securities and will not otherwise be
issuable as Certificated Debt Securities.
 
     The procedures that the Depositary has indicated it intends to follow with
respect to Book-Entry Debt Securities are set forth below.
 
     Ownership of beneficial interests in a Book-Entry Debt Securities will be
limited to persons that have accounts with the Depositary for the related Global
Debt Security ("participants") or persons that may hold interests through
participants. Upon the issuance of a Global Debt Security, the Depositary will
credit, on its book-entry registration and transfer system, the participants'
accounts with the respective principal amounts of the Book-Entry Debt Securities
represented by such Global Debt Security beneficially owned by such
participants. The accounts to be credited shall be designated by any dealers,
underwriters or agents participating in the distribution of such Book-Entry Debt
Securities. Ownership of Book-Entry Debt Securities will be shown on, and the
transfer of such ownership interests will be effected only through, records
maintained by the Depositary for the related Global Debt Security (with respect
to interests of participants) and on the records of participants (with respect
to interests of persons holding through participants). The laws of some states
may require that certain purchasers of securities take physical delivery of such
securities in definitive form. Such limits and such laws may impair the ability
to own, transfer or pledge beneficial interests in Book-Entry Debt Securities.
 
     So long as the Depositary, or its nominee, is the registered owner of such
Global Debt Security, the Depositary or such nominee, as the case may be, will
be considered the sole owner or holder of the Book-Entry Debt Securities
represented by such Global Debt Security for all purposes under the Indenture.
Except as set forth below, owners of Book-Entry Debt Securities will not be
entitled to have such securities registered in their names, will not receive or
be entitled to receive physical delivery of a certificate in definitive form
representing such securities and will not be considered the owners or holders
thereof under the Indenture. Accordingly, each person owning Book-Entry Debt
Securities must rely on the procedures of the Depositary and, if such person is
not a participant, on the procedures of the participant through which such
person owns its interest, to exercise any rights of a holder under the
Indenture. The Company understands that under existing industry practices, if
the Company requests any action of holders or if an owner of Book-Entry Debt
Securities desires to give or take any action which a holder is entitled to give
or take under the Indenture, the Depositary would authorize the participants
holding the relevant Book-Entry Debt Securities to give or take such action, and
such participants would authorize beneficial owners owning through such
participants to give or take such action or would otherwise act upon the
instructions of beneficial owners holding through them.
 
     Payments of principal, premium, if any, and interest on Book-Entry Debt
Securities will be made to the Depositary or its nominee, as the case may be, as
the registered holder of the related Global Debt Security. None of the Company,
the Trustee or any other agent of the Company or agent of the Trustee will have
any responsibility or liability for any aspect of the records relating to or
payments made on account of beneficial ownership interests in such Global Debt
Security or for maintaining, supervising or reviewing any records relating to
such beneficial ownership interests.
 
     The Company expects that the Depositary, upon receipt of any payment of
principal, premium, if any, or interest on a Global Debt Security, will
immediately credit participants' accounts with payments in amounts proportionate
to the respective amount of Book-Entry Debt Securities held by each such
participant as shown on the records of the Depositary. The Company also expects
that payments by participants to owners of beneficial interests in Book-Entry
Debt Securities held through such participants will be governed by standing
customer instructions and customary practices, as is now the case with the
securities held for the accounts of customers in bearer form or registered in
"street name," and will be the responsibility of such participants.
 
                                       23
<PAGE>   25
 
     If the Depositary is at any time unwilling or unable to continue as
Depositary or ceases to be a clearing agency registered under the Exchange Act,
and a successor Depositary registered as a clearing agency under the Exchange
Act is not appointed by the Company within 90 days, the Company will issue
Certificated Debt Securities in exchange for such Global Debt Security. In
addition, the Company may at any time and in its sole discretion determine not
to have any of the Book-Entry Debt Securities represented by one or more Global
Debt Securities and, in such event, will issue Certificated Debt Securities in
exchange for such Global Debt Security or Securities. Any Certificated Debt
Securities issued in exchange for a Global Debt Security will be registered in
such name or names as the Depositary shall instruct the Trustee. It is expected
that such instructions will be based upon directions received by the Depositary
from participants with respect to ownership of Book-Entry Debt Securities
relating to such Global Debt Security.
 
     The foregoing information in this section concerning the Depositary and the
Depositary's Book-Entry System has been obtained from sources the Company
believes to be reliable, but the Company takes no responsibility for the
accuracy thereof.
 
CERTAIN COVENANTS OF THE COMPANY
 
     Restrictions on Liens.  The Company will not, and will not permit any
Restricted Subsidiary to, issue, assume or guarantee any Indebtedness secured by
any mortgage, security interest, pledge, lien or other encumbrance (herein
referred to as a "Mortgage" or "Mortgages") upon any Operating Property or
Operating Asset of the Company or any Restricted Subsidiary, whether such
Operating Property or Operating Asset is now owned or hereafter acquired,
without in any such case effectively providing concurrently with the issuance,
assumption or guarantee of any such Indebtedness that the Debt Securities
(together with, if the Company shall so determine, any other Indebtedness
ranking equally with the Debt Securities other than Debt Securities not having
the benefit of this provision) shall be secured equally and ratably with such
Indebtedness, except that the foregoing restrictions shall not apply to: (i) the
giving, within 180 days after the later of the acquisition or completion of
construction or completion of substantial reconstruction, renovation,
remodeling, expansion or improvement (each a "substantial improvement") of such
property, and the placing in operation of such property after the acquisition or
completion of any such construction or substantial improvement, of any purchase
money Mortgage (including security for bankers acceptances and similar inventory
financings in the ordinary course of business and vendors' rights under purchase
contracts under an agreement whereby title is retained for the purpose of
securing the purchase price thereof), or the acquiring of property not
theretofore owned by the Company or such Restricted Subsidiary subject to any
then existing Mortgage securing Indebtedness (whether or not assumed) including
Indebtedness incurred for reimbursement of funds previously expended for any
such purpose, provided that in each case (x) such Mortgage is limited to such
property, including accretions thereto and any such construction or substantial
improvement (or, with respect to bankers acceptances and similar inventory
financings in the ordinary course of business, any inventory acquired by the
Company or such Restricted Subsidiary during the 180-day period immediately
preceding the date of creation of such Mortgage); (y) the principal amount of
the Indebtedness being incurred that is secured by such Mortgage shall not
exceed the cost of such acquired property, construction or substantial
improvement, as the case may be; and (z) the principal amount of the
Indebtedness secured by such Mortgage, together with all other Indebtedness to
persons other than the Company or a Restricted Subsidiary secured by Mortgages
on such property, shall not exceed the lesser of the total costs of such
property, including any such construction or substantial improvement, to the
Company or a Restricted Subsidiary or the fair market value thereof immediately
following the acquisition, construction or substantial improvement thereof by
the Company or a Restricted Subsidiary; (ii) the giving by the Company or a
Restricted Subsidiary of a Mortgage on real property that is the sole security
for Indebtedness (w) incurred within three years after the latest of (1)
September 15, 1993, (2) the date of acquisition of such real property or (3) the
date of completion of construction or substantial improvement made thereon by
the Company or such Restricted Subsidiary, (x) incurred for the purpose of
reimbursing itself for the cost of acquisition and/or the cost of improvement of
such real property, (y) the amount of which does not exceed the lesser of the
aggregate cost of such real property and improvements or the fair market value
thereof, and (z) the holder of which shall be entitled to enforce payment of
such Indebtedness solely by resorting to the security therefor, without any
liability on the part of the Company or such Restricted Subsidiary for any
deficiency; (iii) any
 
                                       24
<PAGE>   26
 
Mortgage on assets of the Company or any Subsidiary existing on the date of the
Indenture or any Mortgage on the assets of a Restricted Subsidiary on the date
it became a Subsidiary or any Mortgage on the assets of a Subsidiary that is
newly designated as a Restricted Subsidiary, if such Mortgage was created while
such Subsidiary was a Non-Restricted Subsidiary, and such Mortgage would have
been permitted under the provisions of this paragraph if such Subsidiary had
been a Restricted Subsidiary at the time such Mortgage was created; (iv) any
Mortgage incurred in connection with any refunding or extension of Indebtedness
secured by a Mortgage permitted under clause (i), (ii) or (iii) above, provided
that the principal amount of the refinancing or extending Indebtedness does not
exceed the principal amount of the Indebtedness so refunded or extended and
that such Mortgage applies only to the same property or assets subject to the
prior permitted Mortgage and fixtures and building improvements thereon (and if
the prior Mortgage was incurred under clause (ii) above, the requirements of
clause (z) thereof are satisfied), or (v) any Mortgage given in favor of the
Company or any Wholly Owned Restricted Subsidiary. (Indenture [Section]
4.5(a).) On September 15, 1993, no Operating Property was subject to any
Mortgage.
 
     Restrictions on Sale and Leaseback Transactions.  Without equally and
ratably securing the Debt Securities, the Company will not, nor will it permit
any Restricted Subsidiary to, enter into any arrangement with any person
providing for the leasing by the Company or any Restricted Subsidiary of any
Operating Property or Operating Asset that has been or is to be sold or
transferred by the Company or such Restricted Subsidiary to such person
subsequent to September 15, 1993 with the intention of taking back a lease of
such property (a "Sale and Leaseback Transaction") unless the terms of such sale
or transfer have been determined by the Company's Board of Directors to be fair
and arms' length and, within 180 days after the receipt of the proceeds of such
sale or transfer, the Company or any Restricted Subsidiary applies an amount
equal to the greater of the net proceeds of such sale or transfer or the fair
value of such Operating Property or Operating Asset at the time of such sale or
transfer to the prepayment or retirement (other than any mandatory prepayment or
retirement) of Senior Funded Debt of the Company or such Restricted Subsidiary.
The foregoing restriction will not apply to (i) any Sale and Leaseback
Transaction for a term of not more than three years including renewals, (ii) any
Sale and Leaseback Transaction with respect to Operating Property if a binding
commitment with respect thereto is entered into within three years after the
date such property was acquired (as the term "acquired" is used in the
definition of Operating Property) or any Sale and Leaseback Transaction with
respect to Operating Assets if a binding commitment with respect thereto is
entered into within 180 days after the later of the date such property was
acquired and, if applicable, the date such property was first placed in
operation, or (iii) any Sale and Leaseback Transaction between the Company and a
Restricted Subsidiary or between Restricted Subsidiaries provided that the
lessor shall be the Company or a Wholly Owned Restricted Subsidiary. (Indenture
[Section] 4.6(a).)
 
     Exempted Debt.  Notwithstanding the restrictions on Mortgages and Sale and
Leaseback Transactions described above under "Restrictions on Liens" and
"Restrictions on Sale and Leaseback Transactions," the Company or its Restricted
Subsidiaries may, in addition to amounts permitted under such restrictions,
create or assume Mortgages, and renew, extend or replace such Mortgages, or
enter into Sale and Leaseback Transactions, provided that, after giving effect
thereto, the aggregate outstanding principal amount of all Exempted Debt of the
Company and its Restricted Subsidiaries does not exceed 10% of Consolidated Net
Tangible Assets. (Indenture [Sections] 4.5(b) and 4.6(b).)
 
     Maintenance of Properties.  The Company will cause all properties used or
useful in the conduct of its business or the business of any Subsidiary to be
maintained and kept in good condition, repair and working order and supplied
with all necessary equipment and will cause to be made all necessary repairs,
renewals, replacements, betterments and improvements thereof, all as in the
judgment of the Company may be necessary so that the business carried on in
connection therewith may be properly and advantageously conducted at all times,
provided that the Company may discontinue the operation or maintenance of any of
such properties if such discontinuance is, in the judgment of the Company,
desirable in the conduct of its business or the business of any Subsidiary and
not disadvantageous in any material respect to the Holders of the Debt
Securities.
 
     Payment of Taxes and other Claims.  The Company will pay or discharge or
cause to be paid or discharged, before the same shall become delinquent, (1) all
taxes, assessments and governmental charges in
 
                                       25
<PAGE>   27
 
excess of $250,000 levied or imposed upon the Company or any Subsidiary or upon
the income, profits or property of the Company or any Subsidiary, and (2) all
lawful claims for labor, materials and supplies in excess of $250,000 which, if
unpaid, might by law become a lien upon the property of the Company or any
Subsidiary, provided that the Company shall not be required to pay or discharge
or cause to be paid or discharged any such tax, assessment, charge or claim
whose amount, applicability or validity is being contested in good faith by
appropriate proceedings.
 
     No Special Protection in the Event of a Highly Leveraged
Transaction.  Unless otherwise indicated in the Prospectus Supplement relating
thereto, the terms of the Debt Securities will not afford the holders special
protection in the event of a highly leveraged transaction.
 
CERTAIN DEFINITIONS
 
     Set forth below are certain significant terms that are defined in Section
1.1 of the Indenture:
 
          "Attributable Debt" in respect of a Sale and Leaseback Transaction
     means, at the time of determination, the present value (discounted at the
     imputed rate of interest of such transaction determined in accordance with
     generally accepted accounting principles) of the obligation of the lessee
     for net rental payments during the remaining term of the lease included in
     such arrangement (including any period for which such lease has been
     extended or may, at the option of the lessor, be extended). The term "net
     rental payments" under any lease for any period shall mean the sum of the
     rental and other payments required to be paid in such period by the lessee
     thereunder, not including any amounts required to be paid by such lessee
     (whether or not designated as rental or additional rental) on account of
     maintenance and repairs, insurance, taxes, assessments, water rates or
     similar charges required to be paid by such lessee thereunder or any
     amounts required to be paid by such lessee thereunder contingent upon the
     amount of sales, maintenance and repairs, insurance, taxes, assessments,
     water rates or similar charges.
 
          "Capitalized Lease Obligations" means obligations created pursuant to
     leases that are required to be shown on the liability side of a balance
     sheet in accordance with FASB Statement No. 13, "Accounting for Leases," as
     amended and interpreted, or any successor or comparable accounting
     standard.
 
          "Consolidated" when used with respect to any of the terms defined in
     the Indenture, refers to such terms as reflected in a consolidation of the
     accounts of the Company and its Restricted Subsidiaries in accordance with
     generally accepted accounting principles.
 
          "Consolidated Net Tangible Assets" means the total amounts of assets
     (less depreciation and valuation reserves and other reserves and items
     deductible from the gross book value of specific asset accounts under
     generally accepted accounting principles) that under generally accepted
     accounting principles would be included on a consolidated balance sheet of
     the Company and its Restricted Subsidiaries, after deducting therefrom (i)
     all liability items except Funded Debt, Capitalized Lease Obligations,
     stockholders' equity and reserves for deferred income taxes, (ii) all
     goodwill, trade names, trademarks, patents, unamortized debt discount and
     expense and other like intangibles (other than leasehold costs and
     investments in so-called safe harbor leases), which in each such case would
     be so included on such balance sheet, and (iii) all amounts which would be
     so included on such balance sheet in respect of Investments (less
     applicable reserves) in Non-Restricted Subsidiaries in excess of the amount
     of such Investments at July 31, 1993. As of July 31, 1993, the amount of
     Investments in Non-Restricted Subsidiaries totaled approximately $315
     million.
 
          "Default" means any event that is or with the passage of time or the
     giving of notice or both would be an Event of Default.
 
          "Exempted Debt" means the sum of the following items outstanding as of
     the date Exempted Debt is being determined: (i) Indebtedness for money
     borrowed of the Company and its Restricted Subsidiaries incurred after the
     date of the Indenture and secured by liens created or assumed or permitted
     to exist pursuant to Section 4.5(b) of the Indenture, and (ii) Attributable
     Debt of the
 
                                       26
<PAGE>   28
 
     Company and its Restricted Subsidiaries in respect of all Sale and
     Leaseback Transactions entered into pursuant to Section 4.6(b) of the
     Indenture.
 
          "Funded Debt" of any person means Indebtedness, whether incurred,
     assumed or guaranteed, maturing by its terms more than one year from the
     date of creation thereof, or that is extendable or renewable at the sole
     option of the obligor so that it may become payable more than one year from
     the date of creation thereof; provided, however, that Funded Debt shall not
     include (i) obligations created pursuant to leases, (ii) any Indebtedness
     or portion thereof maturing by its terms within one year from the time of
     any computation of the amount of outstanding Funded Debt unless such
     Indebtedness shall be extendable or renewable at the sole option of the
     obligor in such manner that it may become payable more than one year from
     such time, or (iii) any Indebtedness for the payment or redemption of which
     money in the necessary amount shall have deposited in trust either at or
     before the maturity date thereof.
 
          "Indebtedness" of any person means indebtedness for borrowed money and
     indebtedness under purchase money mortgages or other purchase money liens
     or conditional sales or similar title retention agreements, in each case
     where such indebtedness has been created, incurred, or assumed by such
     person to the extent such indebtedness would appear as a liability upon a
     balance sheet of such Person prepared in accordance with generally accepted
     accounting principles, guarantees by such Person of such indebtedness, and
     indebtedness for borrowed money secured by any mortgage, pledge or other
     lien or encumbrance upon property owned by such person, even though such
     person has not assumed or become liable for the payment of such
     indebtedness.
 
          "Investment" means and includes any investment in stock, evidences of
     indebtedness, loans or advances, however made or acquired, but shall not
     include accounts receivable of the Company or of any Restricted Subsidiary
     arising from transactions in the ordinary course of business, or any
     evidences of indebtedness, loans or advances made in connection with the
     sale to any Subsidiary of accounts receivable of the Company or any
     Restricted Subsidiary arising from transactions in the ordinary course of
     business of the Company or any Restricted Subsidiary.
 
          "Non-Restricted Subsidiary" means any Subsidiary other than a
     Restricted Subsidiary.
 
          "Operating Assets" means all merchandise inventories, furniture,
     fixtures and equipment (including all transportation and warehousing
     equipment but excluding office equipment and data processing equipment)
     owned by the Company or a Restricted Subsidiary.
 
          "Operating Property" means all real property and improvements thereon
     owned by the Company or a Restricted Subsidiary constituting, without
     limitation, any store, warehouse, service center or distribution center
     wherever located; provided that such term shall not include any store,
     warehouse, service center or distribution center that the Company's Board
     of Directors declares by resolution not to be of material importance to the
     business of the Company and its Restricted Subsidiaries. Operating Property
     is treated as having been "acquired" on the day the Operating Property is
     placed in operation by the Company or a Restricted Subsidiary after the
     later of (a) its acquisition from a third party, including a Non-Restricted
     Subsidiary, (b) completion of its original construction or (c) completion
     of its substantial reconstruction, renovation, remodeling, expansion or
     improvement (whether or not constituting an Operating Property prior to
     such reconstruction, renovation, remodeling, expansion or improvement).
 
          "Restricted Subsidiaries" means any Subsidiary so designated by the
     Board of Directors or duly authorized officers of the Company in accordance
     with the Indenture provided that (a) the Board of Directors or duly
     authorized officers of the Company may, subject to certain limitations,
     designate any Non-Restricted Subsidiary and (b) any Subsidiary of which the
     majority of the voting stock is owned directly or indirectly by one or more
     Non-Restricted Subsidiaries shall be a Non-Restricted Subsidiary. As of
     June 3, 1996, the Company had no Restricted Subsidiaries.
 
          "Subsidiary" means a corporation more than 50% of the outstanding
     voting stock of which is owned, directly or indirectly, by the Company or
     by one or more other Subsidiaries, or by the Company and one or more other
     Subsidiaries. For the purposes of this definition, "voting stock" means
     stock that ordinarily
 
                                       27
<PAGE>   29
 
     has voting power for the election of directors, whether at all times or
     only so long as no senior class of stock has such voting power by reason of
     any contingency.
 
          "Senior Funded Debt" means all Funded Debt of the Company or any
     person (except Funded Debt, the payment of which is subordinated in the
     manner provided in the Indenture to the payment of the Debt Securities).
 
MERGER AND CONSOLIDATION
 
     The Indenture provides that the Company may, without the consent of the
Holders of the Debt Securities, consolidate with or merge into any other
corporation, or convey, transfer or lease its properties and assets
substantially as an entirety to any person, provided that in any such case (i)
the successor shall be a domestic corporation and such corporation shall assume
by a supplemental indenture the Company's obligations under the Indenture and
the Debt Securities, (ii) immediately after such transaction, and treating any
Indebtedness that becomes an obligation of the Company or a Subsidiary as a
result of such transaction as having been incurred by the Company or such
Subsidiary at the time of such transaction, no Default or Event of Default shall
have happened and be continuing, and (iii) if as a result of any such
transaction properties or assets of the Company would become subject to a
Mortgage that would not be permitted under the Indenture, the Debt Securities
would be secured, equally and ratably with (or prior to) all Indebtedness so
secured. Upon compliance with these provisions by a successor corporation, the
Company (except in the case of a lease) would be relieved of its obligations
under the Indenture and the Debt Securities. (Indenture [Sections] 5.1 and 5.2.)
 
EVENTS OF DEFAULT
 
     The following will be Events of Default under the Indenture with respect to
Debt Securities of any series: (a) default in the payment of any interest upon
any Debt Security of that series when it becomes due and payable, and
continuance of such default for a period of 30 days; (b) default in the payment
of principal of or premium, if any, on any Debt Security of that series when
due; (c) default in the deposit of any sinking fund payment, when and as due in
respect of any Debt Security of that series; (d) default in the performance or
breach of any other covenant or warranty of the Company in the Indenture (other
than a covenant or warranty that has been included in the Indenture solely for
the benefit of a series of Debt Securities other than that series), which
default continues uncured for a period of 60 days after written notice to the
Company by the Trustee or to the Company and the Trustee by the Holders of at
least 25% in principal amount of the outstanding Debt Securities of that series
as provided in the Indenture; (e) unless the terms of such series otherwise
provide, a default under any bond, debenture, note or other evidence of
Indebtedness for money borrowed by the Company (including a default with respect
to Debt Securities of any series other than that series) or under any mortgage,
indenture or instrument under which there may be issued or by which there may be
secured or evidenced any Indebtedness for money borrowed by the Company
(including the Indenture), whether such Indebtedness now exists or shall
hereafter be created, which default shall have resulted in such Indebtedness
becoming or being declared due and payable prior to the date on which it would
otherwise have become due and payable, and the principal amount of the
Indebtedness so accelerated, together with the principal amount of all other
Indebtedness similarly accelerated, shall be $10 million or more, and such
acceleration shall not have been rescinded or annulled within a period of 10
days after there shall have been given written notice to the Company by the
Trustee or to the Company and the Trustee by the Holders of at least 25% in
principal amount of the outstanding Debt Securities of that series as provided
in the Indenture; (f) certain events of bankruptcy, insolvency or
reorganization; and (g) any other Event of Default provided with respect to Debt
Securities of that series that is described in the Prospectus Supplement
accompanying this Prospectus. No Event of Default with respect to a particular
series of Debt Securities (except as to the certain events in bankruptcy,
insolvency or reorganization) necessarily constitutes an Event of Default with
respect to any other series of Debt Securities. (Indenture [Section] 6.1.) The
occurrence of an Event of Default would constitute an event of default under
certain of the Company's existing bank lines. In addition, the occurrence of
certain Events of Default or an acceleration under the Indenture would
constitute an event of default under certain other bank lines and other
indebtedness of the Company.
 
                                       28
<PAGE>   30
 
     If an Event of Default with respect to Debt Securities of any series at
the time outstanding occurs and is continuing, then and in every such case the
Trustee or the Holders of not less than 25% in principal amount of the
outstanding Debt Securities of that series may, by a notice in writing to the
Company (and to the Trustee if given by Holders), declare to be due and payable
immediately the principal (or, if the Debt Securities of that series are
Discount Securities, such portion of the principal amount as may be specified
in the term of that series) and premium, if any, of all Debt Securities of that
series. In the case of an Event of Default resulting from the certain events in
bankruptcy, insolvency or reorganization, the principal (or such specified
amount) and premium, if any, of all outstanding Debt Securities shall ipso
facto become and be immediately due and payable without any declaration or
other act on the part of the Trustee or any Holder. At any time after a
declaration of acceleration with respect to Debt Securities of any series has
been made, but before a judgment or decree for payment of the money due has
been obtained by the Trustee, the Holders of a majority in principal amount of
the outstanding Debt Securities of that series may, subject to the Company
having paid or deposited with the Trustee a sum sufficient to pay overdue
interest and principal which has become due other than by acceleration and
certain other conditions, rescind and annul such acceleration if all Events of
Default, other than the non-payment of accelerated principal and premium, if
any, with respect to Debt Securities of that series have been cured or waived
as provided in the Indenture. (Indenture [Section] 6.2.) For information as to
waiver of defaults see the discussion set forth below under "Modification and
Waiver." Reference is made to the Prospectus Supplement relating to any series
of Debt Securities that are Discount Securities for the particular provisions
relating to acceleration of a portion of the principal amount of such Discount
Securities upon the occurrence of an Event of Default and the continuation
thereof.
 
     The Indenture provides that the Trustee will be under no obligation to
exercise any of its rights or powers under the Indenture at the request of any
Holder, unless the Trustee receives indemnity satisfactory to it against any
loss, liability or expense. (Indenture [Section] 7.1(e).) Subject to certain
rights of the Trustee, the Holders of a majority in principal amount of the
outstanding Debt Securities of any series shall have the right to direct the
time, method and place of conducting any proceeding for any remedy available to
the Trustee or exercising any trust or power conferred on the Trustee with
respect to the Debt Securities of that series. (Indenture [Section] 6.12.)
 
     No Holder of any Debt Security of any series will have any right to
institute any proceeding, judicial or otherwise, with respect to the Indenture
or for the appointment of a receiver or trustee, or for any remedy thereunder,
unless such Holder shall have previously given to the Trustee written notice of
a continuing Event of Default with respect to Debt Securities of that series
and unless also the Holders of at least 25% in principal amount of the
outstanding Debt Securities of that series shall have made written request, and
offered reasonable security and indemnity, to the Trustee to institute such
proceeding as trustee, and the Trustee shall not have received from the Holders
of a majority in principal amount of the outstanding Debt Securities of that
series a direction inconsistent with such request and shall have failed to
institute such proceeding within 60 days. (Indenture [Section] 6.7.)
Notwithstanding the foregoing, the Holder of any Debt Security will have an
absolute and unconditional right to receive payment of the principal of,
premium, if any, and any interest on such Debt Security on or after the due
dates expressed in such Debt Security and to institute suit for the enforcement
of any such payment. (Indenture [Section] 6.8.)
 
     The Indenture requires the Company, within 120 days after the end of
each of its fiscal years, to furnish to the Trustee a statement as to
compliance with the Indenture. (Indenture [Section] 4.8.) The Indenture
provides that the Trustee may withhold notice to the Holders of Debt Securities
of any series of any Default or Event of Default (except in payment on any Debt
Securities of such series) with respect to Debt Securities of such series if it
in good faith determines that withholding such notice is in the interest of the
Holders of Debt Securities. (Indenture [Section] 7.5.)
 
MODIFICATION AND WAIVER
 
     Modifications and amendments of the Indenture may be made by the Company
and the Trustee with the consent of the Holders of 66 2/3% in principal amount
of the outstanding Debt Securities of each series affected by such modifications
or amendments provided, however, that no such modification or amendment may,
without the consent of the Holder of each outstanding Debt Security affected
thereby: (a) reduce the amount
 
                                       29
<PAGE>   31
 
of Debt Securities whose Holders must consent to an amendment or waiver; (b)
change the rate of or change the time for payment of interest (including default
interest) on any Debt Security; (c) change the principal, premium, if any, or
the fixed maturity of any Debt Security; (d) waive a default in the payment of
the principal of, premium, if any, or interest on any Debt Security (except a
rescission of acceleration of the Debt Securities of any series by the Holders
of at least a majority in aggregate principal amount of the then outstanding
Debt Securities of such Series and a waiver of the payment default that resulted
from such acceleration); (e) make the Debt Security payable in currency other
than that stated in the Debt Security; (f) make any change to certain provisions
of the Indenture relating to remedies or amendments; (g) waive a redemption
payment with respect to any Debt Security or change any of the provisions with
respect to the redemption of any Debt Securities; (h) waive the provisions for
determining the Dollar equivalent of foreign currency denominated Securities in
connection with actions of Holders of Debt Securities under the Indenture; or
(i) waive provisions relating to conversion of a currency in which a judgment is
rendered into another required currency. (Indenture [Section] 9.3.)
 
     The Holders of a majority in principal amount of the outstanding Debt
Securities of any series may on behalf of the Holders of all Debt Securities of
that series waive, insofar as that series is concerned, compliance by the
Company with provisions of the Indenture other than certain specified
provisions. (Indenture [Section] 9.2.) The Holders of a majority in principal
amount of the outstanding Debt Securities of any series may on behalf of the
Holders of all the Debt Securities of such series waive any past default under
the Indenture with respect to such series and its consequences, except a
default in the payment of the principal of, premium, if any, or any interest on
any Debt Security of that series or in respect of a provision which under the
Indenture cannot be modified or amended without the consent of the Holder of
each outstanding Debt Security of that series affected. (Indenture [Section]
6.13.)
 
DEFEASANCE OF DEBT SECURITIES OR CERTAIN COVENANTS IN CERTAIN CIRCUMSTANCES
 
     Defeasance and Discharge.  The Indenture provides that the Company may be
discharged from any and all obligations in respect of the Debt Securities of any
series (except for certain obligations to register the transfer or exchange of
Debt Securities of such series, to replace stolen, lost or mutilated Debt
Securities of such series, to maintain paying agencies and hold moneys for
payment in trust) upon the deposit with the Trustee, in trust, of money and/or
government obligations in the same currency as such series that, through the
payment of interest and principal in respect thereof in accordance with their
terms, will provide money in an amount sufficient in the opinion of a nationally
recognized firm of independent public accountants to pay and discharge each
installment of principal (and premium, if any) and interest on and any mandatory
sinking fund payments in respect of the Debt Securities of such series on the
stated maturity of such payments in accordance with the terms of the Indenture
and such Debt Securities. Such discharge may occur only if: the Company has
received from, or there has been published by, the United States Internal
Revenue Service a ruling to the effect that Holders of the Debt Securities of
such Series will not recognize income, gain or loss for United States federal
income tax purposes as a result of such deposit, defeasance and discharge and
will be subject to United States federal income tax on the same amount and in
the same manner and at the same times as would have been the case if such
deposit, defeasance and discharge had not occurred; and such discharge will not
be applicable to any Debt Securities of such series then listed on the New York
Stock Exchange or any other securities exchange if such deposit would cause said
Debt Securities to be de-listed as a result thereof. (Indenture [Section] 8.3.)
 
     Defeasance of Certain Covenants.  The Indenture provides that unless
otherwise provided by the terms of the applicable series of Debt Securities,
upon compliance with certain conditions, (i) the Company may omit to comply with
the restrictive covenants contained in Sections 4.2 (except as to corporate
existence), 4.3 through 4.9 and Section 5.1(3) of the Indenture, including the
restrictive covenants described above under the captions "Certain Covenants of
the Company"; and (ii) cross accelerations constituting Events of Default under
Section 6.1(5) shall be inapplicable to such series. The conditions include: the
deposit with the Trustee of money and/or government obligations in the same
currency as such series that, through the payment of interest and principal in
respect thereof in accordance with their terms, will provide money in an amount
sufficient in the opinion of a nationally recognized firm of independent public
accountants to pay principal,
 
                                       30
<PAGE>   32
 
premium, if any, and interest on and any mandatory sinking fund payments in
respect of the Debt Securities of such series on the stated maturity of such
payments in accordance with the terms of the Indenture and such Debt Securities;
and the delivery to the Trustee of an opinion of counsel to the effect that the
Holders of the Debt Securities of such series will not recognize income, gain or
loss for United States federal income tax purposes as a result of such deposit
and related covenant defeasance and will be subject to United States federal
income tax on the same amount and in the same manner and at the same times as
would have been the case if such deposit and related covenant defeasance had not
occurred. (Indenture [Section] 8.4.)
 
     Defeasance and Events of Default.  In the event the Company exercises its
opinion to omit compliance with certain covenants of the Indenture with respect
to any series of Debt Securities and the Debt Securities of such series are
declared due and payable because of the occurrence of any Event of Default, the
amount of money and government obligations on deposit with the Trustee will be
sufficient to pay amounts due on the Debt Securities of such series at the time
of their stated maturity but may not be sufficient to pay amounts due on the
Debt Securities of such series at the time of the acceleration resulting from
such Event of Default. However, the Company shall remain liable for such
payments.
 
CONCERNING THE TRUSTEE
 
     The Company maintains banking relationships in the ordinary course of
business with the Trustee.
 
                              PLAN OF DISTRIBUTION
 
GENERAL
 
     The Company or the Selling Stockholder, as the case may be, may sell the
Offered Securities being offered hereby by one or more methods, including
without limitation (i) through underwriters, (ii) through brokers or dealers,
(iii) through agents and (iv) directly to purchasers. The applicable Prospectus
Supplements will set forth the terms of the offering of any Offered Securities,
including (where applicable) the name or names of the underwriters, dealers or
agents, the aggregate principal amount or number of Offered Securities, the
purchase price of the Offered Securities and the proceeds to the Company or the
Selling Stockholder, as the case may be, from the sale, any underwriting
discounts and other items constituting underwriters' compensation and any
discounts and commissions allowed or paid to dealers or agents. Any public
offering price and any discounts or concessions allowed or reallowed or paid to
dealers may be changed from time to time.
 
     The Company may also issue the Company Offered Securities to one or more
persons in exchange for outstanding securities of the Company acquired by such
persons in privately negotiated transactions or from third parties in open
market transactions. The newly issued Company Offered Securities in such cases
may be offered pursuant to this Prospectus and the applicable Prospectus
Supplement by such persons, acting as principal for their own accounts, at
market prices prevailing at the time of sale, at prices otherwise negotiated or
at fixed prices. Unless otherwise indicated in the applicable Prospectus
Supplement, the Company will only receive outstanding securities and will not
receive cash proceeds in such exchanges or resales. Dealer trading may take
place in certain of the Offered Securities, including Offered Securities not
listed on any securities exchange.
 
     If an underwriter or underwriters are used in the sale of the Offered
Securities, the Company (and the Selling Stockholder in respect of Selling
Stockholder Offered Securities) will execute an underwriting agreement with such
underwriter or underwriters at the time an agreement for such sale is reached.
The underwriter or underwriters with respect to an underwritten offering of
Offered Securities will be set forth in the Prospectus Supplement relating to
such offering and, if an underwriting syndicate is used, the managing
underwriter or underwriters will be set forth on the cover of such Prospectus
Supplement. If any underwriter or underwriters are used in the sale of the
Offered Securities, the underwriting agreement will provide that the obligations
of the underwriters are subject to certain conditions precedent and the
underwriters with respect to a sale of Offered Securities will be obligated to
purchase all such Offered Securities if any are purchased. In connection with
the sale of Offered Securities, underwriters will receive compensation in the
form of
 
                                       31
<PAGE>   33
 
underwriting discounts or commissions and may also receive commissions from
purchasers of Offered Securities for whom they may act as agent. Underwriters
may sell Offered Securities to or through dealers, and such dealers may receive
compensation in the form of discounts, concessions or commissions from the
underwriters and/or commissions from the purchasers for whom they may act as
agent.
 
     The Company may also sell Company Offered Securities pursuant to one or
more standby agreements with one or more underwriters in connection with the
call for redemption of a specified class of the Company's Preferred Stock
pursuant to which such underwriter or underwriters would agree (a) to purchase
from the Company up to the number of shares of Common Stock that would be
issuable upon conversion of all of the shares of such class of Preferred Stock
at an agreed price per share of Common Stock and (b) to convert into Common
Stock any shares of such class of Preferred Stock purchased by such underwriter
or underwriters in the market. Such underwriter or underwriters may assist in
the solicitation of conversions by holders of shares of such class of Preferred
Stock.
 
     Upon the Company's being notified by the Selling Stockholder of any change
in the identity of the Selling Stockholder or that any material arrangement has
been entered into with a broker or dealer for the sale of any Selling
Stockholder Offered Securities through a secondary distribution, or a purchase
by a broker or dealer, a Prospectus Supplement will be filed, if required,
pursuant to Rule 424(b) under the Securities Act, disclosing (a) the names of
such brokers or dealers; (b) the number of Selling Stockholder Offered
Securities to be sold; (c) the price at which such Selling Stockholder Offered
Securities are being sold; (d) the commissions paid or the discounts or
concessions allowed to such brokers or dealers; (e) where applicable, that such
broker or dealer did not conduct any investigation to verify the information set
out or incorporated by reference in this Prospectus, as supplemented or amended;
(f) any change in the identity of the Selling Stockholder, and (g) other facts
material to the transaction.
 
     All Offered Securities (except Common Stock) will be securities with no
established trading market. If an underwriter or underwriters are used in the
sale of any Offered Securities, the applicable Prospectus Supplement will
contain a statement as to the intention, if any, of such underwriters at the
date of such Prospectus Supplement to make a market in the Offered Securities.
Such underwriters will not be obligated to do so and may discontinue any market
making at any time without notice. No assurance can be given concerning the
liquidity of the trading market for any Offered Securities.
 
     Underwriters, dealers or agents who participate in the distribution of
Offered Securities may be entitled, under agreements that may be entered into
with the Company and/or the Selling Stockholder, as the case may be, to
indemnification by the Company and/or the Selling Stockholder, as the case may
be, against certain liabilities, including liabilities under the Securities Act,
or to contribution by the Company and/or the Selling Stockholder, as the case
may be, to payments such underwriters, dealers or agents may be required to make
in respect thereof. Underwriters, dealers or agents may be customers of, engage
in transactions with, or perform services for the Company or certain
subsidiaries of the Company and/or the Selling Stockholder or certain affiliates
of the Selling Stockholder in the ordinary course of business.
 
     The Offered Securities may be sold either at a fixed price or prices that
may be changed, at market prices prevailing at the time of sale, at prices
related to such prevailing market prices or at negotiated prices.
 
                                 LEGAL OPINIONS
 
     The legality of the Offered Securities has been passed upon for the Company
by Ropes & Gray, Boston, Massachusetts. Certain legal matters relating to the
Selling Stockholder will, in connection with certain sale transactions by the
Selling Stockholder, be passed on by Davis Polk & Wardwell, New York, New York.
 
                                    EXPERTS
 
     The consolidated balance sheets of the Company as of January 27, 1996 and
January 28, 1995 and the consolidated statements of income, stockholders' equity
and cash flows of the Company for the years ended January 27, 1996, January 28,
1995, and January 29, 1994, incorporated by reference in this prospectus, have
 
                                       32
<PAGE>   34
 
been incorporated herein in reliance on the report of Coopers & Lybrand L.L.P.,
independent accountants, given on the authority of that firm as experts in
accounting and auditing.
 
     The consolidated balance sheets of Marshalls as of December 31, 1994 and
1993, and the consolidated statements of income, stockholders' equity and cash
flows of Marshalls for the years ended December 31, 1994, 1993 and 1992
incorporated by reference in this prospectus, have been incorporated herein in
reliance on the report of KPMG Peat Marwick LLP, independent accountants, given
on the authority of that firm as experts in accounting and auditing.
 
                                       33
<PAGE>   35
 
                                    [LOGO]
<PAGE>   36
 
PROSPECTUS
 
                                1,000,000 Shares
 
                                    [LOGO]

                SERIES E CUMULATIVE CONVERTIBLE PREFERRED STOCK
             (Participating Equity Preferred Stock[SM] -- PEPS[SM])
                               ($1.00 par value)
                            ------------------------
All of the shares of the Series E Cumulative Convertible Preferred Stock, par
   value $1.00 per share ("Series E Preferred Stock" or "PEPS"), of The TJX
Companies, Inc. ("TJX" or the "Company") offered hereby are being sold by the
            Selling Stockholder as described herein under "Selling
           Stockholder." None of the proceeds from the sale of the
                    PEPS will be received by the Company.
                           ------------------------
   The annual dividend rate payable with respect to each PEPS is $7.00, is
cumulative and is payable quarterly in arrears on each January 1, April 1, July
  1 and October 1, commencing on January 1, 1996. The liquidation preference
    applicable to each PEPS is equal to the sum of $100 and the amount of
                    accrued and unpaid dividends thereon.
                                      
On November 17, 1998 (the "Automatic Conversion Date"), unless earlier converted
 at the option of the holder, each PEPS will convert automatically into (i) a
number of shares (the "Conversion Shares") of the Company's Common Stock, par
 value $1.00 per share (the "Common Stock") equal to the applicable Exchange
      Rate (as defined) and (ii) the right to receive accrued and unpaid
    dividends thereon. The "Exchange Rate" is equal to (i) if the Current
      Market Price (as defined) is equal to or greater than $18.525 (the
     "Threshold Common Stock Price"), 5.398111 shares of Common Stock per
      PEPS, (ii) if the Current Market Price is less than the Threshold
      Common Stock Price but greater than $15.4375, the number of shares
       of Common Stock having a value (determined at the Current Market
       Price) equal to $100 and (c) if the Current Market Price is less
        than or equal to $15.4375, 6.477733 shares of Common Stock per
             PEPS. The Exchange Rate is subject to adjustment in
                               certain events.
 At any time prior to the close of business on the business day prior to the
Automatic Conversion Date, each PEPS is convertible at the option of the holder
    thereof into 5.398111 shares of Common Stock, subject to adjustment in
 certain events. For a detailed description of the PEPS, see "Description of
                          Series E Preferred Stock."
                           ------------------------
 The PEPS have been approved for listing on the New York Stock Exchange (the
"NYSE") under the Symbol "TJX PrE", subject to official notice of issuance. The
last reported sale price of the Common Stock on the NYSE on June 24, 1996 was
                                     $31.
                           ------------------------
 THESE SECURITIES HAVE NOT BEEN APPROVED OR DISAPPROVED BY THE SECURITIES AND
EXCHANGE COMMISSION OR ANY STATE SECURITIES COMMISSION NOR HAS THE SECURITIES
 AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION OR ANY STATES SECURITIES COMMISSION PASSED UPON THE
      ACCURACY OR ADEQUACY OF THIS PROSPECTUS. ANY REPRESENTATION TO THE
                       CONTRARY IS A CRIMINAL OFFENSE.
                           ------------------------
                            PRICE $171.34 PER PEPS
                           ------------------------
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                          UNDERWRITING          PROCEEDS TO
                                                       PRICE TO           DISCOUNTS AND           SELLING
                                                        PUBLIC           COMMISSIONS(1)       STOCKHOLDER(2)
                                                       --------          --------------       --------------
<S>                                                  <C>                   <C>                 <C>
Per PEPS.......................................           $171.34               $4.71               $166.63
Total(3).......................................      $171,340,000          $4,710,000          $166,630,000

<FN> 
- ------------
 
 (1) The Company, Melville Corporation and the Selling Stockholder have agreed
     to indemnify the Underwriters against certain liabilities, including
     liabilities under the Securities Act of 1933, as amended. See
     "Underwriters."
 (2) Before deducting expenses payable by the Selling Stockholder, estimated to
     be $150,000. Expenses payable by the Company are estimated to be $375,000.
 (3) The Selling Stockholder has granted the Underwriters an option, exercisable
     within 30 days of the date hereof, to purchase up to 150,000 additional
     shares of Series E Preferred Stock at the price to public less underwriting
     discounts and commissions for the purpose of covering over-allotments, if
     any. If the Underwriters exercise such option in full, the total price to
     public, underwriting discounts and commissions and proceeds to the Selling
     Stockholder will be $197,041,000, $5,416,500 and $191,624,500,
     respectively. See"Underwriters."
[SM] Service Mark of Morgan Stanley & Co. Incorporated.
</TABLE>
                            ------------------------
    The PEPS are offered, subject to prior sale, when, as and if accepted by the
Underwriters and subject to approval of certain legal matters by Latham &
Watkins, counsel for the Underwriters. It is expected that delivery of the PEPS
will be made on or about June 28, 1996 at the offices of Morgan Stanley & Co.
Incorporated, New York, New York, against payment therefor in immediately
available funds.
                            ------------------------
MORGAN STANLEY & CO.
       Incorporated
                      CS FIRST BOSTON
                                         SALOMON BROTHERS INC

June 24, 1996
<PAGE>   37
 
     No person is authorized in connection with any offering made hereby to give
any information or to make any representation not contained or incorporated by
reference in this Prospectus, and any information or representation not
contained or incorporated herein must not be relied upon as having been
authorized by the Company or the Underwriters. This Prospectus does not
constitute an offer to sell or the solicitation of an offer to buy any security
other than the securities covered by this Prospectus, nor does it constitute an
offer or solicitation by any person in any jurisdiction in which it is unlawful
for such person to make such an offer or solicitation. Neither the delivery of
this Prospectus at any time nor any sale made hereunder shall under any
circumstance imply that the information herein is correct as of any date
subsequent to the date hereof.

                            ------------------------
 
<TABLE>
                                    TABLE OF CONTENTS
<CAPTION>
                                        PAGE                                          PAGE
                                        ----                                          ----
<S>                                      <C>  <C>                                     <C> 
Incorporation of Certain Documents by         Management's Discussion and Analysis        
  Reference...........................    3     of Results of Operations and              
Available Information.................    3     Financial Condition.................   16 
Summary...............................    4   Selling Stockholder...................   21 
The Company...........................    8   Description of Series E Preferred           
Use of Proceeds.......................   12     Stock...............................   22 
Price Range of Common Stock and               Federal Income Tax Considerations.....   27 
  Dividends...........................   12   Description of Capital Stock..........   28 
Selected Consolidated Financial               Underwriters..........................   39 
  Information.........................   13   Legal Opinions........................   39 
Selected Information by Major                 Experts...............................   40 
  Business Segment....................   15   Pro Forma Condensed Consolidated            
                                                Financial Statements................  P-1 
</TABLE>
 
                            ------------------------
 
     IN CONNECTION WITH ANY OFFERING OF SERIES E PREFERRED STOCK HEREUNDER AT
FIXED PRICES, THE UNDERWRITERS MAY OVER-ALLOT OR EFFECT TRANSACTIONS WHICH
STABILIZE OR MAINTAIN THE MARKET PRICE OF THE SHARES OF SERIES E PREFERRED STOCK
AND/OR COMMON STOCK OF THE COMPANY AT LEVELS ABOVE THOSE WHICH MIGHT OTHERWISE
PREVAIL IN THE OPEN MARKET. SUCH TRANSACTIONS MAY BE EFFECTED ON THE NEW YORK
STOCK EXCHANGE, IN THE OVER-THE-COUNTER MARKET OR OTHERWISE. SUCH STABILIZING,
IF COMMENCED, MAY BE DISCONTINUED AT ANY TIME.
 
     DURING THIS OFFERING, CERTAIN PERSONS AFFILIATED WITH PERSONS PARTICIPATING
IN THE DISTRIBUTION MAY ENGAGE IN TRANSACTIONS FOR THEIR OWN ACCOUNTS OR FOR THE
ACCOUNTS OF OTHERS IN THE SERIES E PREFERRED STOCK AND/OR COMMON STOCK OF THE
COMPANY PURSUANT TO EXEMPTIONS FROM RULES 10b-6, 10b-7, AND 10b-8 UNDER THE
SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934.
 
                                        2
<PAGE>   38
 
                INCORPORATION OF CERTAIN DOCUMENTS BY REFERENCE
 
     The following documents previously or simultaneously filed with the
Securities and Exchange Commission (the "Commission") (File No. 1-4908) are
incorporated herein by reference:
 
        (a) The Company's Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended  
  January 27, 1996;
 
        (b) The Company's Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the thirteen weeks
  ended April 27, 1996;
 
        (c) The Company's Current Report on Form 8-K dated May 24, 1996 (filed
  June 5, 1996);
 
        (d) The Company's Current Report on Form 8-K dated June 18, 1996 (filed
  June 20, 1996);
 
        (e) The Company's Amendment No. 4 on Form 8-A/A dated June 3, 1996 to
  the Company's Registration Statement on Form 8-A in respect of the Common
  Stock, including without limitation the description of the Common Stock set
  forth therein; and
 
        (f) The consolidated financial statements of Marshalls of Roseville,
  Minn., Inc. and the unaudited pro forma condensed consolidated financial
  statements of the Company set forth in the Company's Amendment No. 1 on Form
  8-K/A dated November 17, 1995 (filed January 31, 1996).
 
     All documents filed by the Company pursuant to Section 13(a), 13(c), 14 or
15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended (the "Exchange Act")
after the date of this Prospectus and prior to the termination of the offering
made hereby shall be incorporated by reference into this Prospectus and shall be
deemed to be a part of this Prospectus from the date of filing of such
documents. See "Available Information." Any statement contained in a document
incorporated by reference herein shall be deemed to be modified or superseded to
the extent that a statement contained in this Prospectus or in the accompanying
Prospectus Supplement, or in any other subsequently filed incorporated document,
modifies or supersedes such statement. The Company will provide, upon written or
oral request, without charge, to each person to whom a copy of this Prospectus
has been delivered, a copy of any or all of the documents which have been or may
be incorporated in this Prospectus by reference, other than certain exhibits to
such documents. Requests for such copies should be directed to: The TJX
Companies, Inc., 770 Cochituate Road, Framingham, Massachusetts 01701 (telephone
(508) 390-1000), Attention: Sherry Lang, Manager of Investor Relations.
 
                             AVAILABLE INFORMATION
 
     The Company is subject to the informational requirements of the Exchange
Act, and, in accordance therewith, files periodic reports, proxy materials and
other information with the Commission. Such reports, proxy materials and other
information filed by the Company can be inspected and copied at the public
reference facilities maintained by the Commission at Judiciary Plaza, 450 Fifth
Street, N.W., Room 1024, Washington, D.C. 20549, and at the Commission's
regional offices at 7 World Trade Center, 13th Floor, New York, New York 10048,
and 500 West Madison Street, Suite 1400, Chicago, Illinois 60661-2511. Copies of
such material can be obtained from the Public Reference Section of the
Commission at 450 Fifth Street, N.W., Washington, D.C. 20549, at prescribed
rates. The Commission maintains a Web site that contains reports, proxy and
information statements and other information regarding the Company; the address
of such site is http://www.sec.gov. In addition, similar information concerning
the Company can be inspected at the NYSE, 20 Broad Street, New York, New York
10005.
 
     This Prospectus constitutes a part of a Registration Statement on Form S-3
(together with all amendments and exhibits thereto, the "Registration
Statement") filed by the Company with the Commission under the Securities Act of
1933, as amended (the "Securities Act"), with respect to the securities offered
hereby. This Prospectus does not contain all the information included in the
Registration Statement, certain parts of which are omitted in accordance with
the rules and regulations of the Commission. Reference is made to such
Registration Statement and to the exhibits thereto for further information with
respect to the Company and the Series E Preferred Stock.
 
                                        3
<PAGE>   39
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                    SUMMARY
 
     The following summary is qualified in its entirety by the detailed
information appearing elsewhere or incorporated by reference in this Prospectus.
The Company's fiscal year ends on the last Saturday in January and the Company
identifies fiscal years by reference to the year in which the fiscal year ends.
Thus, fiscal 1996 refers to the fiscal year ended January 27, 1996. All
information as to stores currently in operation is as of January 27, 1996,
except as otherwise specifically indicated.
 
                                  THE COMPANY
 
     The TJX Companies, Inc. is the largest off-price family apparel retailer in
North America. The Company operated, as of January 27, 1996, 587 T.J. Maxx
stores, the recently acquired Marshalls chain of 496 stores, and Winners Apparel
Ltd., a Canadian off-price family apparel chain with 52 stores. TJX is also
developing HomeGoods, a U.S. off-price home fashion chain with 22 stores, and
T.K. Maxx, an off-price family apparel concept in the United Kingdom, which has
9 stores. The Company also has operated the Chadwick's of Boston off-price
women's fashion catalog. The Company's mission is to consistently deliver value
to its customers by providing rapidly changing assortments of brand-name
merchandise at prices substantially below department and specialty store regular
prices. Net sales of the Company for the fiscal year ended January 27, 1996 were
$4.4 billion, including Marshalls' sales since its acquisition by TJX in
November 1995. The Company's combined T.J. Maxx and Marshalls division
represents the substantial majority of the Company's sales volume.
 
     TJX completed the acquisition of Marshalls, an off-price family apparel
chain, from Melville Corporation on November 17, 1995. The purchase price
(before expenses) for the acquisition was $599.3 million, consisting of $375
million in cash, before closing adjustments, plus an additional $49.3 million
(paid on April 30, 1996) based on the final closing balance sheet, plus $175
million in TJX convertible preferred stock. The convertible preferred stock
consisted of the 1,500,000 PEPS offered hereby plus 250,000 shares of Series D
Cumulative Convertible Preferred Stock.
 
     As a result of the acquisition, TJX added 496 Marshalls stores to its
existing base of 587 U.S. off-price family apparel stores as of January 27,
1996. Management believes that it will realize improved operating efficiencies
for the combined entity through the integration of many administrative and
operational functions as well as through increased purchasing leverage. In
addition, through the acquisition of Marshalls, the Company will be able to
decrease the amount of excess retail square footage in the competitive off-price
retail sector through the closure of underperforming stores. During the period
from the Marshalls acquisition through the end of fiscal 1998, the Company
expects to close approximately 30 T.J. Maxx stores and 170 Marshalls stores. TJX
established a $244.1 million reserve in the allocation of the purchase price of
Marshalls relating primarily to the anticipated closing of these approximately
170 Marshalls stores. In addition, TJX recorded a charge of $35 million for the
closing of these approximately 30 T.J. Maxx stores. The Company plans to retain
the independent identities of the T.J. Maxx and Marshalls chains, including, but
not limited to, certain elements of marketing, merchandising, product assortment
and store appearance.
 
     Both T.J. Maxx and Marshalls offer a broad range of brand-name family
apparel, accessories, shoes, domestics, giftware and jewelry at prices generally
20% to 60% below department and specialty store regular prices. The Company's
strategies for increasing sales and profitability at both T.J. Maxx and
Marshalls include:
 
     - Taking advantage of increased purchasing leverage to deliver lower
       prices, to increase the differential of the prices offered by T.J. Maxx
       and Marshalls as compared to those offered by department and specialty
       stores and to provide enhanced value to customers;
 
     - Continuing the process of integrating Marshalls and T.J. Maxx and further
       consolidating duplicative functions and reducing associated operating
       expenses;
 
     - Closing underperforming stores; and
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
 
                                        4
<PAGE>   40
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
 
     - Improving the performance of Marshalls by implementing strategies
      utilized by T.J. Maxx such as increased brand-name focus, everyday low
      price strategy, disciplined markdown programs, and low operating expenses.
 
     In September 1995, the Company sold its Hit or Miss chain of off-price
women's specialty apparel stores. On May 24, 1996, the Company's subsidiary
Chadwick's of Boston, Ltd. ("Chadwick's") filed with the Commission a
Registration Statement (File No. 333-4427) related to the sale by the Company in
an underwritten public offering of up to 9,260,000 shares (or approximately
61%), excluding 1,389,000 shares (or approximately 9%) subject to an
underwriters' over-allotment option, of the common stock of Chadwick's, which
operates the Chadwick's of Boston fashion catalog. The Company expects to reduce
its ownership interest in Chadwick's over time, subject to prevailing market and
other conditions.
 
                                  THE OFFERING
 
Securities Offered.........  1,000,000 PEPS. The PEPS are shares of the
                             Company's Series E Preferred Stock
 
Ranking....................  The PEPS offered hereby will rank, with respect to
                             dividends and upon liquidation, dissolution or
                             winding up, senior to the Common Stock, pari passu
                             with the Company's outstanding Series D Cumulative
                             Convertible Preferred Stock, par value $1.00 per
                             share (the "Series D Preferred Stock") and, after
                             the redemption or conversion of all shares of the
                             Company's Series A Cumulative Convertible Preferred
                             Stock, par value $1.00 per share (the "Series A
                             Preferred Stock"), pari passu with the Company's
                             Series C Cumulative Convertible Preferred Stock,
                             par value $1.00 per share (the "Series C Preferred
                             Stock"). For so long as any shares of Series A
                             Preferred Stock remain outstanding, the PEPS will
                             rank junior to the Series A Preferred Stock and the
                             Series C Preferred Stock. The Company has given
                             notice to the holders of the Series A Preferred
                             Stock that it intends to redeem all outstanding
                             shares of Series A Preferred Stock on June 24,
                             1996.
 
Dividends..................  The annual dividend rate payable with respect to
                             each PEPS is $7.00, is cumulative and is payable
                             quarterly in arrears on each January 1, April 1,
                             July 1 and October 1, commencing January 1, 1996.
 
Mandatory Conversion.......  On November 17, 1998 the ("Automatic Conversion
                             Date"), unless earlier converted at the option of
                             the holder, each PEPS will convert automatically
                             into (i) a number of shares of Common Stock equal
                             to the Exchange Rate and (ii) the right to receive
                             accrued and unpaid dividends thereon. The "Exchange
                             Rate" is equal to (i) if the Current Market Price
                             is equal to or greater than $18.525 (the "Threshold
                             Common Stock Price"), 5.398111 shares of Common
                             Stock per each PEPS, (ii) if the Current Market
                             Price is less than the Threshold Common Stock Price
                             but greater than $15.4375, the number of shares of
                             Common Stock having a value (determined at the
                             Current Market Price) equal to $100 and (c) if the
                             Current Market Price is less than or equal to
                             $15.4375, 6.477733 shares of Common Stock per each
                             PEPS. The Exchange Rate is subject to adjustment in
                             certain events. The "Current Market Price"
                             generally means the average of the daily Closing
                             Prices per share of Common Stock for the ten
                             consecutive Trading Days immediately prior to, but
                             not including, the Automatic Conversion Date.
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
 
                                        5
<PAGE>   41
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
 
Conversion at the Option
of the Holder..............  At any time prior to the close of business on the
                             business day prior to the Automatic Conversion
                             Date, each PEPS is convertible at the option of the
                             holder thereof into 5.398111 shares of Common
                             Stock, subject to adjustment in certain events.
 
Liquidation Preference.....  The liquidation preference applicable to each PEPS
                             is equal to the sum of $100 and the amount of
                             accrued and unpaid dividends thereon.
 
Redemption at the Option
of the Company.............  The PEPS are not redeemable by the Company.
 
Voting Rights..............  Except as required by law or with respect to the
                             creation or issuance of senior classes or series of
                             preferred stock, the holders of PEPS will generally
                             not be entitled to any voting rights unless the
                             equivalent of six quarterly dividends payable on
                             the PEPS are in arrears, in which case the number
                             of directors of the Company will be increased by
                             two and the holders of PEPS, voting separately as a
                             class with the holders of shares of any other
                             series of parity preferred stock upon which like
                             voting rights have been conferred and are
                             exercisable, will be entitled to elect two
                             directors for a term of one year (or until the
                             dividend arrearage has been paid).
 
Listing....................  The PEPS have been approved for listing on the NYSE
                             under the symbol "TJX PrE", subject to official
                             notice of issuance. The Common Stock is listed on
                             the NYSE under the symbol "TJX".
 
Use of Proceeds............  None of the proceeds from the sale of the PEPS will
                             be received by the Company.
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
 
                                        6
<PAGE>   42
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
<TABLE>
                             SUMMARY FINANCIAL DATA
 
     The summary financial data reflects the Company's Hit or Miss division,
which was sold on September 30, 1995, as a discontinued operation. On November
17, 1995 the Company acquired Marshalls. The Company has included the results of
Marshalls in its consolidated results commencing November 18, 1995.
 
     On May 24, 1996, the Company's subsidiary Chadwick's of Boston, Ltd. filed
with the Commission a Registration Statement related to the sale by the Company
in an underwritten public offering of up to 9,260,000 shares (or approximately
61%), excluding 1,389,000 shares (or approximately 9%) subject to an
underwriters' over-allotment option, of the common stock of Chadwick's. (See
"Pro Forma Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements.")

<CAPTION>
                                                         FISCAL YEAR ENDED                               13 WEEKS ENDED
                                -------------------------------------------------------------------   ---------------------
                                JANUARY 25,   JANUARY 30,   JANUARY 29,   JANUARY 28,   JANUARY 27,   APRIL 29,   APRIL 27,
                                   1992          1993          1994          1995          1996         1995        1996
                                -----------   -----------   -----------   -----------   -----------   ---------   ---------
                                                     (IN MILLIONS, EXCEPT PER SHARE AND STORE AMOUNTS)
<S>                               <C>           <C>           <C>           <C>           <C>          <C>         <C>
INCOME STATEMENT DATA:
  Net sales...................    $2,380.6      $2,879.3      $3,253.5      $3,489.1      $4,447.5     $  830.4    $1,604.2
  Operating income(1)(2)......       194.3         239.7         261.6         214.7         201.2         36.6        77.4
  Income from continuing
    operations(2).............        90.0         110.7         124.6          86.6          63.6          9.5        30.1
  Net income(2)(3)............        20.1         102.8         124.4          82.6          26.3          8.1        30.1
  Earnings per common share
    from continuing
    operations(2).............    $   1.28      $   1.49      $   1.58      $   1.08      $    .74     $    .11    $    .33
  Dividends per common
    share(4)..................        0.46          0.46          0.50          0.56          0.49         0.14        0.07
  Ratio of earnings to
    combined fixed charges    
    and preferred stock
    dividends(5)..............        3.79x         3.65x         3.69x         2.52x         1.70x        1.47x       1.83x

CASH FLOW DATA:
  Earnings before interest,
    taxes, depreciation and
    amortization from
    continuing operations ....    $  223.5      $  259.7      $  282.2      $  238.9      $  239.1     $   44.4    $   98.7
  Capital expenditures........        78.0         102.1         118.5         120.0         111.8         26.6        16.9

BALANCE SHEET DATA:
  Working capital(6)..........    $  158.9      $  244.2      $  285.4      $  277.2      $  409.2     $  267.9    $  439.9
  Total assets(6).............     1,004.0       1,209.1       1,331.0       1,550.8       2,745.6      1,718.2     2,779.4
  Long-term debt (exclusive   
    of current installments)..       307.4         179.8         210.9         239.5         690.7        238.5       679.7
  Shareholders' equity........       260.5         505.2         590.9         607.0         764.6        602.7       785.5

STORES IN OPERATION -- END OF 
 PERIOD
  T.J. Maxx...................         437           479           512           551           587          558         590
  Marshalls...................          --            --            --            --           496           --         494
  Winners.....................           9            15            27            37            52           39          57
  HomeGoods...................          --             6            10            15            22           19          23
  T.K. Maxx...................          --            --            --             5             9            6           9

<FN>
- ---------------
 
(1) Operating income is the pre-tax income from the business segments before
    interest and general corporate items. See "Selected Information by Major
    Business Segment."
(2) For fiscal 1996, reflects an after-tax charge of $21.0 million ($35 million
    pre-tax), or $.29 per share, for the estimated cost of closing approximately
    30 T.J. Maxx stores in connection with the acquisition of Marshalls.
(3) Net income includes the results of and/or charges relating to discontinued
    operations. Discontinued operations relate to the Company's Hit or Miss
    division which was sold on September 30, 1995 and to a reserve established
    relating to lease liabilities from its former Zayre division. The Company
    sold the Zayre division in October 1988 to Ames Department Stores Inc.
    ("Ames"). In April 1990 Ames filed for bankruptcy and certain lease
    liabilities reverted back to the Company. The loss on disposal of
    discontinued operations includes a $50 million after-tax charge in fiscal
    1992 relating to Zayre division and an after-tax charge of $31.7 million in
    fiscal 1996 relating to the sale of Hit or Miss. In addition to the
    foregoing after-tax charge, the income (loss) of the Hit or Miss division
    for all periods prior to September 30, 1995 is included in discontinued
    operations.
(4) In the fourth quarter of fiscal 1996, the Company reduced its quarterly
    dividend from $.14 to $.07 per share of Common Stock in order to utilize the
    approximately $20 million in annual dividend savings in support of its
    acquisition of Marshalls.
(5) For purposes of computing the ratio of earnings to fixed charges and
    preferred stock dividends, "earnings" represent income from continuing
    operations plus provision for taxes, interest expense and the interest
    portion of rentals. "Fixed charges" represents interest expense, capitalized
    interest, and a portion of rentals, which is considered representative of
    the interest factor. "Preferred stock dividends" represent the preferred
    stock dividend requirements increased to an amount representing the pre-tax
    earnings that would be required to cover such dividend requirements.
(6) Excludes the net assets of the discontinued Hit or Miss division.
</TABLE>
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
 
                                        7
<PAGE>   43
 
                                  THE COMPANY
 
GENERAL
 
     The TJX Companies, Inc. is the largest off-price family apparel retailer in
North America. The Company operated, as of January 27, 1996, 587 T.J. Maxx
stores, the recently acquired Marshalls chain of 496 stores, and Winners Apparel
Ltd., a Canadian off-price family apparel chain with 52 stores. TJX is also
developing HomeGoods, a U.S. off-price home fashion chain with 22 stores, and
T.K. Maxx, an off-price family apparel concept in the United Kingdom, which has
9 stores. The Company also has operated the Chadwick's of Boston off-price
women's fashion catalog. The Company's mission is to consistently deliver value
to its customers by providing rapidly changing assortments of brand-name
merchandise at prices substantially below department store and specialty store
regular prices. Net sales of the Company for the fiscal year ended January 27,
1996 were $4.4 billion, including Marshalls' sales since its acquisition by TJX
in November 1995. The Company's combined T.J. Maxx and Marshalls division
represents the substantial majority of the Company's sales volume.
 
     TJX completed the acquisition of Marshalls, an off-price family apparel
chain, from Melville Corporation on November 17, 1995. The purchase price
(before expenses) for the acquisition was $599.3 million, consisting of $375
million in cash, before closing adjustments, plus an additional $49.3 million
(paid on April 30, 1996) based on the final closing balance sheet, plus $175
million in TJX convertible preferred stock. The convertible preferred stock
consisted of the 1,500,000 PEPS offered hereby plus 250,000 shares of Series D
Cumulative Convertible Preferred Stock.
 
     As a result of the acquisition, TJX added 496 Marshalls stores to its
existing base of 587 U.S. off-price family apparel stores as of January 27,
1996. Management believes that it will realize improved operating efficiencies
for the combined entity through the integration of many administrative and
operational functions as well as through increased purchasing leverage. In
addition, through the acquisition of Marshalls, the Company will be able to
decrease the amount of excess retail square footage in the competitive off-price
retail sector through the closure of underperforming stores. During the period
from the Marshalls acquisition through the end of fiscal 1998, the Company
expects to close approximately 30 T.J. Maxx stores and 170 Marshalls stores. TJX
established a $244.1 million reserve in the allocation of the purchase price of
Marshalls relating primarily to the anticipated closing of these approximately
170 Marshalls stores. In addition, TJX recorded a charge of $35 million for the
closing of these approximately 30 T.J. Maxx stores. The Company plans to retain
the independent identities of the T.J. Maxx and Marshalls chains, including, but
not limited to, certain elements of merchandising, product assortment and store
appearance.
 
     Both T.J. Maxx and Marshalls offer a broad range of brand-name family
apparel, accessories, shoes, domestics, giftware and jewelry at prices generally
20% to 60% below department and specialty store regular prices. The Company's
strategies for increasing sales and profitability at both T.J. Maxx and
Marshalls include:
 
     - Taking advantage of increased purchasing leverage to deliver lower
       prices, to increase the differential of the prices offered by T.J. Maxx
       and Marshalls as compared to those offered by department and specialty
       stores and to provide enhanced value to customers;
 
     - Continuing the process of integrating Marshalls and T.J. Maxx and further
       consolidating duplicative functions and reducing associated operating
       expenses;
 
     - Closing underperforming stores; and
 
     - Improving the performance of Marshalls by implementing strategies
       utilized by T.J. Maxx such as increased brand-name focus, everyday low
       price strategy, disciplined markdown programs, and low operating
       expenses.
 
     In September 1995, the Company sold its Hit or Miss chain of off-price
women's specialty apparel stores. On May 24, 1996, the Company's subsidiary
Chadwick's of Boston, Ltd. filed with the Commission a Registration Statement
(File No. 333-4427) related to the sale by the Company in an underwritten public
 
                                        8
<PAGE>   44
 
offering of up to 9,260,000 shares (or approximately 61%), excluding 1,389,000
shares (or approximately 9%) subject to an underwriters' over-allotment option,
of the common stock of Chadwick's, which operates the Chadwick's of Boston
fashion catalog. The Company expects to reduce its ownership interest in
Chadwick's over time, subject to prevailing market and other conditions.
 
T.J. MAXX
 
     T.J. Maxx is the largest off-price family apparel chain in the United
States. T.J. Maxx was founded by the Company in 1976 and operated, as of January
27, 1996, 587 stores in 48 states.
 
     T.J. Maxx sells brand-name family apparel, accessories, giftware,
domestics, women's shoes and fine jewelry at prices generally 20% to 60% below
department and specialty store regular prices. T.J. Maxx's target customers are
women between the ages of 25 to 50, who typically have families with middle and
upper-middle incomes and who generally fit the profile of a department store
shopper.
 
     The ability to purchase merchandise at favorable prices and operate with a
low cost structure is essential to T.J. Maxx's off-price mission. The chain uses
opportunistic buying strategies to purchase large quantities of merchandise at
significant discounts from initial wholesale prices. Those strategies include
special situation purchases, closeouts of current season fashions and
out-of-season purchases of fashion basic items for warehousing until the
appropriate selling season. These buying strategies rely heavily on inventory
controls that permit a virtually continuous "open-to-buy" position. In addition,
highly automated warehousing and distribution systems track, allocate and
deliver an average of 10,000 items per week to each store. Each T.J. Maxx store
is currently serviced by one of the chain's four distribution centers in
Worcester, Massachusetts; Evansville, Indiana; Las Vegas, Nevada; and Charlotte,
North Carolina.
 
     T.J. Maxx stores are generally located in suburban community shopping
centers and average approximately 28,000 gross square feet in size. In recent
years, T.J. Maxx has enlarged a number of stores to a larger format,
approximately 30,000-40,000 gross square feet in size, and plans to continue its
program of enlarging other successful stores. This larger format allows T.J.
Maxx to expand all of its departments, with particular emphasis on its
successful giftware and domestics departments and other non-apparel categories.
During fiscal 1996, 41 stores were opened, including 22 of the new larger
prototype, and 5 were closed. In addition, 17 existing stores were expanded to
the larger format, bringing the total of T.J. Maxx stores in the larger format
to 217. In fiscal 1997, approximately 30 stores are expected to be closed;
approximately 25 new stores are planned, of which approximately 10 are expected
to be larger stores, along with the planned expansion of about 19 existing
locations.
 
MARSHALLS
 
     Marshalls is the second largest off-price family apparel retailer in the
United States. Marshalls operated, as of January 27, 1996, 496 stores in 38
states. Marshalls target customers fit a profile similar to those of T.J. Maxx.
Marshalls merchandise is also similar to that carried by T.J. Maxx, except that
Marshalls offers its customers a full-line shoe department, a larger men's
department and costume, rather than fine, jewelry. Marshalls stores average
approximately 32,000 gross square feet. During fiscal 1996, 25 Marshalls stores
were opened and 13 were closed. In fiscal 1997, approximately 60 stores are
expected to be closed; approximately 10 new stores are planned. Each Marshalls
store is currently serviced by one of four distribution centers located in
Woburn, Massachusetts; Decatur, Georgia; Bridgewater, Virginia; and Chatsworth,
California.
 
     The operations and strategies of T.J. Maxx and Marshalls have been very
similar historically. In recent years, however, Marshalls had moved away from
some of its key strategies, such as everyday low prices, in favor of other
marketing concepts, including the frequent use of promotional pricing. By
restoring certain Marshalls historical strategies and effecting other
improvements, including the adoption of certain strategies similar to those of
TJX, the Company believes that it can increase Marshalls' level of profitability
and performance.
 
                                        9
<PAGE>   45
 
MARSHALLS ACQUISITION
 
     The Company believes that the Marshalls acquisition offers a number of
advantages and opportunities, including the following:
 
     Enhanced Purchasing Power. The combined T.J. Maxx/Marshalls division
     represents significantly increased purchasing power which the Company
     believes will permit it to reduce its costs of merchandise, thereby leading
     to lower prices and enhanced value to its customers.
 
     Increase Price Differential with Department Stores. In recent years,
     department stores have offered increased promotional pricing thereby
     effectively reducing the price differential between department store prices
     and the everyday low prices of T.J. Maxx and Marshalls. The Company
     believes that the purchasing leverage gained as a result of the Marshalls
     acquisition will permit it to reduce its prices and thereby enhance its
     competitive position in an increasingly competitive environment.
 
     Operating Efficiencies. The Company expects to achieve significant savings
     through the integration and consolidation of T.J. Maxx and Marshalls
     organizations and functions in a number of areas including the real estate,
     administrative, human resources and buying organizations. In addition, the
     Company expects to realize substantial savings through the consolidation of
     T.J. Maxx and Marshalls management information systems and by decreased
     promotional advertising.
 
     Store Closings. By the end of fiscal 1998, the Company currently expects to
     close approximately 170 Marshalls stores and 30 T.J. Maxx stores. By
     closing these stores, the Company will eliminate its least productive
     locations, which should benefit the store sales of the remaining nearby
     T.J. Maxx and Marshalls stores. In connection with the Marshalls
     acquisition, the Company established reserves for store closings which it
     believes will be adequate to cover the costs of such closings in both
     chains.
 
     Utilization of Best Practices of Each Chain. The Company expects to realize
     additional benefits by extending the respective strengths and expertise of
     each of Marshalls and T.J. Maxx to improve the performance of each chain.
 
     Improvement of Marshalls Performance. The Company believes it can
     significantly improve Marshalls' performance by incorporating a number of
     features of the T.J. Maxx model. The Company has begun the reduction of
     Marshalls' emphasis on promotional pricing events in favor of the everyday
     low pricing strategy of T.J. Maxx. Marshalls will also reduce its portion
     of private label merchandise and give more emphasis to national brands. The
     T.J. Maxx disciplined markdown approach, which requires regular and timely
     markdowns of unsold merchandise, with a goal of promoting a regular flow of
     fresh merchandise into the store, has replaced the Marshalls approach,
     which gave less emphasis to regular markdowns and thereby permitted a
     greater buildup of aging merchandise.
 
     Retention of T.J. Maxx and Marshalls Separate Identities. Notwithstanding
     the foregoing changes, the Company intends to preserve the separate
     identities of T.J. Maxx and Marshalls and thereby capitalize on the
     strengths of each franchise in the marketplace. Marshalls' broader
     assortment of men's clothing and its full-line footwear department will
     continue, as will the chain's greater emphasis on items such as costume
     jewelry. While T.J. Maxx and Marshalls will continue to feature much of the
     same merchandise, each chain will also receive different merchandise and
     emphasize certain vendors' products. In order to enhance the distinct
     identity of Marshalls and T.J. Maxx, the Company intends to maintain
     separate marketing departments for each chain which will pursue independent
     marketing and advertising strategies. Each of T.J. Maxx and Marshalls also
     will continue to present different store layouts, wall design, fixturing
     and other aesthetic differences designed to preserve a distinct store
     appearance.
 
     The foregoing is a description of the Company's present strategies related
to the Marshalls acquisition. Such strategies may change over time as the
Company and the off-price retail sector evolve.
 
                                       10
<PAGE>   46
 
WINNERS APPAREL LTD.
 
     The Company acquired the Winners chain in fiscal 1991. The Winners
acquisition has provided the Company with the opportunity to introduce the
concept of off-price apparel retailing to the Canadian market. Since the
acquisition, Winners has increased its number of stores from 5 to 52 as of
January 27, 1996.
 
     Winners' apparel merchandising concept is substantially similar to that of
T.J. Maxx. Winners' stores average 24,000 gross square feet, and emphasize
off-price designer and brand-name misses sportswear, dresses, lingerie,
accessories and giftware, as well as menswear and clothing for children,
including infants and toddlers. In fiscal 1996, Winners opened 15 stores in new
and existing Canadian markets. Winners expects to open 12-15 stores in fiscal
1997.
 
HOMEGOODS
 
     The Company is continuing to develop its HomeGoods stores, which are
designed to expand upon the Company's off-price presence in the home fashions
market. HomeGoods stores offer a broad and deep range of home fashion products,
including domestics, cookware, bath accessories, and giftware in a no-frills,
multi-department format.
 
     HomeGoods has moved to a smaller 35,500 square foot prototype for new
openings and downsized existing locations. HomeGoods opened 9 stores and closed
2 stores in fiscal 1996 and operated, as of January 27, 1996, a total of 22
stores. HomeGoods and T.J. Maxx are experimenting with a new format that
combines the T.J. Maxx and HomeGoods concepts in one store and have opened three
such stores.
 
T.K. MAXX
 
     During fiscal 1995, the Company opened its first 5 T.K. Maxx stores in the
United Kingdom, and began testing the off-price family apparel concept in
Europe. T.K. Maxx utilizes the same off-price strategy employed by T.J. Maxx and
Winners. At the end of fiscal 1996, the Company had a total of 9 stores and has
plans to open approximately 9 in fiscal 1997.
 
CHADWICK'S OF BOSTON
 
     On May 24, 1996, the Company's subsidiary Chadwick's of Boston, Ltd. filed
with the Commission a Registration Statement (File No. 333-4427) related to the
sale by the Company in an underwritten public offering of up to 9,260,000 shares
(or approximately 61%), excluding 1,389,000 shares (or approximately 9%) subject
to an underwriters' overallotment option, of the common stock of Chadwick's,
which operates the Chadwick's of Boston fashion catalog. The Company expects to
reduce its ownership interest in Chadwick's over time, subject to prevailing
market and other conditions.
 
     Chadwick's, founded by the Company in 1983, offers off-price women's career
and casual fashion apparel through a catalog operation. The Chadwick's catalog
features first quality, current fashion and classic merchandise, including
career, sportswear, casual wear, dresses, suits and accessories, with a mix of
brand-name and private label merchandise, priced significantly below
conventional retailers and other catalog operations. Chadwick's target customers
are 25 to 55-year old women interested in moderately to upper-moderately priced
merchandise. Certain of Chadwick's catalogs also carry menswear.
 
COMPETITION
 
     The retail apparel business is highly competitive. The Company generally
competes for customers with a variety of conventional and discount retail
stores, including national, regional and local independent department and
specialty stores, as well as with catalog operations, factory outlet stores and
other off-price stores. In recent years, the Company has encountered increased
competition from department stores which have become more focused on promotions
to increase sales. Competitive factors important to the Company's customers
include fashion, value, merchandise selection, brand-name recognition and, to a
lesser degree, store location. In addition, because the Company purchases much
of its inventory opportunistically, the Company competes for merchandise with
other national and regional off-price apparel and other discount outlets. Also,
 
                                       11
<PAGE>   47
 
many of the Company's competitors handle identical or similar lines of
merchandise and have comparable locations, and some have greater financial
resources than the Company. The Company expects that the Marshalls acquisition
will enhance its competitiveness. See "-- Marshalls Acquisition."
 
                                USE OF PROCEEDS
 
     All of the PEPS are being sold by the Selling Stockholder as described
herein under "Selling Stockholder." None of the proceeds from the sale of the
PEPS will be received by the Company.

<TABLE>
                   PRICE RANGE OF COMMON STOCK AND DIVIDENDS

     The Company's Common Stock is listed on the New York Stock Exchange, Inc.
(the "NYSE") and is traded under the symbol TJX. The following table sets forth,
for the fiscal periods indicated, the high and low sales prices per share of the
Common Stock as reported on the NYSE, and the cash dividends declared per share
of Common Stock. The reported last sale price of the Common Stock on the NYSE on
June 24, 1996 was $31.
 
<CAPTION>
                                                                                  CASH DIVIDENDS
FISCAL YEAR ENDED                                            HIGH      LOW      DECLARED PER SHARE
- -----------------                                            ----     -----     ------------------
<S>                                                          <C>      <C>              <C>
January 28, 1995
  1st Quarter............................................    $29 3/8  $22 7/8          $.14
  2nd Quarter............................................     24 7/8   18 1/8           .14
  3rd Quarter............................................     23 1/4   15 5/8           .14
  4th Quarter............................................     16 1/4   13 3/16          .14
January 27, 1996
  1st Quarter............................................     14       11 1/8           .14
  2nd Quarter............................................     15 1/2   11 3/8           .14
  3rd Quarter............................................     15 3/4   11 1/2           .14
  4th Quarter............................................     19 7/8   13 1/2           .07
January 30, 1997
  1st Quarter............................................     30 3/4   18 1/2           .07
  2nd Quarter (through June 24, 1996)....................     36 5/8   28               .07
</TABLE>
 
     In the fourth quarter of fiscal 1996, the Company reduced its quarterly
dividend from $.14 to $.07 per share of Common Stock in order to use the
approximately $20 million in annual dividend savings in support of its
acquisition of Marshalls.
 
                                       12
<PAGE>   48
 
                  SELECTED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL INFORMATION
 
     The following selected consolidated financial information of the Company
for each of the last five fiscal years is derived from the consolidated
financial statements, including the notes thereto, contained in the Company's
Annual Reports on Form 10-K for the five fiscal years ended January 27, 1996,
which have been audited by Coopers & Lybrand L.L.P., the Company's independent
accountants. The information for the 13 weeks ended April 27, 1996 and April 29,
1995 is unaudited but, in the opinion of management, reflects all adjustments
(consisting only of normal recurring items) necessary for a fair presentation of
the results for such interim periods. The following selected consolidated
financial information for the five years ended January 27, 1996 and for the 13
weeks ended April 29, 1995 reflects the Company's Hit or Miss division, which
was sold on September 30, 1995, as a discontinued operation. On November 17,
1995 the Company acquired Marshalls, and the Company has included the results of
Marshalls in its consolidated results commencing November 18, 1995.
 
     On May 24, 1996, the Company's subsidiary Chadwick's of Boston, Ltd. filed
with the Commission a Registration Statement related to the sale by the Company
in an underwritten offering of up to 9,260,000 shares (or approximately 61%),
excluding 1,389,000 shares (or approximately 9%) subject to an underwriters'
over-allotment option, of the common stock of Chadwick's.
 

<TABLE>
     This selected consolidated financial information should be read in
conjunction with the consolidated financial statements, related notes, pro forma
financial information and other financial information incorporated by reference
herein. (See "Pro Forma Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements.")

 
<CAPTION>
                                                                      FISCAL YEAR ENDED                       13 WEEKS ENDED
                                                     ----------------------------------------------------   -------------------
                                                     JAN. 25,   JAN. 30,   JAN. 29,   JAN. 28,   JAN. 27,   APR. 29,   APR. 27,
                                                       1992       1993       1994       1995       1996       1995       1996
                                                     --------   --------   --------   --------   --------   --------   --------
                                                                 (IN MILLIONS, EXCEPT PER SHARE AND STORE AMOUNTS)
<S>                                                  <C>        <C>        <C>        <C>        <C>        <C>        <C>
INCOME STATEMENT DATA:
  Net sales........................................  $2,380.6   $2,879.3   $3,253.5   $3,489.1   $4,447.5   $  830.4   $1,604.2
  Operating income(1)(2)...........................     194.3      239.7      261.6      214.7      201.2       36.6       77.4
  Income from continuing operations(2).............      90.0      110.7      124.6       86.6       63.6        9.5       30.1
  Income (loss) from discontinued operations,
    including (loss) on the disposal of
    discontinued operations, net of income
    taxes(3).......................................     (69.9)      (6.7)       2.4       (4.0)     (34.0)      (1.4)        --
  Other items, net of income taxes (4).............        --       (1.2)      (2.6)        --       (3.3)        --         --
                                                     --------   --------   --------   --------   --------   --------   --------
                                                            -          -          -          -          -          -          -
    Net income (2).................................  $   20.1   $  102.8   $  124.4   $   82.6   $   26.3   $    8.1   $   30.1
                                                     ========   ========   ========   ========   ========   ========   ========
  Income per common share:
    Continuing operations(2).......................  $   1.28   $   1.49   $   1.58   $   1.08   $    .74   $    .11   $    .33
    Discontinued operations........................      (.99)      (.09)       .04       (.05)      (.46)      (.02)        --
    Net income(2)..................................       .29       1.38       1.58       1.03        .23        .09        .33
  Dividends per common share(5)....................       .46        .46        .50        .56        .49        .14        .07
  Weighted average common shares (in millions).....      70.1       73.9       74.2       73.5       73.1       72.5       85.3
  Ratio of earnings to combined fixed charges and
    preferred stock dividends(6)...................     3.79x      3.65x      3.69x      2.52x      1.70x      1.47x      1.83x

CASH FLOW DATA:
  Earnings before interest, taxes, depreciation
    and amortization from continuing operations....  $  223.5   $  259.7   $  282.2   $  238.9   $  239.1   $   44.4   $   98.7
  Capital expenditures.............................      78.0      102.1      118.5      120.0      111.8       26.6       16.9
Balance sheet data:
  Working capital(7)...............................  $  158.9   $  244.2   $  285.4   $  277.2   $  409.2   $  267.9   $  439.9
  Total assets(7)..................................   1,004.0    1,209.1    1,331.0    1,550.8    2,745.6    1,718.2    2,779.4
  Long-term debt (exclusive of current
    installments)..................................     307.4      179.8      210.9      239.5      690.7      238.5      679.7
  Retained earnings (deficit)......................     (38.1)      44.7      125.2      159.1      140.5      155.3      161.0
  Shareholders' equity.............................     260.5      505.2      590.9      607.0      764.6      602.7      785.5
Stores in Operation - End of Period:
  T.J. Maxx........................................       437        479        512        551        587        558        590
  Marshalls........................................        --         --         --         --        496         --        494
  Winners..........................................         9         15         27         37         52         39         57
  HomeGoods........................................        --          6         10         15         22         19         23
  T.K. Maxx........................................        --         --         --          5          9          6          9

<FN> 
- ---------------
 
(1) Operating income is the pre-tax income from the business segments before
    interest and general corporate items. See "Selected Information by Major
    Business Segment."
</TABLE>
 
                                       13
<PAGE>   49
 
(2) For fiscal 1996, reflects an after-tax charge of $21.0 million ($35 million
    pre-tax), or $.29 per share, for the estimated cost of closing approximately
    30 T.J. Maxx stores in connection with the acquisition of Marshalls.
 
(3) Discontinued operations relate to the Company's Hit or Miss division which
    was sold on September 30, 1995 and to a reserve established relating to
    lease liabilities from its former Zayre division. The Company sold the Zayre
    division in October 1988 to Ames Department Stores Inc. ("Ames"). In April
    1990 Ames filed for bankruptcy and certain lease liabilities reverted back
    to the Company. The loss on disposal of discontinued operations includes a
    $50 million after-tax charge in fiscal 1992 relating to Zayre division and
    an after-tax charge of $31.7 million in fiscal 1996 relating to the sale of
    Hit or Miss. In addition to the foregoing after-tax charge, the income
    (loss) of the Hit or Miss division for all periods prior to September 30,
    1995 is also included in discontinued operations.
 
(4) Other items, net includes extraordinary charges of $1.2 million, or $.02 per
    share, and $3.3 million, or $.05 per share, for the early retirement of debt
    in fiscal 1993 and fiscal 1996, respectively, and a charge for the net
    cumulative effect of accounting changes of $2.7 million, or $.04 per share,
    in fiscal 1994.
 
(5) In the fourth quarter of fiscal 1996, the Company reduced its quarterly
    dividend from $.14 to $.07 per share of Common Stock in order to utilize the
    approximately $20 million in annual dividend savings in support of its
    acquisition of Marshalls.
 
(6) For purposes of computing the ratio of earnings to combined fixed charges
    and preferred stock dividends, "earnings" represent income from continuing
    operations plus provision for taxes, interest expense and the interest
    portion of rentals. "Fixed charges" represents interest expense, capitalized
    interest, and a portion of rentals, which is considered representative of
    the interest factor. "Preferred stock dividends" represent the preferred
    stock dividend requirements increased to an amount representing the pre-tax
    earnings that would be required to cover such dividend requirements.
 
(7) Excludes the net assets of discontinued Hit or Miss operations.
 
                                       14
<PAGE>   50
 
<TABLE>
                 SELECTED INFORMATION BY MAJOR BUSINESS SEGMENT
 

     The following selected financial information by business segment for each
of the last five fiscal years is derived from the consolidated financial
statements of the Company. The information for the 13 weeks ended April 27, 1996
and April 29, 1995 are unaudited but, in the opinion of management, reflect all
adjustments (consisting only of normal recurring items) necessary for a fair
presentation of the results for such interim periods. This Selected Information
by Major Business Segment for the five years ended January 27, 1996 and for the
13 weeks ended April 29, 1995 reflects the Company's Hit or Miss division, which
was sold on September 30, 1995, as a discontinued operation. On November 17,
1995 the Company acquired Marshalls. The Company has included the results of
Marshalls in its consolidated results commencing November 18, 1995. Accordingly,
the following selected information by major business segment includes the
historical results of Marshalls only from and after November 18, 1995.
 
     On May 24, 1996, the Company's subsidiary Chadwick's of Boston, Ltd., which
conducts the Company's off-price catalog operation, filed with the Commission a
Registration Statement related to the sale by the Company in an underwritten
offering of up to 9,260,000 shares (or approximately 61%), excluding 1,389,000
shares (or approximately 9%) subject to an underwriters' over-allotment option,
of the common stock of Chadwick's.

 
<CAPTION>
                                                                      FISCAL YEAR ENDED                       13 WEEKS ENDED
                                                     ----------------------------------------------------   -------------------
                                                     JAN. 25,   JAN. 30,   JAN. 29,   JAN. 28,   JAN. 27,   APR. 29,   APR. 27.
                                                       1992       1993       1994       1995       1996       1995       1996
                                                     --------   --------   --------   --------   --------   --------   --------
                                                                                   (IN MILLIONS)
<S>                                                  <C>        <C>        <C>        <C>        <C>          <C>      <C>
NET SALES:
  Off-price family apparel stores..................  $2,207.2   $2,588.6   $2,832.1   $3,055.6   $3,896.7     $700.7   $1,452.9
  Off-price catalog operation......................     173.4      290.7      421.4      433.5      472.4      116.6      132.0
  Off-price home fashion stores....................        --         --         --         --       78.4       13.1       19.3
                                                     --------   --------   --------   --------   --------     ------   --------
                                                     $2,380.6   $2,879.3   $3,253.5   $3,489.1   $4,447.5     $830.4   $1,604.2
                                                     ========   ========   ========   ========   ========     ======   ========
OPERATING INCOME (LOSS):
  Off-price family apparel stores(1)...............  $  180.9   $  216.7   $  236.9   $  208.6   $  188.0     $ 32.9   $   67.1
  Off-price catalog operation......................      13.4       23.0       24.7        6.1       26.6        5.2       12.9
  Off-price home fashion stores(2).................        --         --         --         --      (13.4)      (1.5)      (2.6)
                                                     --------   --------   --------   --------   --------     ------   --------
                                                        194.3      239.7      261.6      214.7      201.2       36.6       77.4
  General corporate expense(3).....................      14.0       29.2       33.9       39.4       45.5       10.1       10.2
  Goodwill amortization............................       2.6        2.6        2.6        2.6        2.6         .7         .7
  Interest expense, net............................      24.4       24.1       17.9       24.5       44.2        8.5       15.1
                                                     --------   --------   --------   --------   --------     ------   --------
  Income from continuing operations before income
    taxes, extraordinary items and cumulative
    effects of accounting changes..................  $  153.3   $  183.8   $  207.2   $  148.2   $  108.9     $ 17.3   $   51.4
                                                     ========   ========   ========   ========   ========     ======   ========
DEPRECIATION AND AMORTIZATION:
  Off-price family apparel stores..................  $   40.0   $   44.2   $   47.4   $   53.6   $   69.6     $ 14.9   $   27.9
  Off-price catalog operation......................       2.4        3.7        5.1        6.3        7.1        1.8        1.8
  Off-price home fashion stores....................        --         --         --         --        1.8         .5         .5
  Corporate, including goodwill....................       3.4        3.9        4.7        6.4        7.4        1.4        1.9
                                                     --------   --------   --------   --------   --------     ------   --------
                                                     $   45.8   $   51.8   $   57.2   $   66.3   $   85.9     $ 18.6   $   32.1
                                                     ========   ========   ========   ========   ========     ======   ========

<FN>
- ---------------
 
(1) Fiscal 1996 includes a charge of $35 million relating to the closing of
    approximately 30 T.J. Maxx stores in connection with the acquisition of
    Marshalls.
 
(2) Fiscal 1996 includes a charge of $3.8 million for certain restructuring
    costs of the HomeGoods operation.
 
(3) General corporate expense includes the net results of HomeGoods since its
    inception in fiscal 1993 through the end of fiscal 1995. General corporate
    expense also includes the net results of T.K. Maxx in all periods presented
    since its inception in fiscal 1994, costs associated with the Company's
    former Value Mart operation for fiscal 1993 and the net results of the
    Cosmopolitan catalog for fiscal 1996.
</TABLE>
 
                                       15
<PAGE>   51
 
                MANAGEMENT'S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF RESULTS
                     OF OPERATIONS AND FINANCIAL CONDITION
 
     On September 30, 1995, the Company sold its Hit or Miss division. This
transaction was accounted for as a discontinued operation and all historical
results of the Hit or Miss division have been reclassified to discontinued
operations for comparative purposes.
 
     On November 17, 1995, the Company acquired the Marshalls off-price family
apparel chain from Melville Corporation. Under the purchase method of
accounting, the assets and liabilities and results of operations associated with
the acquired business have been included in the Company's financial position and
results of operations since the date acquired. Accordingly, the financial
position and results of operations of the Company as of, and for the periods
ending, January 27, 1996 and April 27, 1996, are not directly comparable to the
financial position and results of operations of the Company for prior periods,
and are not necessarily indicative of the financial position and results of
operations that may be reported by the Company for future periods. The following
discussion should be read in conjunction with the consolidated financial
statements and notes thereto contained elsewhere in this report.
 
     On May 24, 1996, the Company's subsidiary Chadwick's of Boston, Ltd. filed
with the Commission a Registration Statement (File No. 333-4427) related to the
sale by the Company in an underwritten public offering of up to 9,260,000 shares
(or approximately 61%), excluding 1,389,000 shares (or approximately 9%) subject
to an underwriters' over-allotment option, of the common stock of Chadwick's,
which operates the Chadwick's of Boston fashion catalog. The Company expects to
reduce its ownership interest in Chadwick's over time, subject to prevailing
market and other conditions.
 
RESULTS OF OPERATIONS
 
  Thirteen Weeks Ended April 27, 1996 versus Thirteen Weeks Ended April 29, 1995
 
     Net sales from continuing operations for the first quarter were $1,604.2
million, up 93% from $830.4 million last year. The increase in sales is
primarily attributable to the acquisition of Marshalls. Same store sales
increased by 5% at T.J. Maxx, 4% at Winners, 7% at Marshalls and 5% at
HomeGoods. Chadwick's experienced a 13% increase in net sales.
 
     Income from continuing operations was $30.1 million, or $.33 per common
share, versus $9.5 million or $.11 per common share, last year. Net income for
the period ended April 29, 1995, after reflecting Hit or Miss as a discontinued
operation, was $8.1 million or $.09 per common share.
 
<TABLE>
     The following table sets forth operating results expressed as a percentage
of net sales (continuing operations):
 
<CAPTION>
                                                                       PERCENTAGE OF NET SALES
                                                                 -----------------------------------
                                                                           13 WEEKS ENDED
                                                                 -----------------------------------
                                                                 APRIL 27, 1996       APRIL 29, 1995
                                                                 --------------       --------------
<S>                                                                   <C>                  <C>
Net sales......................................................       100.0%               100.0%
                                                                      -----                -----
Cost of sales, included buying and occupancy costs.............        77.3                 76.4
Selling, general and administrative expenses...................        18.5                 20.5
Interest expense, net..........................................         1.0                  1.0
                                                                      -----                -----
Income from continuing operations before income taxes..........         3.2%                 2.1%
                                                                      =====                =====
</TABLE>
 
     Cost of sales including buying and occupancy costs as a percent of net
sales increased from the prior year. This increase is the result of Chadwick's
smaller pro rata share of consolidated results, due to the Marshalls
acquisition, as Chadwick's operates with a lower cost of sales ratio than the
Company's store operations.
 
     Selling, general and administrative expenses, as a percentage of net sales,
decreased from the prior year. This improvement is primarily the result of a
decrease in Chadwick's pro rata share of consolidated results, due to the
Marshalls acquisition, as Chadwick's operates at a higher selling, general and
administrative expense ratio than the Company's store operations.
 
                                       16
<PAGE>   52
 
     The increase in interest expense for the quarter ended April 1996 versus
April 1995 is due to interest on the $200 million of notes issued in June 1995
and on the $375 million term loan incurred for the acquisition of Marshalls.
 
     The decrease in the effective income tax rate reflects the tax benefits on
foreign operating losses realizable due to a corporate restructuring of certain
foreign subsidiaries that took place in the second half of fiscal 1996.
 
<TABLE>
     The following table sets forth the operating results of the Company's major
business segments: (unaudited)
 
<CAPTION>
                                                                           THIRTEEN WEEKS ENDED
                                                                          -----------------------
                                                                          APRIL 27,     APRIL 29,
                                                                            1996          1995
                                                                          ---------     ---------
                                                                               (IN MILLIONS)
<S>                                                                       <C>            <C>
Net sales:
  Off-price family apparel stores.....................................    $1,452.9       $700.7
  Off-price catalog operation.........................................       132.0        116.6
  Off-price home fashion stores.......................................        19.3         13.1
                                                                          --------       ------
                                                                          $1,604.2       $830.4
                                                                          ========       ======
Operating income (loss):                                                                  
  Off-price family apparel stores.....................................    $   67.1       $ 32.9
  Off-price catalog operation.........................................        12.9          5.2
  Off-price home fashion stores.......................................        (2.6)        (1.5)
                                                                          --------       ------
                                                                              77.4         36.6
General corporate expense (1).........................................        10.2         10.1
Goodwill amortization.................................................          .7           .7
Interest expense, net.................................................        15.1          8.5
                                                                          --------       ------
                                                                                 -            -
Income from continuing operations before income taxes.................    $   51.4       $ 17.3
                                                                          ========       ======

<FN> 
- ---------------
 
(1) General corporate expense for the thirteen weeks ended April 27, 1996
    includes the net operating results of T.K. Maxx. General Corporate expense
    for the thirteen weeks ended April 29, 1995 includes the net operating
    results of T.K. Maxx and the Cosmopolitan catalog.
</TABLE>                                                                      
 
     The off-price family apparel stores segment, T.J. Maxx, Marshalls, and
Winners more than doubled its operating profit primarily due to the benefits of
the Marshalls acquisition. This segment's operating results reflect its strong
sales performance along with tight inventory control. Chadwick's recorded an
increase in operating income due to a strong response to the spring catalog and
its improved ability to meet customer demand in the first quarter of this year
versus last year's first quarter.
 
<TABLE>
     Stores in operation at the end of the period are as follows:
 
<CAPTION>
                                                                APRIL 27, 1996     APRIL 29, 1995
                                                                --------------     --------------
    <S>                                                               <C>                <C>
    T.J. Maxx...............................................          590                558
    Marshalls...............................................          494                 --
    Winners.................................................           57                 39
    HomeGoods...............................................           23                 19
    T.K. Maxx...............................................            9                  6
</TABLE>
 
  Fiscal Year Ended January 27, 1996 versus Fiscal Year Ended January 28, 1995
and Fiscal Year Ended January 28, 1995 versus Fiscal Year Ended January 29, 1994
 
     Continuing Operations. Income from continuing operations before
extraordinary item and cumulative effect of accounting changes ("income from
continuing operations") was $63.6 million in fiscal 1996 versus
 
                                       17
<PAGE>   53
 
$86.6 million and $124.6 million in fiscal 1995 and 1994, respectively. Income
from continuing operations per common share, on a fully diluted basis, was $.74
in fiscal 1996, versus $1.08 in fiscal 1995 and $1.58 in fiscal 1994. The
results for fiscal 1996 include a $35 million pre-tax ($21 million after-tax)
charge for closing certain T.J. Maxx stores in connection with the acquisition
of Marshalls. Excluding the $35 million pre-tax charge, income from continuing
operations for fiscal 1996 would have been $84.6 million, or $1.03 per share.
 
     Net sales for fiscal 1996 increased 27.5% to $4.45 billion from $3.49
billion in 1995. Net sales for fiscal 1995 increased 7.2% to $3.49 billion from
$3.25 billion in fiscal 1994. Same store sales, on a consolidated basis,
decreased 2% in fiscal 1996, and were flat in fiscal 1995. The above
consolidated sales and same store sales results include those for Marshalls for
the post-acquisition period.
 
     On a divisional basis, same stores sales at T.J. Maxx were down 2% in
fiscal 1996 and flat in fiscal 1995. Same store sales for Marshalls from the
date of acquisition in mid-November decreased 1%. Winners achieved same store
sales increases of 7% in fiscal 1996 and 10% in fiscal 1995. The continuation of
weak apparel sales in the U.S. as well as the highly promotional retail
environment were factors affecting sales in both fiscal 1995 and fiscal 1996 for
the off-price family apparel segment. Sales for Chadwick's increased 9% in
fiscal 1996 and 3% in fiscal 1995. This division had experienced rapid growth in
the years prior to fiscal 1995 which put a strain on its operations, and in
fiscal 1995, had a negative impact on the division's ability to service its
customers. Chadwick's made considerable progress in correcting these
difficulties and improving its profitability in fiscal 1996. Lastly, HomeGoods,
whose results are reported as a separate segment beginning in fiscal 1996,
experienced a same store sales increase of 1%.
 
     Cost of sales, including buying and occupancy costs, as a percentage of net
sales, was 77.1%, 75.8% and 74.7% in fiscal 1996, 1995 and 1994, respectively.
The increase in this percentage in both fiscal 1996 and 1995 reflects higher
than planned markdowns taken as a result of the weak apparel environment and the
highly promotional retail environment. In addition, the increase in fiscal 1996
reflects the inclusion of HomeGoods in the detailed consolidated results of the
Company as HomeGoods operated at a lower margin in fiscal 1996 than the other
divisions.
 
     Selling, general and administrative expenses as a percentage of net sales
were 18.7% in fiscal 1996, 19.3% in fiscal 1995 and 18.4% in fiscal 1994. The
decrease in the ratio in fiscal 1996 versus 1995 reflects the inclusion of
Marshalls in the Company's consolidated results, as Marshalls operates at an
expense ratio closer to that of T.J. Maxx versus the other divisions. The
expense ratio for fiscal 1996 also reflects the benefits realized by Chadwick's
due to operational improvements made at this division. The increase in fiscal
1995 in this expense ratio, versus fiscal 1994, is primarily attributable to the
Chadwick's division. Chadwick's had an expense ratio increase in fiscal 1995
primarily due to increased production and postage costs of its catalogs and
order processing costs.
 
     The Company recorded a pre-tax charge of $35 million in fiscal 1996 for the
closing of approximately 30 T.J. Maxx stores in connection with the acquisition
of Marshalls. The Company also expects to close approximately 170 Marshalls
stores for which a reserve was established in the allocation of the purchase
price under the purchase accounting method. These reserves are primarily
estimates for the costs associated with subletting or otherwise disposing of
store leases.
 
     Interest expense was $44.2 million in fiscal 1996, $24.5 million in fiscal
1995 and $17.9 million in fiscal 1994. The increase in fiscal 1996 versus fiscal
1995 is primarily due to additional borrowings, including a $45 million real
estate mortgage, issued in December 1994, but which was prepaid as a result of
the Marshalls acquisition, a $375 million term loan to fund the cash portion of
the purchase price of the Marshalls acquisition and $200 million of notes issued
in June 1995 under the Company's shelf registration statement. The increase in
fiscal 1995 versus fiscal 1994 also reflects increased borrowing levels as well
as increased rates. The comparison of fiscal 1995 to fiscal 1994 is impacted by
$2 million of interest income included in fiscal 1994 associated with a federal
tax refund.
 
     The Company's effective income tax rate was 42% in fiscal 1996 and 1995 and
40% in fiscal 1994. The increase in the effective rate in fiscal 1996 and 1995
is primarily attributable to the Company's entry into the United Kingdom where a
net operating loss carryforward has been incurred. The difference in the U.S.
federal
 
                                       18
<PAGE>   54
 
statutory tax rate and the Company's worldwide effective income tax rate in each
fiscal year is primarily attributable to the effective state income tax rate,
with the additional impact in fiscal 1996 and 1995 of the aforementioned net
operating loss carryforward attributable to the Company's entry into the United
Kingdom.
 
     Discontinued Operations and Net Income. Net income for fiscal 1996 includes
a loss on the disposal of the Hit or Miss discontinued operation, net of income
taxes, of $31.7 million. The results of the Hit or Miss division prior to the
sale have been reclassified as income (loss) from discontinued operations, net
of income taxes, which includes a loss of $2.3 million in fiscal 1996, a loss of
$4.0 million in fiscal 1995 and income of $2.4 million in fiscal 1994.
 
     In addition, in fiscal 1996, in connection with the Marshalls acquisition
and the new bank credit agreement (described below), the Company prepaid its $45
million real estate mortgage on its Chadwick's fulfillment center and incurred
an after-tax extraordinary charge for the early retirement of debt of $3.3
million, or $.05 per common share. In fiscal 1994, the Company recorded an
after-tax charge of $2.7 million, or $.04 per common share, for the cumulative
effect of accounting changes.
 
     Net income, after reflecting the above items, was $26.3 million, or $.23
per common share, in fiscal 1996, $82.6 million, or $1.03 per common share, in
fiscal 1995 and $124.4 million, or $1.58 per common share, in fiscal 1994.
 
CAPITAL SOURCES AND LIQUIDITY
 
     Net cash provided by operating activities was $233.6 million, $103.4
million and $75.0 million in fiscal 1996, 1995 and 1994, respectively. The
increase in cash provided by operating activities in fiscal 1996 versus that of
fiscal 1995 was primarily attributable to the timing of the Marshalls
acquisition and the resulting favorable cash flow of the holiday selling season.
The Company also experienced an increase in cash provided by operations in
fiscal 1995 versus fiscal 1994 despite reduced net income in fiscal 1995. The
impact of the lower net income in fiscal 1995 was offset by an increase in
consolidated accounts payable to merchandise inventory ratio and lower payments
against the Company's discontinued operations reserve. Cash flows from operating
and financing activities for the quarter ended April 27, 1996 reflect increases
in inventories and accounts payable, which are primarily due to normal seasonal
requirements. The improvement in cash provided by operating activities in the
quarter ended April 27, 1996 versus the quarter ended April 29, 1995 reflects
stronger sales and tight inventory controls. Short term borrowings at the end of
the first quarter ended April 1996 were lower than at the end of the same
quarter in 1995. The decrease in short term borrowings in the first quarter
ended April 1996 versus April 1995 is a result of the strong cash position at
the end of fiscal 1996 which reflected the benefits from the timing of the
Marshalls acquisition and the resulting favorable cash flow of the holiday
selling season. Cash flows from operating activities over the next several years
will be impacted by the settlements and disposition of leases associated with
both the Company's discontinued operations reserve and the store closing and
restructuring reserves. The Company's reserve for store closing and
restructuring in respect of continuing operations was $251.6 million at the end
of fiscal 1996, and the reserve for discontinued operations was $25.3 million.
 
     Inventories as a percentage of net sales were 30.2% in fiscal 1996, 25.5%
in fiscal 1995 and 22.1% in fiscal 1994. The fiscal 1996 percentage is not
comparable since Marshalls net sales are included only from November 18, 1995.
Using pro forma net sales for fiscal 1996, which assumes Marshalls was acquired
at the beginning of the fiscal year, inventories as a percentage of net sales in
fiscal 1996 would be 20.5%. The higher percentage in fiscal 1995 versus fiscal
1994 and the lower pro forma percentage for fiscal 1996 versus fiscal 1995
reflect higher warehouse inventory related to opportunistic merchandise
purchases and a larger percentage of spring merchandise on hand at the end of
fiscal 1995. Working capital was $409.2 million in fiscal 1996, $277.2 million
in fiscal 1995 and $285.4 million in fiscal 1994. The increase in working
capital in fiscal 1996 is primarily attributable to the acquisition of
Marshalls.
 
                                       19
<PAGE>   55
 
<TABLE>
     The Company's cash flows from investing activities include capital
expenditures for the last two years as set forth in the table below:
 
<CAPTION>
                                                                   
                                                                FISCAL YEAR ENDED JANUARY       
                                                                -------------------------
                                                                  1996           1995
                                                                 ------         ------
                                                                     (IN MILLIONS)
        <S>                                                      <C>            <C>
        New stores.............................................  $ 44.6         $ 53.2
        Store renovations and improvements.....................    36.5           40.0
        Office and distribution centers........................    30.7           26.8
                                                                 ------         ------
        Capital expenditures...................................  $111.8         $120.0
                                                                 ======         ======
</TABLE>
 
     Capital expenditures for both fiscal 1996 and 1995 emphasized new stores
and store renovations.
 
     The Company expects that capital expenditures will approximate $150 million
for fiscal 1997 including approximately $46 million for new stores, primarily
T.J. Maxx and Marshalls; $69 million for improvements to existing stores,
primarily T.J. Maxx and Marshalls; and approximately $35 million for office and
distribution centers.
 
     Investing activities for fiscal 1996 include $378.7 million paid for the
acquisition of Marshalls. In addition to the cash outlay for the acquisition of
Marshalls, the Company issued $175 million of convertible junior preferred
stock. See Note E to the consolidated financial statements for further
information on the preferred stock issued. The total purchase price for
Marshalls reflected in these financials, including acquisition costs and a
purchase price adjustment paid subsequent to the end of fiscal 1996, totals $606
million.
 
     Lastly, investing activities for fiscal 1996 reflect proceeds of $3 million
for the sale of the Hit or Miss division. The Company also received a $10
million note, due in seven years with 10% interest.
 
     Financing Activities. In June 1995, the Company filed a shelf registration
statement with the Securities and Exchange Commission, which provides for the
issuance of up to $250 million of long-term debt. In June 1995, the Company
issued $200 million of long-term notes under the registration statement. The
proceeds were used, in part, to repay short-term borrowings and for general
corporate purposes, including new store and capital expenditures, and the
repayment of scheduled maturities of other outstanding long-term debt. During
fiscal 1995 and fiscal 1994, the Company borrowed an aggregate of $57.5 million
under its medium term note program, (which was replaced by the shelf
registration statement mentioned above). The aggregate borrowings under the
medium term note program were used entirely to fund the Company's investments in
its Canadian and United Kingdom operations.
 
     In connection with the purchase of Marshalls, the Company entered into an
unsecured $875 million bank credit agreement under which the Company borrowed
$375 million on a term loan basis to fund the cash portion of the Marshalls
purchase price. The Company may also borrow up to an additional $500 million on
a revolving loan basis for the working capital needs of the Company. Interest is
payable on the borrowings at rates equal to or less than prime. Subsequent to
year-end, the Company entered into two interest rate swap agreements which in
essence provide for a fixed rate of 5.9% on $200 million of the $375 million
term loan. The term loan matures on November 17, 2000, and the revolving loan
expires on November 17, 1998. The new agreement has certain financial covenants
which include a minimum net worth requirement and certain leverage and fixed
charge ratios. In connection with this financing arrangement, the Company
canceled its former committed U.S. short-term credit lines and prepaid its $45
million real estate mortgage on its Chadwick's fulfillment center, issued in
December 1994. The Company incurred an after-tax extraordinary charge of $3.3
million on the early retirement of this debt.
 
     The Company declared quarterly dividends on its common stock of $.14 per
share in fiscal 1995 and for the first three quarters of fiscal 1996. In
connection with the acquisition of Marshalls, the Company reduced the quarterly
dividend to $.07 per common share effective with the dividend payable for the
fourth quarter of fiscal 1996. Annual dividends on common stock totaled $35.5
million in fiscal 1996 and $41.6 million in fiscal 1995. The Company also has
dividend requirements on its outstanding Series A and Series C Preferred Stock
which totaled $7.2 million in each of fiscal 1996 and 1995, as well as dividend
requirements on the new
 
                                       20
<PAGE>   56
 
Series D and Series E junior Preferred Stock issued in the acquisition of
Marshalls. Series D Preferred Stock carries an annual dividend of $0.5 million
and the Series E Preferred Stock carries an annual dividend of $10.5 million. An
aggregate of $9.4 million of preferred dividends is reflected in investing
activities for fiscal 1996. During fiscal 1995, the Company repurchased 1.1
million shares of Common Stock for a cost of $19.3 million under a stock
buy-back program, which the Company terminated due to the acquisition of
Marshalls.
 
     The Company has traditionally funded its seasonal merchandise requirements
through short-term bank borrowings and the issuance of short-term commercial
paper. The Company has the ability to borrow up to $500 million on a revolving
loan basis under its bank agreement. As of January 27, 1996, the entire $500
million was available for use. The maximum amount of short-term borrowings
outstanding during fiscal 1996, 1995 and 1994 was $200 million, $181.5 million
and $133 million, respectively. The Company also has C$20 million of committed
lines for its Canadian operations, all of which were available as of January 27,
1996. Management believes that the Company's internally generated funds along
with the available credit facility and credit lines and existing cash balances
are adequate to meet its needs.
 
     Chadwick's Offering. On May 24, 1996, Chadwick's of Boston, Ltd., a holding
company formed to own the off-price catalog operation of the Company, filed a
Registration Statement with the Securities and Exchange Commission pursuant to
which the Company intends to sell to the public 9,260,000 shares of common stock
of Chadwick's. An additional 1,389,000 shares of common stock are subject to an
over-allotment option granted to the underwriters. After the offering, the
Company will own approximately 30%-39% (depending on the amount of the
underwriters' over-allotment option exercised) of the outstanding shares of
common stock of Chadwick's. It is currently anticipated that the initial
offering price will be between $14.00 and $16.00 per share. The Company intends
to use the proceeds from the stock sale to pay down a portion of the bank
financing taken on to acquire Marshalls. The Company is required to redeem the
outstanding Series D Preferred Stock, which are held by the Selling Stockholder,
with proceeds from the stock sale but it anticipates, based on current market
prices, that the holder of the Series D Preferred Stock will convert its shares
into Common Stock upon a call for redemption.
 
     There can be no assurance that the offering reflected in the Chadwick's
Registration Statement will be made or consummated or, if the offering is
consummated, that the amount of shares sold or the initial public offering price
per share will be as reflected in the Chadwick's Registration Statement.
 
                              SELLING STOCKHOLDER
 
     All of the PEPS being offered hereby are being sold by Nashua Hollis CVS,
Inc. (the "Selling Stockholder"), a wholly owned subsidiary of Melville
Corporation ("Melville").
 
     In connection with the acquisition of Marshalls, the Company issued to
Melville 1,500,000 PEPS. Melville subsequently transferred the PEPS to the
Selling Stockholder. In addition to the PEPS, the Company also issued to
Melville 250,000 shares of Series D Preferred Stock (which also were
subsequently transferred to the Selling Stockholder). The shares of Series D
Preferred Stock are convertible into shares of Common Stock ranging in number
from 1,349,528 to 2,024,292 (subject to adjustment in the event of stock splits,
reverse stock splits and similar events). See "Description of Capital
Stock - Series D Preferred Stock." Neither Melville nor the Selling Stockholder
owns any other equity securities of the Company.
 
     Subject to the 30 day lockup period described below in "Underwriters" and
the Standstill and Registration Rights Agreement referred to below, the Selling
Stockholder currently intends to proceed as soon as practicable with the public
sale of the remaining shares of Series E Preferred Stock held by it after
completion of the offering, but has no current plans to dispose of the Series D
Preferred Stock. Melville intends to evaluate and review market, industry and
general economic conditions (including the Company's common stock price) from
time to time, and based on such prevailing conditions and the Company's stock
price at the time, there can be no assurance as to when or whether the Selling
Stockholder will proceed with such public sale of Series E Preferred Stock. In
addition, Melville may consider from time to time various alternative courses of
action as permitted by the Standstill and Registration Rights Agreement. Such
actions may include, in circumstances permitted by the Standstill and
Registration Rights Agreement and subject to the 30 day lockup period described
below in "Underwriters," the sale of all or a portion of the Company's Series D
Preferred Stock and Series E Preferred Stock held by the Selling Stockholder (or
common stock
 
                                       21
<PAGE>   57
 
issuable upon conversion of some or all of such preferred stock) in the open
market, in privately negotiated transactions, through an underwritten public
offering or otherwise. See "Underwriters."
 
     The Company and Melville entered into an agreement dated as of November 17,
1995 (the "Standstill and Registration Rights Agreement"), a copy of which is
incorporated by reference as an exhibit to the Registration Statement of which
this Prospectus is a part, pursuant to which the Company agreed to register the
offer and sale of the PEPS held by the Selling Stockholder, including the PEPS
offered hereby, under the Securities Act, and the Selling Stockholder and
Melville and the Company agreed to indemnify each other against certain
liabilities, including liabilities under the Securities Act in connection with
the sale of the shares pursuant to a registered public offering contemplated by
the Standstill and Registration Rights Agreement. Pursuant to the Standstill and
Registration Rights Agreement, the Selling Stockholder is required to pay the
underwriting discounts and commissions and expenses of its legal counsel and
accountants associated with the offering, and the Company is generally required
to pay all of the other expenses directly associated with the offering,
including, without limitation, the cost of registering the shares offered
hereby, including applicable registration and filing fees, printing expenses and
applicable expenses for legal counsel and accountants incurred by the Company.
 
                    DESCRIPTION OF SERIES E PREFERRED STOCK
 
     The following summary description of the PEPS does not purport to be
complete and is subject to, and qualified in its entirety by reference to, the
Restated Certificate of Incorporation of the Company, as amended (the
"Certificate"), the Certificates of Designation with respect to the PEPS and the
By-Laws of the Company (the "By-Laws"), copies of which are incorporated by
reference as exhibits to the Registration Statement relating to the offering
herein.
 
RANKING
 
     On November 17, 1995, the Company issued 1,500,000 shares of Series E
Preferred Stock in a private placement. The PEPS rank senior to the Common
Stock, junior to the Series A Preferred Stock and the Series C Preferred Stock,
and on a parity with the Series D Preferred Stock, with respect to the payment
of dividends and upon liquidation, dissolution or winding up. The PEPS shall so
rank on a parity with the Series C Preferred Stock at such times as there shall
be no shares of Series A Preferred Stock outstanding. The Company may not,
without the consent of two-thirds of the votes of the holders of the outstanding
PEPS and all other outstanding shares of preferred stock of the Company (the
"Preferred Stock"), ranking on a parity with the PEPS either as to dividends or
upon liquidation, dissolution or winding up, voting together as a single class,
create, authorize or issue, or reclassify any authorized stock of the Company
into, or create, authorize or issue any obligation or security convertible into
or evidencing a right to purchase, any shares of any class of stock of the
Company ranking prior to the PEPS or ranking prior to any other series of
Preferred Stock which ranks on a parity with the PEPS. However, the Company may
create additional classes of stock or issue series of Preferred Stock ranking on
a parity with the PEPS with respect to the payment of dividends or upon
liquidation, dissolution and winding up without the consent of any holder of
PEPS.
 
DIVIDENDS
 
     Holders of PEPS are entitled to receive, when and as declared by the Board
of Directors of the Company out of assets of the Company legally available for
payment, cash dividends at an annual rate of $7.00 per each PEPS, payable in
arrears on January 1, April 1, July 1 and October 1 of each year commencing
January 1, 1996. Each dividend is payable to holders of record as they appear on
the stock register of the Company on a record date, not more than 60 nor less
than 10 days before the payment date, fixed by the Board of Directors of the
Company. Dividends are cumulative and accrue on a daily basis from the date of
original issuance of the PEPS. Dividends payable on the PEPS for each full
quarterly dividend period are computed by annualizing the dividend rate and
dividing by four. Dividends payable for any period greater or less than a full
dividend period are computed on the basis of a 360-day year consisting of twelve
30-day months. The PEPS are not entitled to any dividend, whether payable in
cash, property or stock, in excess of Full Cumulative Dividends. No interest is
payable in respect of any accrued and unpaid dividends.
 
     Unless Full Cumulative Dividends on all outstanding shares of any series of
Preferred Stock ranking senior to the PEPS have been paid or declared and set
aside for payment for all past dividend payment periods,
 
                                       22
<PAGE>   58
 
no dividend may be declared on shares of the PEPS (other than a dividend paid in
stock ranking junior to any series of Preferred Stock ranking senior to the PEPS
as to dividends), nor may shares of the PEPS be redeemed or purchased by the
Company nor any sinking fund payment made for such redemption or purchase (other
than a purchase or redemption made by issue or delivery of stock ranking junior
to any Series of Preferred Stock ranking senior to the PEPS as to dividends, or
upon liquidation, dissolution or winding up). Unless Full Cumulative Dividends
on all outstanding shares of the PEPS have been paid or declared and set aside
for payment for all past dividend payment periods, no dividend (other than a
dividend paid in stock ranking junior to the PEPS as to dividends) may be
declared on any stock ranking junior to the PEPS as to dividends, nor may any
stock ranking junior to the PEPS as to dividends or upon liquidation,
dissolution or winding up be redeemed or purchased by the Company nor any
sinking fund payment made for such redemption or purchase (other than a purchase
or redemption made by issue or delivery of stock ranking junior to the PEPS as
to dividends or upon liquidation, dissolution or winding up); provided that,
unless prohibited by the terms of any other outstanding series of Preferred
Stock, any monies theretofore deposited in any sinking fund with respect to any
Preferred Stock in compliance with the terms thereof may thereafter be applied
in accordance with the terms thereof. If dividends on PEPS and on any other
series of Preferred Stock ranking on a parity as to dividends with the PEPS are
in arrears, any dividend payment on account of such arrearage must be made
ratably upon all outstanding shares of the PEPS and such other series of
Preferred Stock in proportion to the respective amounts of Full Cumulative
Dividends.
 
LIQUIDATION RIGHTS
 
     In the event of any voluntary or involuntary liquidation, dissolution or
winding up of the Company not including mergers, consolidations and sale of all
or substantially all assets, before any payment or distribution of assets
(whether from capital or surplus) is made to holders of the PEPS upon
liquidation, dissolution or winding up, the holders of each class or series of
Preferred Stock ranking senior to the PEPS upon liquidation, dissolution or
winding up shall be entitled to receive full payment of their liquidation
preferences. In the event of any voluntary or involuntary liquidation,
dissolution or winding up of the Company, before any payment or distribution of
assets (whether from capital or surplus) is made to holders of Common Stock or
any other stock of the Company ranking junior to the PEPS upon liquidation,
dissolution or winding up, the holders of PEPS shall receive a liquidation
preference of $100 per share and shall be entitled to receive all accrued and
unpaid dividends through the date of distribution, and the holders of any class
or series of Preferred Stock ranking on a parity with the PEPS as to
liquidation, dissolution or winding up shall be entitled to receive the full
respective liquidation preferences (including any premium) to which they are
entitled and shall receive all accrued and unpaid dividends with respect to
their respective shares through and including the date of distribution. If, upon
such a voluntary or involuntary liquidation, dissolution or winding up of the
Company, the assets of the Company are insufficient to pay in full the amounts
described above as payable with respect to the PEPS and any class or series of
Preferred Stock of the Company ranking on a parity with the PEPS as to
liquidation, dissolution or winding up, the holders of the PEPS and of such
other class or series of Preferred Stock will share ratably in any such
distribution of assets of the Company first in proportion to their respective
liquidation preferences until such preferences are paid in full, and then in
proportion to their respective amounts of accrued but unpaid dividends. After
payment of any such liquidating preference and accrued dividends, the PEPS will
not be entitled to any further participation in any distribution of assets by
the Company. Neither the sale of all or substantially all the assets of the
Company, nor the merger or consolidation of the Company into or with any other
corporation, will be deemed to be a liquidation, dissolution or winding up of
the Company.
 
REDEMPTION
 
     Shares of PEPS are not redeemable at the option of the Company.
 
VOTING RIGHTS
 
     Except as indicated below or as expressly required by applicable law,
holders of PEPS have no voting rights.
 
     If the equivalent of six full quarterly dividends payable on the PEPS are
in arrears, the maximum authorized number of directors of the Company will be
increased by two and the holders of PEPS, voting
 
                                       23
<PAGE>   59
 
separately as a class with the holders of shares of any other series of
Preferred Stock ranking on a parity with the PEPS and upon which like voting
rights have been conferred and are exercisable, will be entitled to elect two
directors for successive one-year terms until all dividends in arrears on the
PEPS have been paid or declared and set apart for payment. Upon payment or
declaration and setting apart of funds for payment of all such dividends in
arrears, the term of office of each director elected will immediately terminate
and the number of directors constituting the entire Board of Directors of the
Company will be reduced by the number of directors elected by the holders of the
PEPS and any other series of Preferred Stock ranking on a parity with the PEPS
as discussed above.
 
     The Company may not, without the affirmative vote or consent of two-thirds
of the votes of the holders of the PEPS and each other series of Preferred Stock
ranking on a parity with the PEPS and upon which like voting rights have been
conferred (voting together as a single class), create, authorize or issue, or
reclassify any authorized stock of the Company into, or create, authorize or
issue any obligation or security convertible into or evidencing a right to
purchase, any shares of any class of stock of the Company ranking prior to the
PEPS or any other series of Preferred Stock which ranks on a parity with the
PEPS as to dividends or upon liquidation, dissolution or winding up. The Company
may not, without the affirmative vote or consent of two-thirds of the votes of
the holders of the outstanding shares of the PEPS and each other series of
Preferred Stock of the Company similarly affected, if any, voting together as a
single class, amend, alter or repeal any provision of the Certificate which
would materially and adversely affect the preferences, rights, powers or
privileges, qualification, limitations and restrictions of the PEPS and any such
other series of Preferred Stock; provided, however, that the creation, issuance
or increase in the amount of authorized shares of any other series of Preferred
Stock ranking on a parity with or junior to the PEPS with respect to the payment
of dividends or the distribution of assets upon liquidation, dissolution or
winding up of the affairs of the Company will not be deemed to materially and
adversely affect such rights and preferences, privileges or voting powers.
 
CONVERSION
 
     On November 17, 1998 (the "Automatic Conversion Date"), unless earlier
converted at the option of the holder, each outstanding PEPS shall convert
automatically (the "Automatic Conversion") into (i) shares of Common Stock at
the Exchange Rate in effect on the Automatic Conversion Date and (ii) the right
to receive an amount in cash equal to Full Cumulative Dividends on such share to
the Automatic Conversion Date.
 
     PEPS may be converted, in whole or in part, at the option of the holder
thereof ("Optional Conversion"), at any time through the close of business on
the Business Day prior to November 17, 1998, into shares of Common Stock at the
Upper Exchange Rate.
 
     The Exchange Rate shall be subject to adjustment (under formulae set forth
in the Certificate of Designations) from time to time as appropriate in certain
circumstances, including if the Company shall (i) pay or make a dividend or
other distribution with respect to its Common Stock in shares of Common Stock
(including by way of reclassification of any shares of its Common Stock) to all
holders of Common Stock, (ii) subdivide its outstanding shares of Common Stock
into a greater number of shares of Common Stock or combine its outstanding
shares of Common Stock into a smaller number of shares of Common Stock, (iii)
issue certain rights or warrants to all holders of its Common Stock entitling
them (for a period not exceeding 45 days from the date of such issuance) to
subscribe for or purchase shares of Common Stock at a price less than the Fair
Market Value of the Common Stock on the record date for the determination of
stockholders entitled to receive such rights or warrants, or (iv) pay a dividend
or make a distribution to all holders of its Common Stock consisting of
evidences of its indebtedness or other assets (including shares of capital stock
of the Company other than Common Stock but excluding any cash dividends or other
distributions referred to in clauses (i) or (ii) above) or shall issue to all
holders of its Common Stock rights or warrants to subscribe for or purchase any
of its securities (other than those referred to in clause (iii) above).
Notwithstanding the foregoing, there will be no adjustment in the event the
Company were to issue rights to purchase capital stock of the Company pursuant
to a shareholder rights agreement. Anything in this paragraph notwithstanding,
the Company shall be entitled to make such upward adjustments in the Exchange
Rate, in addition to those required by this paragraph, as the Company in its
sole discretion shall determine to be advisable, in order that any stock
dividends, subdivision of shares, distribution of rights to purchase stock or
securities, or distribution of securities convertible into or exchangeable for
stock (or any transaction which
 
                                       24
<PAGE>   60
 
could be treated as any of the foregoing transactions pursuant to Section 305 of
the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended) hereafter made by the Company to
its stockholders shall not be taxable. All adjustments to the Exchange Rate
shall be calculated to the nearest 1/1,000,000th of a share of Common Stock. No
adjustment in the Exchange Rate shall be required unless such adjustment would
require an increase or decrease of at least one percent in the Exchange Rate;
provided, however, that any adjustments which by reason of the foregoing are not
required to be made shall be carried forward and taken into account in any
subsequent adjustment. All adjustments to the Exchange Rate shall be made
successively. Before taking any action that would cause an adjustment increasing
the Exchange Rate such that the conversion price (for purposes of this
paragraph, an amount equal to the liquidation value per each PEPS divided by the
Upper Exchange Rate as in effect from time to time) would be below the then par
value of the Common Stock, the Company will take any corporate action which may,
in the opinion of its counsel, be necessary in order that the Company may
validly and legally issue fully paid and nonassessable shares of Common Stock at
the Upper Exchange Rate as so adjusted.
 
     In case of any consolidation or merger to which the Company is a party
(other than a merger or consolidation in which the Company is the continuing
corporation and in which the Common Stock outstanding immediately prior to the
merger or consolidation remains unchanged), or in case of any sale or transfer
to another corporation of the property of the Company as an entirety or
substantially as an entirety, or in case of any statutory exchange of securities
with another corporation (other than in connection with a merger or
acquisition), proper provision shall be made so that each share of PEPS shall,
after consummation of such transaction, be subject to (i) conversion at the
option of the holder into the kind and amount of securities, cash or other
property receivable upon consummation of such transaction by a holder of the
number of shares of Common Stock into which such share of PEPS would have been
converted if the conversion had occurred immediately prior to consummation of
such transaction (based on the Exchange Rate in effect immediately prior to such
consummation) and (ii) conversion on the Automatic Conversion Date into the kind
and amount of securities, cash or other property receivable upon consummation of
such transaction by a holder of the number of shares of Common Stock into which
such share of PEPS would have been converted if the conversion on the Automatic
Conversion Date had occurred immediately prior to the date of consummation of
such transaction (based on the Exchange Rate in effect immediately prior to such
consummation); assuming in each case that such holder of Common Stock failed to
exercise rights of election, if any, as to the kind or amount of securities,
cash or other property receivable upon consummation of such transaction
(provided that if the kind or amount of securities, cash or other property
receivable upon consummation of such transaction is not the same for each
nonelecting share, then the kind and amount of securities, cash or other
property receivable upon consummation of such transaction for each nonelecting
share shall be deemed to be the kind and amount so receivable per share by a
plurality of the nonelecting shares). The kind and amount of securities into
which the PEPS shall be convertible after consummation of such transaction shall
be subject to adjustment as described above following the date of consummation
of such transaction. The Company may not become a party to any such transaction
unless the terms thereof are consistent with the foregoing.
 
FRACTIONAL SHARES
 
     No fractional shares or scrip representing fractional shares of Common
Stock shall be issued upon conversion of any PEPS. Instead of any fractional
share of Common Stock that would otherwise be issuable upon conversion of any
PEPS, the Company shall pay a cash adjustment in respect of such fractional
interest in an amount equal to the same fraction of the Closing Price of a share
of Common Stock (or, if there is no such Closing Price, the fair market value of
a share of Common Stock, as determined or prescribed by the Board of Directors)
at the close of business on the Trading Day immediately preceding the date of
conversion.
 
LISTING; TRANSFER AGENT
 
     The PEPS have been approved for listing on the NYSE under the Symbol "TJX
PrE", subject to official notice of issuance. The transfer agent, registrar,
dividend disbursing agent and redemption agent for the PEPS will be Boston
Equiserve, subject to the right of the Company to designate another bank or
trust company
 
                                       25
<PAGE>   61
 
having its principal office in the United States and having a combined capital
and surplus of at least $100,000,000 to assume some or all of such functions.
 
DEFINITIONS
 
     The following terms shall have the meanings indicated in respect of the
Series E Preferred Stock:
 
     "Base Number" shall mean the number derived from dividing $100 by $15.4375.
 
     "Business Day" shall mean any day other than a Saturday, Sunday, or a day
on which banking institutions in the State of New York or The Commonwealth of
Massachusetts are authorized or obligated by law or executive order to close or
a day which is or is declared a national or New York or Massachusetts state
holiday.
 
     "Closing Price" with respect to any securities on any day shall mean the
closing sale price regular way on such day or, in case no such sale takes place
on such day, the average of the reported closing bid and asked prices, regular
way, in each case on the New York Stock Exchange, or, if such security is not
listed or admitted to trading on such Exchange, on the principal national
securities exchange or quotation system on which such security is quoted or
listed or admitted to trading, or, if not quoted or listed or admitted to
trading on any national securities exchange or quotation system, the average of
the closing bid and asked prices of such security on the over-the-counter market
on the day in question as reported by the National Association of Securities
Dealers, Inc. Automated Quotation System, or a similarly generally accepted
reporting service, or if not so available, in such manner as furnished by any
New York Stock Exchange member firm selected from time to time by the Board of
Directors for that purpose or (solely in the case of Series C Preferred Stock) a
price determined in good faith by the Board of Directors.
 
     "Current Market Price" shall mean the average of the daily Closing Prices
per share of Common Stock for the ten consecutive Trading Days immediately prior
to the date in question; provided, however, that, if any event that results in
an adjustment of the Exchange Rate occurs during the period beginning on the
first day of such ten-day period and ending on the applicable conversion date,
the Current Market Price as determined pursuant to the foregoing shall be
appropriately adjusted to reflect the occurrence of such event.
 
     "Dividend Payment Date" shall mean January 1, April 1, July 1 and October 1
in each year.
 
     "Exchange Rate" for the PEPS shall be equal to (a) if the Current Market
Price on the date of determination is equal to or greater than 120% of $15.4375
(the "Threshold Common Stock Price"), the number of shares of Common Stock equal
to 0.83333333 of the Base Number (the "Upper Exchange Rate"), (b) if the Current
Market Price on the date of determination is less than the Threshold Common
Stock Price but greater than $15.4375, the number of shares of Common Stock
having a value (determined at the Current Market Price) equal to $100 per share
of Series E Preferred Stock (the "Middle Exchange Rate"), and (c) if the Current
Market Price on the date of determination is equal to or less than $15.4375, a
number of shares of Common Stock (the "Lower Exchange Rate") equal to the Base
Number; provided that for all purposes relating to Optional Conversion by a
holder pursuant to the above section entitled "Conversion," the Exchange Rate
shall be equal to the Upper Exchange Rate. The Exchange Rate is subject to
adjustment as set forth in the above section entitled "Conversion."
 
     "Fair Market Value" on any day shall mean the average of the daily Closing
Prices of a share of Common Stock of the Company on the five (5) consecutive
Trading Days selected by the Company commencing not more than 20 Trading Days
before, and ending not later than, the earlier of the day in question and the
day before the "ex" date with respect to the issuance or distribution requiring
such computation. The term " 'ex' date", when used with respect to any issuance
or distribution, means the first day on which the Common Stock trades regular
way, without the right to receive such issuance or distribution, on the exchange
or in the market, as the case may be, used to determine that day's Closing
Price.
 
     "Full Cumulative Dividends" shall mean, with respect to the PEPS, or any
other capital stock of the Company, as of any date the aggregate amount of all
then accumulated, accrued and unpaid dividends payable on such shares of PEPS,
or other capital stock, as the case may be, in cash, whether or not earned or
declared and whether or not there shall be funds legally available for the
payment thereof.
 
     "Trading Day" shall mean (x) if the applicable security is listed or
admitted for trading on the New York Stock Exchange or another national
securities exchange, a day on which the New York Stock Exchange or
 
                                       26
<PAGE>   62
 
such other national securities exchange is open for business or (y) if the
applicable security is quoted on the National Market System of the National
Association of Securities Dealers Automated Quotation System, a day on which
trades may be made on such National Market System or (z) if the applicable
security is not so listed, admitted for trading or quoted, any day other than a
Saturday or Sunday or a day on which banking institutions in the State of New
York are authorized or obligated by law or executive order to close.
 
                       FEDERAL INCOME TAX CONSIDERATIONS
 
     The following discussion is a summary of the federal income tax
consequences expected to apply to purchasers of the PEPS under current law,
which is subject to change. The discussion does not cover all aspects of federal
taxation that may be relevant to, or the actual tax effect that any of the
matters described herein will have on, particular purchases, and does not
address state, local, or foreign income or other tax laws. Certain holders
(including financial institutions, tax-exempt organizations, broker-dealers,
insurance companies, and foreign individuals and entities) may be subject to
special rules not discussed below. The discussion assumes that purchasers of the
PEPS will hold the PEPS as a "capital asset" within the meaning of Section 1221
of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended (the "Code").
 
DISTRIBUTIONS
 
     Distributions with respect to the PEPS will be treated as dividends and
taxable as ordinary income to the extent that the distributions are made out of
the Company's current and accumulated earnings and profits. To the extent that a
distribution is not made out of the Company's current and accumulated earnings
and profits, the distribution will constitute a non-taxable return of capital
reducing the holder's adjusted tax basis in its shares of PEPS and, to the
extent the distribution exceeds such basis, will result in capital gain.
 
     A corporate holder will generally be entitled to 70% dividends-received
deduction with respect to distributions that are treated as dividends on shares
of PEPS that the corporate holder has held for at least 46 days (91 days in the
case of certain dividends). For this purpose, the period for which the holder is
treated as having held shares of PEPS generally will not include any period for
which the holder has an option to sell, is under a contractual obligation to
sell, has made a short sale of or is the grantor of an option to buy
substantially identical stock or securities or as to which the holder has
otherwise diminished its risk of loss by holding other positions with respect to
substantially similar or related property. Dividends on the PEPS will not be
eligible for the dividends-received deduction to the extent that the holder has
incurred indebtedness that is directly attributable to the acquisition or
carrying of the relevant shares. In addition, a corporate holder may be required
to reduce its adjusted tax basis in shares of stock or to recognize gain as the
result of a payment of an "extraordinary dividend." The Company believes that
regular quarterly dividends paid to an original holder of the PEPS generally
will not constitute extraordinary dividends. Finally, it should be noted that
the Administration's current budget proposal contains a provision that, if
enacted, would reduce the dividends-received deduction to 50% and make certain
changes in the holding period provisions described above.
 
     For alternative minimum tax purposes, dividends eligible for the 70%
dividends-received deduction are included in a corporate holder's "adjusted
current earnings". If such adjusted current earnings exceed the corporate
holder's regular taxable income, 75% of the excess is added to the holder's
alternative minimum taxable income and may be subject to an alternative minimum
tax.
 
     Under certain circumstances, the operation of the conversion price
adjustment provisions of the PEPS may result in the deemed receipt of a taxable
distribution by the holders of the PEPS if the effect of such adjustments is to
increase such holder's proportionate interests in the Company. Any such
constructive distributions may constitute (and cause other distributions to
constitute) extraordinary dividends to corporate holders.
 
CONVERSION AND DISPOSITION
 
     Conversion of PEPS into Common Stock generally will not result in the
recognition of gain or loss (except with respect to cash received in lieu of
fractional shares). The holder's adjusted tax basis in Common
 
                                       27
<PAGE>   63
 
Stock received upon conversion (including any fractional shares which are deemed
to have been issued) generally will be equal to that of the shares of PEPS
converted.
 
     Upon the sale or exchange of shares of PEPS, or of shares of Common Stock
acquired upon conversion of shares of PEPS, a holder will recognize capital gain
or loss equal to the difference between the amount realized on such sale or
exchange and the holder's adjusted tax basis in such stock. Any capital gain or
loss recognized will generally be treated as long-term capital gain or loss if
the holder held the stock for more than one year. For this purpose, the period
for which the PEPS was held would be included in the holding period of Common
Stock received upon a conversion.
 
BACKUP WITHHOLDING
 
     The Company generally is required to withhold and remit to the U.S.
Treasury 31% of distributions paid to any individual shareholder who fails to
furnish a correct taxpayer identification number to the Company, who is
determined by the Secretary of the Treasury to have under-reported dividends or
interest income, or who fails to certify to the Company that he is not subject
to such withholding. An individual's taxpayer identification number is normally
his social security number.
 
     THE FOREGOING SUMMARY IS INCLUDED HEREIN FOR GENERAL INFORMATION ONLY.
ACCORDINGLY, PROSPECTIVE HOLDERS OF THE PEPS SHOULD CONSULT WITH THEIR OWN TAX
ADVISORS AS TO THE SPECIFIC TAX CONSEQUENCES TO SUCH HOLDERS RELATING TO THE
PEPS, INCLUDING THE APPLICATION AND EFFECT OF STATE, LOCAL AND FOREIGN INCOME
AND OTHER TAX LAWS.
 
                          DESCRIPTION OF CAPITAL STOCK
 
     The following summary description of the Company's capital stock does not
purport to be complete and is subject to, and qualified in its entirety by
reference to, the Certificate, the respective Certificates of Designation (each,
a "Certificate of Designation") with respect to each series of Preferred Stock
described herein and the By-Laws, copies of which are incorporated by reference
as exhibits to the Registration Statement relating to the offering herein.
 
AUTHORIZED CAPITAL STOCK
 
     The Company's authorized capital stock consists of 155 million shares of
capital stock, of which 150 million shares are Common Stock, $1.00 par value per
share, and 5 million shares are Preferred Stock, $1.00 par value per share. The
Certificate authorizes the issuance of shares of Preferred Stock from time to
time in one or more series not exceeding the aggregate number of shares of
Preferred Stock authorized by the Certificate, without stockholder approval,
with such voting powers, designations, preferences and relative, participating,
optional or other special rights, and qualifications, limitations or
restrictions thereof, as are set forth in resolutions adopted by the Company's
Board of Directors. Thus, without stockholder approval, the Company could
authorize the issuance of Preferred Stock with voting, conversion and other
rights that could dilute the voting power and other rights of holders of the
Common Stock and, subject to any limiting terms thereof, other series of
Preferred Stock. The Company may from time to time amend the Certificate to
increase the number of authorized shares of Common Stock or Preferred Stock in
the manner provided by the Certificate and the General Corporation Law of the
State of Delaware.
 
     There were outstanding as of May 24, 1996 210,100 shares of Series A
Preferred Stock, 1,650,000 shares of Series C Preferred Stock, 250,000 shares of
Series D Preferred Stock and 1,500,000 shares of PEPS of the Company. The
Company has given notice to the holders of the Series A Preferred Stock that it
intends to redeem all outstanding shares of Series A Preferred Stock on June 24,
1996. As of June 18, 1996, all of the outstanding shares of Series A Preferred
Stock have been converted by the holders thereof into Common Stock and,
accordingly, no such shares of Series A Preferred Stock remain outstanding.
 
                                       28
<PAGE>   64
 
COMMON STOCK
 
     Subject to the rights of holders of Preferred Stock, holders of Common
Stock are entitled to receive such dividends as may from time to time be
declared by the Board of Directors of the Company out of such funds legally
available for declaration of dividends. Holders of Common Stock are entitled to
one vote per share on every question submitted to them at a meeting of
stockholders or otherwise. In the event of a liquidation, dissolution or winding
up and distribution of the assets of the Company, after paying or setting aside
for the holders of Preferred Stock the full preferential amounts to which they
are entitled, and subject to any rights of any series of Preferred Stock to
participate pro rata with the Common Stock with respect to distributions, the
holders of Common Stock will be entitled to receive pro rata all of the
remaining assets of the Company available for distribution to stockholders.
There are no pre-emptive rights for holders of Common Stock. The issued and
outstanding shares of Common Stock are fully paid and nonassessable. Shares of
Common Stock are not convertible into shares of any other class of capital stock
of the Company.
 
SERIES A PREFERRED STOCK
 
     The Company has given notice to the holders of the Series A Preferred Stock
that it intends to redeem all outstanding shares of Series A Preferred Stock on
June 24, 1996. As of June 18, 1996, all of the outstanding shares of Series A
Preferred Stock have been converted by the holders thereof into Common Stock
and, accordingly, no such shares of Series A Preferred Stock remain outstanding.
 
     Ranking
 
     The Series A Preferred Stock ranks, with respect to dividends or upon
liquidation, dissolution or winding up, (i) on a parity with the Series C
Preferred Stock, and other Preferred Stock permitted pursuant to the terms of
the Series A Preferred Stock and ranking with respect to dividends or upon
liquidation, dissolution or winding up on a parity with the Series A Preferred
Stock, and (ii) prior to all other capital stock of the Company. Without the
consent of the holders of two-thirds of the outstanding shares of Series A
Preferred Stock, the Company may not authorize, create or increase the
authorized amount of any class or series of stock that ranks prior to or, except
for the Series C Preferred Stock and a limited amount of Preferred Stock ranking
as to dividends or upon liquidation, dissolution or winding up on a parity with
the Series C Preferred Stock, on a parity with the Series A Preferred Stock or,
except for non-participating Preferred Stock and participating Preferred Stock
issued pursuant to certain stockholder rights plans, junior to the Series A
Preferred Stock with respect to the payment of dividends or upon liquidation,
dissolution or winding up.
 
     Dividends
 
     Holders of shares of the Series A Preferred Stock are entitled to
cumulative dividends payable quarterly at an annual rate of $8.00 per share.
With limited exceptions, holders of Series A Preferred Stock are entitled to
Full Cumulative Dividends before dividends may be declared on junior stock
(including the PEPS) and before such junior stock may be redeemed or purchased
by the Company.
 
     Liquidation Rights
 
     In the event of any voluntary or involuntary liquidation, dissolution or
winding up of the Company (not including certain mergers, consolidations or
sales of all or substantially all assets), the holders of Series A Preferred
Stock are entitled to receive a liquidation preference equal to the then
applicable redemption price, plus accrued and unpaid dividends to the redemption
date, prior to any distribution on junior stock, including the PEPS.
 
     Redemption
 
     Commencing April 1, 1995, the Series A Preferred Stock may be redeemed by
the Company at any time at a redemption price of $104.80 per share, declining by
$0.80 per share on April 1 of each year thereafter to $100 per share on April 1,
2001, plus accrued and unpaid dividends to the redemption date. Upon a Change of
Control Event (generally defined as voluntary liquidations, certain mergers into
a subsidiary, a sale of all or
 
                                       29
<PAGE>   65
 
substantially all the Company's assets, or certain actions affecting the public
market for the Company's stock or its status as a public corporation), a holder
of Series A Preferred Stock may at its option require redemption of its shares
at a cash per share price equal to the greater of (i) the then redemption price
or (ii) the product of the higher of the then market price of Common Stock or
the price per share of Common Stock received by any other stockholder in the
Change of Control Event or related transactions times the number of shares of
Common Stock then issuable upon conversion of a share of Series A Preferred
Stock.
 
     Voting Rights
 
     Holders of Series A Preferred Stock will be entitled as a separate class to
elect two directors in the event of defaults in the payment of dividends
aggregating $8.00 per share and are entitled to a separate class vote on matters
which would adversely affect the rights and preferences of the Series A
Preferred Stock. The Company may not, without the affirmative vote or consent of
the holders of at least two-thirds of the then outstanding Series A Preferred
Stock, voting as a separate class, (i) authorize, create or issue, or increase
the authorized or issued amount of, any class or series of stock ranking prior
to or on parity with the Series A Preferred Stock as to dividends or upon
liquidation, dissolution or winding up, except for Preferred Stock ranking on a
parity with the Series A Preferred Stock having an aggregate liquidation
preference of not more than $100 million; (ii) authorize, create or issue, or
increase the authorized amount of, any participating Preferred Stock; (iii)
create, authorize or issue any class or series of common stock other than the
Common Stock; (iv) amend the Certificate or By-laws if such amendment would
adversely affect the powers, rights, privileges or preferences of the Series A
Preferred Stock; (v) increase the number of shares of Series A Preferred Stock
authorized for issuance; (vi) create, authorize or issue any class or series of
capital stock or any security exercisable for or convertible into any capital
stock except as permitted under clauses (i), (ii) or (iii) above; (vii) amend
the Certificate of Designations relating to the Series A Preferred Stock or
(viii) issue any additional shares of Series A Preferred Stock.
 
     Conversion
 
     Shares of the Series A Preferred Stock are convertible at any time at the
option of the holder thereof into shares of Common Stock of the Company at a
conversion price of $21.00 per share of Common Stock, subject to adjustment in
certain events including subdivisions, splits or combinations of Common Stock,
stock dividends, extraordinary dividends or distributions on the Common Stock
and issuances of Common Stock and related securities at less than their current
Market Price. Upon the occurrence of a Control Adjustment Event (generally
defined to be the acquisition by any person or group of beneficial ownership of
at least 51% of the Common Stock, incumbent directors ceasing during any year to
constitute a majority of the Board of Directors or involuntary liquidation of
the Company), the conversion price is subject to adjustment downward to the
greater of $3.50 and the then market price of the Common Stock. Holders of
shares of Series A Preferred Stock have a similar adjustment election in the
event of the Registrant's failure to make payment upon any mandatory redemption.
Any share of Series A Preferred Stock outstanding on April 15, 2007 is entitled
to a conversion price adjustment to the higher of $7.00 and the then market
price of the Common Stock.
 
     Eligibility for Sale; Registration Rights, Etc.
 
     The holders of the Series A Preferred Stock have agreed not to transfer any
shares of Series A Preferred Stock, or Common Stock issuable upon conversion
thereof, except (i) pursuant to an effective registration under the Securities
Act, (ii) in accordance with Rule 144 or Rule 144A under the Securities Act, or
(iii) in a transaction otherwise not requiring registration under the Securities
Act. In general, under Rule 144 as currently in effect, a person (or persons
whose shares are aggregated) who has beneficially owned his or her shares for at
least two years, including an "affiliate," as that term is defined below, is
entitled to sell, within any three-month period, that number of shares that does
not exceed the greater of 1% of the then outstanding shares or the average
weekly trading volume of the then outstanding shares during the four calendar
weeks preceding each such sale. A person (or persons whose shares are
aggregated) who is not deemed an "affiliate" of the Company, and who has
beneficially owned shares for at least three years, is entitled to sell such
shares
 
                                       30
<PAGE>   66
 
under Rule 144 (k) without regard to any volume or other limitations described
above. As defined in Rule 144, an "affiliate" of an issuer is a person that
directly or indirectly through the use of one or more intermediaries, controls,
or is controlled by, or is under common control with, such issuer. The holders
of the Series A Preferred Stock may qualify for use of Rule 144(k).
 
     Under their respective share purchase agreements, holders of shares of
Series A Preferred Stock are entitled to certain rights regarding registration
of their shares under the Securities Act. Such holders are entitled to include,
at the Company's expense, their shares of Series A Preferred Stock, or any
shares of any Common Stock issued upon conversion thereof, in certain
registrations under the Securities Act by the Company prior to April 15, 1997 of
offerings of Convertible Preferred Stock or Common Stock or rights thereto,
provided that no such shares need be included in a registration by the Company
of an underwritten offering to the extent that the underwriters determine that
such inclusion would jeopardize the successful sale of the shares to be sold by
the underwriters. The holders of the Series A Preferred Stock have not exercised
any such rights with respect to the offering made hereby. At any time prior to
April 15, 1997 the holders of the Series A Preferred Stock may demand the
registration under the Securities Act, at the Company's expense, of the public
sale of a portion or all of such shares.
 
     The share purchase agreements relating to the Series A Preferred Stock also
contain various undertakings by the Company, including limitations on dividends
and repurchases of the Company's stock, changes in the primary business engaged
in by the Company and its subsidiaries and certain restrictions on dividends.
 
     Definitions
 
     Capitalized terms not otherwise defined have the meanings set forth in
"Definitions" following the description of Series E Preferred Stock.
 
SERIES C PREFERRED STOCK
 
     Ranking
 
     The Series C Preferred Stock ranks senior to the Common Stock, the Series D
Preferred Stock and the PEPS, and on a parity with the Series A Preferred Stock,
with respect to the payment of dividends and upon liquidation, dissolution or
winding up. The Series C Preferred Stock shall so rank on a parity with the
Series D Preferred Stock and the PEPS at such times as there shall be no shares
of Series A Preferred Stock outstanding. The Company may not, without the
consent of two-thirds of the votes of the holders of the outstanding shares of
Series C Preferred Stock and all other outstanding shares of Preferred Stock
ranking on a parity with the Series C Preferred Stock either as to dividends or
upon liquidation, dissolution or winding up, voting together as a single class,
create, authorize or issue, or reclassify any authorized stock of the Company
into, or create, authorize or issue any obligation or security convertible into
or evidencing a right to purchase, any shares of any class of stock of the
Company ranking prior to the Series C Preferred Stock or ranking prior to any
other series of Preferred Stock which ranks on a parity with the Series C
Preferred Stock. However, the Company may create additional classes of stock or
issue series of Preferred Stock ranking on a parity with the Series C Preferred
Stock with respect to the payment of dividends or upon liquidation, dissolution
and winding up without the consent of any holder of Series C Preferred Stock.
 
     Dividends
 
     Holders of shares of the Series C Preferred Stock are entitled to
cumulative dividends payable quarterly at an annual rate of $3.125 per share.
With limited exceptions, holders of Series C Preferred Stock are entitled to
Full Cumulative Dividends before dividends may be declared on junior stock
(including PEPS so long as the Series A Preferred Stock is outstanding) and
before such junior stock may be redeemed or purchased by the Company.
 
                                       31
<PAGE>   67
 
     Liquidation Rights
 
     In the event of any voluntary or involuntary liquidation, dissolution or
winding up of the Company (not including mergers, consolidations or sales of all
or substantially all assets), holders of Series C Preferred Stock are entitled
to receive a liquidation preference of $50 per share plus accrued dividends,
prior to any distribution on junior stock (including the PEPS so long as the
Series A Preferred Stock is outstanding).
 
     Optional Redemption
 
     Commencing September 1, 1995, the Series C Preferred Stock is redeemable at
the option of the Company at any time at a redemption price per share (expressed
as a percentage of the $50 liquidation preference thereof), of 104.375%,
declining annually to 100% in 2002, plus accrued dividends.
 
     Voting Rights
 
     Except as indicated below or as expressly required by applicable law, the
holders of the Series C Preferred Stock have no voting rights.
 
     If the equivalent of six full quarterly dividends payable on the Series C
Preferred Stock are in arrears, the holders of Series C Preferred Stock, voting
separately as a class with the holders of shares of any other series of
Preferred Stock which ranks on a parity with the Series C Preferred Stock and
has been granted like voting rights which are then exercisable (which does not
include the Series A Preferred Stock, which has separate voting rights), will be
entitled to elect two directors for successive one-year terms until all
dividends in arrears on the Series C Preferred Stock have been paid or declared
and set apart for payment.
 
     The consent of two-thirds of the votes of the holders of the Series C
Preferred Stock and each other series of Preferred Stock which ranks on a parity
with the Series C Preferred Stock and has been granted like voting rights
(voting together as a single class), is required for the Company to create,
authorize or issue, or reclassify any authorized stock of the Company into, or
create, authorize or issue any obligation or security convertible into or
evidencing a right to purchase, any shares of any class of stock of the Company
ranking prior to the Series C Preferred Stock or any other series of Preferred
Stock which ranks on a parity with the Series C Preferred Stock. The Company may
not, without the affirmative vote or consent of two-thirds of the votes of the
holders of the outstanding shares of the Series C Preferred Stock and each other
series of Preferred Stock of the Company similarly affected, voting together as
a single class, amend, alter or repeal any provision of the Certificate which
would materially and adversely affect the preferences, rights, powers or
privileges, qualification, limitations and restrictions of the Series C
Preferred Stock and any such other series of Preferred Stock. The creation,
issuance or increase in the amount of authorized shares of any other series of
Preferred Stock ranking on a parity with or junior to the Series C Preferred
Stock with respect to the payment of dividends or the distribution of assets
upon liquidation, dissolution or winding up of the affairs of the Company will
not be deemed to have such material and adverse effect.
 
     Conversion
 
     Shares of the Series C Preferred Stock are convertible at any time at the
option of the holder thereof into a number of shares of Common Stock equal to
the aggregate liquidation preference of the shares of Series C Stock surrendered
for conversion divided by the conversion price of $25.9375 per share of Common
Stock, subject to adjustment as described below.
 
     The initial conversion price of $25.9375 is subject to adjustment (under
formulae set forth in the Certificate of Designations) in certain events,
including certain subdivisions and combinations of the Common Stock, the
issuance of Common Stock as a dividend or distribution on Common Stock,
extraordinary dividends or distributions on Common Stock and payment in respect
of a tender or exchange offer by the Company or any subsidiary of the Company
for the Common Stock to the extent that the cash and value of
 
                                       32
<PAGE>   68
 
any other consideration included in such payment per share of Common Stock
exceeds the Current Market Price per share of Common Stock on the Trading Day
next succeeding the date of payment.
 
     If any transaction shall occur, including without limitation (i) any
recapitalization or reclassification of shares of Common Stock (other than a
change in par value, or from par value to no par value, or from no par value to
par value, or as a result of a subdivision or combination of the Common Stock),
(ii) any consolidation or merger of the Company with or into another person or
any merger of another person into the Company (other than a merger that does not
result in a reclassification, conversion, exchange or cancellation of Common
Stock), (iii) any sale or transfer of all or substantially all of the assets of
the Company, or (iv) any compulsory share exchange, pursuant to any of which
holders of Common Stock shall be entitled to receive other securities, cash or
other property, then appropriate provision shall be made so that the holder of
each share of Series C Preferred Stock then outstanding shall have the right
thereafter to convert such share only into (x) in the case of any such
transaction that does not constitute a Common Stock Fundamental Change (as
defined below) and subject to funds being legally available for such purpose
under applicable law at the time of such conversion, the kind and amount of the
securities, cash or other property that would have been receivable upon such
recapitalization, reclassification, consolidation, merger, sale, transfer or
share exchange by a holder of the number of shares of Common Stock issuable upon
conversion of such share of Series C Preferred Stock immediately prior to such
recapitalization, reclassification, consolidation, merger, sale, transfer or
share exchange, after giving effect, in the case of any Non-Stock Fundamental
Change (as defined below), to any adjustment in the conversion price in
accordance with clause (i) of the following paragraph, and (y) in the case of
any such transaction that constitutes a Common Stock Fundamental Change, common
stock of the kind received by holders of Common Stock as a result of such Common
Stock Fundamental Change in an amount determined in accordance with clause (ii)
of the following paragraph.
 
     Notwithstanding any other provision in the preceding paragraphs to the
contrary, if any Fundamental Change (as defined below) occurs, then the
conversion price in effect will be adjusted immediately after such Fundamental
Change as follows:
 
          (i) in the case of a Non-Stock Fundamental Change, the conversion
     price of the shares of Series C Preferred Stock immediately following such
     Non-Stock Fundamental Change shall be the lower of (A) the conversion price
     in effect immediately prior to such Non-Stock Fundamental Change, but after
     giving effect to any other prior adjustments effected pursuant to the
     preceding paragraphs, and (B) the product of (1) the greater of the
     Applicable Price (as defined below) and the then applicable Reference
     Market Price (as defined below) and (2) a fraction, the numerator of which
     is $50 and the denominator of which is (x) the amount of the redemption
     price for one share of Series C Preferred Stock if the redemption date were
     the date of such Non-Stock Fundamental Change, plus (y) any then accrued
     and then-accumulated and unpaid dividends on Series C Preferred Stock; and
 
          (ii) in the case of a Common Stock Fundamental Change, the conversion
     price of the shares of Series C Preferred Stock immediately following such
     Common Stock Fundamental Change shall be the conversion price in effect
     immediately prior to such Common Stock Fundamental Change, but after giving
     effect to any other prior adjustments effected pursuant to the preceding
     paragraphs, multiplied by a fraction, the numerator of which is the
     Purchaser Stock Price (as defined below) and the denominator of which is
     the Applicable Price; provided, however, that in the event of a Common
     Stock Fundamental Change in which (A) 100% of the value of the
     consideration received by a holder of Common Stock is common stock of the
     successor, acquiror, or other third party (and cash, if any, paid with
     respect to any fractional interests in such common stock resulting from
     such Common Stock Fundamental Change) and (B) all of the Common Stock of
     the Company shall have been exchanged for, converted into, or acquired for,
     common stock of the successor, acquiror or other third party (and any cash
     with respect to fractional interests), the conversion price of the shares
     of Series C Preferred Stock immediately following such Common Stock
     Fundamental Change shall be the conversion price in effect immediately
     prior to such Common Stock Fundamental Change multiplied by a fraction, the
     numerator of which is one (1) and the denominator of which is the number of
     shares of common stock of the successor, acquiror, or other third party
     received by a holder of one share of Common Stock as a result of such
     Common Stock Fundamental Change.
 
                                       33
<PAGE>   69
 
     Depending upon whether a Fundamental Change is a Non-Stock Fundamental
Change or a Common Stock Fundamental Change, a holder may receive significantly
different consideration upon conversion. In the event of a Non-Stock Fundamental
Change, the holder has the right to convert shares of Series C Preferred Stock
into the kind and amount of the shares of stock and other securities or property
or assets (including cash), except as otherwise provided above, as is determined
by the number of shares of Common Stock receivable upon conversion at the
conversion price as adjusted in accordance with clause (i) of the preceding
paragraph. However, in the event of a Common Stock Fundamental Change in which
less than 100% of the value of the consideration received by a holder of Common
Stock is common stock of the successor, acquiror or other third party, a holder
of a share of Series C Preferred Stock who converts such share following the
Common Stock Fundamental Change will receive consideration in the form of such
common stock only, whereas a holder who converted such share prior to the Common
Stock Fundamental Change would have received consideration in the form of such
common stock as well as any other securities or assets (which may include cash)
issuable upon conversion of such share of Series C Preferred Stock immediately
prior to such Common Stock Fundamental Change.
 
     Definitions
 
     Capitalized terms not otherwise defined have the meanings set forth in
"Definitions" following the description of Series E Preferred Stock.
 
     The following terms shall have the meanings indicated in respect of the
Series C Preferred Stock:
 
     "Applicable Price" shall mean (i) in the event of a Non-Stock Fundamental
Change in which the holders of the Common Stock receive only cash, the amount of
cash received by a holder of one share of Common Stock and (ii) in the event of
any other Non-Stock Fundamental Change or any Common Stock Fundamental Change,
the average of the reported last sale price for one share of the Common Stock
(determined as provided in the Certificate of Designations) during the 10
Trading Days immediately prior to the Record Date for the determination of the
holders of Common Stock entitled to receive cash, securities, property or other
assets in connection with such Non-Stock Fundamental Change or Common Stock
Fundamental Change or, if there is no such Record Date, prior to the date upon
which the holders of the Common Stock shall have the right to receive such cash,
securities, property or other assets.
 
     "Common Stock Fundamental Change" shall mean any Fundamental Change in
which more than 50% of the value (as determined in good faith by the Board of
Directors of the Company) of the consideration received by holders of Common
Stock consists of common stock that, for the 10 Trading Days immediately prior
to such Fundamental Change, has been admitted for listing or admitted for
listing subject to notice of issuance on a national securities exchange or
quoted on the National Market System of the National Association of Securities
Dealers, Inc. Automated Quotations System; provided, however, that a Fundamental
Change shall not be a Common Stock Fundamental Change unless either (i) the
Company continues to exist after the occurrence of such Fundamental Change and
the outstanding shares of Series C Preferred Stock continue to exist as
outstanding shares of Series C Preferred Stock, or (ii) not later than the
occurrence of such Fundamental Change, the outstanding shares of Series C
Preferred Stock are converted into or exchanged for shares of convertible
preferred stock of a corporation succeeding to the business of the Company,
which convertible preferred stock has powers, preferences and relative,
participating, optional or other rights, and qualifications, limitations and
restrictions substantially similar to those of the Series C Preferred Stock.
 
     "Fair Market Value" shall mean the amount which a willing buyer would pay a
willing seller in an arm's length transaction.
 
     "Fundamental Change" shall mean the occurrence of any transaction or event
or series of transactions or events pursuant to which all or substantially all
of the Common Stock of the Company shall be exchanged for, converted into,
acquired for or shall constitute solely the right to receive cash, securities,
property or other assets (whether by means of an exchange offer, liquidation,
tender offer, consolidation, merger, combination, reclassification,
recapitalization or otherwise); provided, however, in the case of any such
series of transactions or events, for purposes of adjustment of the conversion
price, such Fundamental Change shall be deemed to
 
                                       34
<PAGE>   70
 
have occurred when substantially all of the Common Stock of the Company shall
have been exchanged for, converted into, or acquired for, or shall constitute
solely the right to receive, such cash, securities, property or other assets,
but the adjustment shall be based upon the consideration that the holders of
Common Stock received in the transaction or event as a result of which more than
50% of the Common Stock of the Company shall have been exchanged for, converted
into, or acquired for, or shall constitute solely the right to receive, such
cash, securities, property or other assets; and provided, further, that such
term does not include (i) any such transaction or event in which the Company
and/or any of its subsidiaries are the issuers of all the cash, securities,
property or other assets exchanged, acquired or otherwise issued in such
transaction or event, or (ii) any such transaction or event in which the holders
of Common Stock receive securities of an issuer other than the Company if,
immediately following such transaction or event, such holders hold a majority of
the securities having the power to vote normally in the election of directors of
such other issuer outstanding immediately following such transaction or other
event.
 
     "Non-Stock Fundamental Change" shall mean any Fundamental Change other than
a Common Stock Fundamental Change.
 
     "Purchaser Stock Price" shall mean, with respect to any Common Stock
Fundamental Change, the average of the reported last sale price for one share of
the common stock received by holders of Common Stock (determined as provided in
the Certificate of Designations) in such Common Stock Fundamental Change during
the 10 Trading Days immediately prior to the date fixed for the determination of
the holders of Common Stock entitled to receive such common stock or, if there
is no such date, prior to the date upon which the holders of the Common Stock
shall have the right to receive such common stock.
 
     "Reference Market Price" shall initially mean $13.8333 and, in the event of
any adjustment to the conversion price other than as a result of a Fundamental
Change, the Reference Market Price shall also be adjusted so that the ratio of
the Reference Market Price to the conversion price after giving effect to any
such adjustment shall always be the same as the ratio of the initial Reference
Market Price to the initial conversion price of $25.9375 per share.
 
SERIES D PREFERRED STOCK
 
     Ranking
 
     The Series D Preferred Stock ranks senior to the Common Stock, junior to
the Series A Preferred Stock and the Series C Preferred Stock, and on a parity
with the PEPS, with respect to the payment of dividends and upon liquidation,
dissolution or winding up, provided that the Series D Preferred Stock shall so
rank on a parity with the Series C Preferred Stock at such times as there shall
be no shares of Series A Preferred Stock outstanding. The Company may not,
without the consent of two-thirds of the votes of the holders of the outstanding
shares of Series D Preferred Stock and all other outstanding shares of Preferred
Stock ranking on a parity with the Series D Preferred Stock either as to
dividends or upon liquidation, dissolution or winding up, voting together as a
single class, create, authorize or issue, or reclassify any authorized stock of
the Company into, or create, authorize or issue any obligation or security
convertible into or evidencing a right to purchase, any shares of any class of
stock of the Company ranking prior to the Series D Preferred Stock or ranking
prior to any other series of Preferred Stock which ranks on a parity with the
Series D Preferred Stock. However, the Company may create additional classes of
stock or issue series of Preferred Stock ranking on a parity with the Series D
Preferred Stock with respect to the payment of dividends or upon liquidation,
dissolution and winding up without the consent of any holder of Series D
Preferred Stock.
 
     Dividends
 
     Holders of shares of the Series D Preferred Stock are entitled to
cumulative dividends payable quarterly at an annual rate of $1.8138 per share.
With limited exceptions, holders of Series D Preferred Stock are entitled to
Full Cumulative Dividends before dividends may be declared on junior stock and
before such junior stock may be redeemed or purchased by the Company.
 
                                       35
<PAGE>   71
 
     Liquidation Rights
 
     In the event of any voluntary or involuntary liquidation, dissolution or
winding up of the Company (not including mergers, consolidations or sales of all
or substantially all assets), the holders of each class or series of Preferred
Stock ranking senior to the Series D Preferred Stock shall first receive full
payment of their liquidation preferences. Holders of Series D Preferred Stock
are then entitled to receive a liquidation preference of $100 per share plus
accrued dividends prior to any distribution on stock ranking junior to the
Series D Preferred Stock.
 
     Mandatory Redemption in Event of Sale
 
     Shares of the Series D Preferred Stock are subject to mandatory redemption
in the following circumstances. If at any time not less than 10 Business Days
before November 17, 1996 the Company shall consummate any Sale (generally
defined as a sale of all or substantially all of the assets or stock of an
operating division or subsidiary of the Company other than T.J. Maxx or
Marshalls at a value of not less than a $25 million premium over the book value
of such assets or stock), then the Company is required to apply as much of the
Sale Proceeds (generally defined as the net cash proceeds, if any (after
subtracting all fees and expenses related to such transaction), received by the
Company in respect of any Sale) received by the Company in respect of such Sale
as is necessary to redeem all then outstanding shares of Series D Preferred
Stock (or, if fewer, as many such shares as can be redeemed at the Call Price
out of such Sale Proceeds). Upon any such redemption, the Company shall deliver
to the holders of shares of Series D Preferred Stock, in exchange for each share
so redeemed, cash in an amount equal to the sum of (i) $100 per share plus (ii)
Full Cumulative Dividends thereon to the date fixed for redemption.
 
     Voting Rights
 
     Except as indicated below or as expressly required by applicable law, the
holders of the Series D Preferred Stock have no voting rights.
 
     If the equivalent of six full quarterly dividends payable on the Series D
Preferred Stock are in arrears, the maximum authorized number of directors of
the Company will be increased by two and the holders of Series D Preferred
Stock, voting separately as a class with the holders of shares of any other
series of Preferred Stock ranking on a parity with the Series D Preferred Stock
and upon which like voting rights have been conferred and are exercisable, will
be entitled to elect two directors for successive one-year terms until all
dividends in arrears on the Series D Preferred Stock have been paid or declared
and set apart for payment. Upon payment or declaration and setting apart of
funds for payment of all such dividends in arrears, the term of office of each
director elected will immediately terminate and the number of directors
constituting the entire Board of Directors of the Company will be reduced by the
number of directors elected by the holders of the Series D Preferred Stock and
any other series of Preferred Stock ranking on a parity with the Series D
Preferred Stock as discussed above.
 
     The Company may not, without the consent of two-thirds of the votes of the
holders of the Series D Preferred Stock and each other series of Preferred Stock
ranking on a parity with the Series D Preferred Stock and upon which like voting
rights have been conferred (voting together as a single class), create,
authorize or issue, or reclassify any authorized stock of the Company into, or
create, authorize or issue any obligation or security convertible into or
evidencing a right to purchase, any shares of any class of stock of the Company
ranking prior to the Series D Preferred Stock or any other series of Preferred
Stock which ranks on a parity with the Series D Preferred Stock. The Company may
not, without the consent of two-thirds of the votes of the holders of the
outstanding shares of the Series D Preferred Stock and each other series of
Preferred Stock of the Company similarly affected, if any, voting together as a
single class, amend, alter or repeal any provision of the Certificate which
would materially and adversely affect the preferences, rights, powers or
privileges, qualification, limitations and restrictions of the Series D
Preferred Stock and any such other series of Preferred Stock. The creation,
issuance or increase in the amount of authorized shares of any other series of
Preferred Stock ranking on a parity with or junior to the Series D Preferred
Stock with respect to the payment of
 
                                       36
<PAGE>   72
 
dividends or the distribution of assets upon liquidation, dissolution or winding
up of the affairs of the Company will not be deemed to have such material and
adverse effect.
 
     Conversion
 
     On November 17, 1996 (the "Automatic Conversion Date"), unless earlier
converted at the option of the holder, each outstanding share of the Series D
Preferred Stock shall convert automatically (the "Automatic Conversion") into
(i) shares of Common Stock at the Exchange Rate in effect on the Automatic
Conversion Date and (ii) the right to receive an amount in cash equal to Full
Cumulative Dividends on such share to the Automatic Conversion Date.
 
     Shares of Series D Preferred Stock may be converted at the option of the
holder thereof ("Optional Conversion"), at any time through the close of
business on the Business Day prior to November 17, 1996, into (i) shares of
Common Stock at the Exchange Rate in effect on the Optional Conversion Date; and
(ii) the right to receive an amount in cash equal to Full Cumulative Dividends
on such shares to the Optional Conversion Date. Notwithstanding the foregoing,
the Company may, at its option, in lieu of delivering shares of Common Stock on
the Optional Conversion Date, deliver cash in an aggregate amount equal to the
aggregate Closing Price (on the Trading Day preceding the Optional Conversion
Date) of the number of shares of Common Stock otherwise so deliverable
(together, in any event, with Full Cumulative Dividends thereon to the Optional
Conversion Date).
 
     The Exchange Rate is subject to adjustment (under formulae set forth in the
Certificate of Designations) from time to time as appropriate in certain
circumstances, including certain subdivisions and combinations of the Common
Stock, dividends in Common Stock and non-cash dividends and distributions on
Common Stock.
 
     In case of any consolidation or merger to which the Company is a party
(other than a merger or consolidation in which the Company is the continuing
corporation and in which the Common Stock outstanding immediately prior to the
merger or consolidation remains unchanged), or in case of any sale or transfer
to another corporation of the property of the Company as an entirety or
substantially as an entirety, or in case of any statutory exchange of securities
with another corporation (other than in connection with a merger or
acquisition), proper provision shall be made so that each share of the Series D
Preferred Stock shall, after consummation of such transaction, be subject to (i)
conversion at the option of the holder into the kind and amount of securities,
cash or other property receivable upon consummation of such transaction by a
holder of the number of shares of Common Stock into which such share of Series D
Preferred Stock would have been converted if the conversion had occurred
immediately prior to consummation of such transaction (based on the Exchange
Rate in effect immediately prior to such consummation), (ii) conversion on the
Automatic Conversion Date into the kind and amount of securities, cash or other
property receivable upon consummation of such transaction by a holder of the
number of shares of Common Stock into which such share of Series D Preferred
Stock would have been converted if the conversion on the Automatic Conversion
Date had occurred immediately prior to the date of consummation of such
transaction (based on the Exchange Rate in effect immediately prior to such
consummation) and (iii) redemption on any redemption date in exchange for the
kind and amount of securities, cash or other property receivable upon
consummation of such transaction by a holder of the number of shares of Common
Stock that would have been issuable at the Call Price in effect on such
redemption date upon a redemption of such share of Series D Preferred Stock
immediately prior to consummation of such transaction; assuming in each case
that such holder of Common Stock failed to exercise rights of election, if any,
as to the kind or amount of securities, cash or other property receivable upon
consummation of such transaction (provided that if the kind or amount of
securities, cash or other property receivable upon consummation of such
transaction is not the same for each nonelecting share, then the kind and amount
of securities, cash or other property receivable upon consummation of such
transaction for each nonelecting share shall be deemed to be the kind and amount
so receivable per share by a plurality of the nonelecting shares).
 
                                       37
<PAGE>   73
 
     Definitions
 
     Capitalized terms not otherwise defined have the meanings set forth in
"Definitions" following the description of Series E Preferred Stock.
 
     The following terms shall have the meanings indicated in respect of the
Series D Preferred Stock:
 
     "Call Price" of each share of Series D Preferred Stock shall mean $100 per
share.
 
     The "Exchange Rate" for the Series D Preferred Stock shall be equal to (a)
if the Current Market Price on the date of determination is equal to or greater
than 120% of $15.4375 (the "Threshold Common Stock Price"), the number of shares
of Common Stock equal to 0.83333333 of the Base Number (the "Upper Exchange
Rate"), (b) if the Current Market Price on the date of determination is less
than the Threshold Common Stock Price but greater than 80% of $15.4375, the
number of shares of Common Stock having a value (determined at the Current
Market Price) equal to $100 per share of Series D Preferred Stock (the "Middle
Exchange Rate"), and (c) if the Current Market Price on the date of
determination is equal to or less than 80% of $15.4375, a number of shares of
Common Stock (the "Lower Exchange Rate") equal to 1.25 multiplied by the Base
Number. The Exchange Rate is subject to adjustment as set forth in the above
section entitled "Conversion."
 
PEPS
 
     For a detailed description of the PEPS see "Description of Series E
Preferred Stock."
 
CERTAIN CHARTER AND BY-LAW PROVISIONS
 
     The Certificate and By-Laws contain various provisions that may impede the
acquisition of control of the Company by means of a tender offer, proxy fight or
other means. Such provisions include a classified Board of Directors,
restrictions on the ability of stockholders to remove directors, the ability to
fill vacancies or call a stockholder meeting, and restrictions on stockholder
proposals and amendment of certain charter and by-law provisions.
 
     The Certificate further provides that no director of the company shall be
liable to the Company or its stockholders for monetary damages for breach of
fiduciary duty as a director, except for liability (i) for any breach of the
director's duty of loyalty to the Company or its shareholders, (ii) for acts or
omissions not in good faith or which involve intentional misconduct or a knowing
violation of law, (iii) under Section 174 of the Delaware General Corporation
Law or (iv) for any transaction from which the director derived an improper
personal benefit. Section 174 of the Delaware General Corporation Law specifies
conditions under which directors of Delaware corporations may be liable for
unlawful payment of dividends or unlawful stock purchases or redemptions.
 
SECTION 203 OF THE DELAWARE GENERAL CORPORATION LAW
 
     As a Delaware corporation, the Company is subject to the provisions of
Section 203 of the General Corporation Law of the State of Delaware. Section 203
generally provides that if a person or group acquires 15% or more of a
corporation's voting stock (thereby becoming an "interested stockholder")
without prior board approval, such interested stockholder may not, for a period
of three years, engage in a wide range of business combination transactions with
the corporation. However, this restriction does not apply to a person who
becomes an interested stockholder in a transaction resulting in the interested
stockholder owning at least 85% of the corporation's voting stock (excluding
from the outstanding shares, shares held by officer-directors or pursuant to
employee stock plans without confidential tender offer decisions), or to a
business combination approved by the board of directors and authorized by the
affirmative vote of at least 66 2/3% of the outstanding voting stock not owned
by the interested stockholder. In addition, Section 203 does not apply to
certain business combinations proposed subsequent to the public announcement of
specified business combination transactions which are not opposed by the board
of directors.
 
                                       38
<PAGE>   74
<TABLE>
 
                                  UNDERWRITERS
 
     Under the terms and subject to the conditions contained in an Underwriting
Agreement dated the date hereof, the Underwriters named below have severally
agreed to purchase, and the Selling Stockholder has agreed to sell to them,
severally, the respective number of PEPS set forth opposite the names of such
Underwriters below:
 
<CAPTION>
                                    NAME                                       NUMBER OF PEPS
                                    ----                                       --------------
<S>                                                                               <C>
Morgan Stanley & Co. Incorporated............................................       266,700
CS First Boston Corporation..................................................       266,650
Salomon Brothers Inc.........................................................       266,650
Dean Witter Reynolds Inc.....................................................        50,000
A.G. Edwards & Sons, Inc.....................................................        50,000
Legg Mason Wood Walker, Incorporated.........................................        50,000
Raymond James & Associates, Inc..............................................        50,000
                                                                                  ---------
  Total......................................................................     1,000,000
                                                                                  =========
</TABLE>
 
     The Underwriting Agreement provides that the obligations of the several
Underwriters to pay for and accept delivery of the PEPS offered hereby are
subject to the approval of certain legal matters by their counsel and to certain
other conditions. The Underwriters are committed to take and pay for all of the
PEPS offered hereby if any are taken.
 
     The Underwriters initially propose to offer the PEPS directly to the public
at the public offering price set forth on the cover page hereof and to certain
dealers at a price that represents a concession not in excess of $2.83 per PEPS.
Any Underwriter may allow, and such dealers may reallow, a concession not in
excess of $0.10 per PEPS to other underwriters or to certain other dealers.
 
     The Company, the Selling Stockholder and Melville, and the Underwriters
have agreed to indemnify each other against certain liabilities, including
liabilities under the Securities Act, or to contribute to payments the other
parties may be required to make in respect thereof.
 
     The Selling Stockholder has agreed that, without the prior written consent
of Morgan Stanley & Co. Incorporated on behalf of the Underwriters, it will not,
during the period ending 30 days after the date of this Prospectus, offer,
pledge, sell, contract to sell, sell any option or contract to purchase,
purchase any option or contract to sell, grant any option, right or warrant to
purchase or otherwise transfer or dispose of, directly or indirectly, any shares
of Series E Preferred Stock, any shares of Common Stock or any securities
convertible into or exercisable or exchangeable for Common Stock (including the
Series D Preferred Stock). The foregoing sentence shall not apply to the shares
of Series E Preferred Stock to be sold hereunder.
 
     The Selling Stockholder has granted to the Underwriters an option,
exercisable for 30 days from the date of this Prospectus, to purchase up to
150,000 additional Series E Preferred Stock at the public offering price set
forth on the cover page hereof, less underwriting discounts and commissions. The
Underwriters may exercise such option solely for the purpose of covering
over-allotments, if any, incurred in connection with the sale of the Series E
Preferred Stock offered hereby.
 
     Prior to this offering, there has been no prior public market for the PEPS.
Although the PEPS have been approved for listing on the NYSE, subject to
official notice of issuance, there can be no assurance that an active public
market will develop for the PEPS or that the PEPS will trade in the public
market subsequent to the offering at or above the initial offering price.
 
     Certain of the Underwriters have from time to time performed various
investment banking services for the Company and its subsidiaries and for
Melville and its subsidiaries, for which customary compensation has been
received.
 
                                 LEGAL OPINIONS
 
     The legality of the PEPS and certain other legal matters in connection with
the sale of the PEPS offered hereby will be passed upon for the Company by Ropes
& Gray, Boston, Massachusetts. Certain legal matters
 
                                       39
<PAGE>   75
 
in connection with the sale of the PEPS offered hereby will be passed upon for
the Underwriters by Latham & Watkins, New York, New York. Certain legal matters
relating to the Selling Stockholder will be passed on by Davis Polk & Wardwell,
New York, New York.
 
                                    EXPERTS
 
     The consolidated balance sheets of the Company as of January 27, 1996 and
January 28, 1995 and the consolidated statements of income, shareholders' equity
and cash flows of the Company for the years ended January 27, 1996, January 28,
1995, and January 29, 1994, incorporated by reference in this prospectus, have
been incorporated herein in reliance on the report of Coopers & Lybrand L.L.P.,
independent accountants, given on the authority of that firm as experts in
accounting and auditing.
 
     The consolidated balance sheets of Marshalls as of December 31, 1994 and
1993, and the consolidated statements of income, stockholders' equity and cash
flows of Marshalls for the years ended December 31, 1994, 1993 and 1992
incorporated by reference in this prospectus, have been incorporated herein in
reliance on the report of KPMG Peat Marwick LLP, independent accountants, given
on the authority of that firm as experts in accounting and auditing.
 
                                       40
<PAGE>   76
 
             PRO FORMA CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
 
     On May 24, 1996, Chadwick's of Boston, Ltd. ("Chadwick's"), a holding
company formed to own the off-price catalog operation of The TJX Companies, Inc.
(the "Company"), filed a Registration Statement with the Securities and Exchange
Commission pursuant to which the Company intends to sell to the public 9,260,000
shares of common stock of Chadwick's. An additional 1,389,000 shares of common
stock are subject to an over-allotment option granted to the underwriters. After
the offering, the Company will own approximately 30%-39% (depending on the
amount of the underwriters' over-allotment option exercised) of the outstanding
shares of common stock of Chadwick's. It is currently anticipated that the
initial offering price will be between $14.00 and $16.00 per share.
 
     The pro forma condensed consolidated financial statements of the Company
assume that the offering takes place at a price of $15.00 per share and that no
underwriters' over-allotment option is exercised. The pro forma condensed
consolidated balance sheet as of April 27, 1996 assumes the sale of 61% of the
Company's investment in Chadwick's on that date and is based on the unaudited
historical balance sheet of the Company as of April 27, 1996. The pro forma
adjustments eliminate the assets and liabilities of Chadwick's included in the
consolidated results of the Company, record a gain on the sale of the Company's
61% interest in Chadwick's, record the Company's remaining equity investment in
Chadwick's, assume conversion of the Company's Series D preferred stock into
common stock following a call for redemption and assume the net proceeds from
the offering along with Chadwick's repayment of intercompany indebtedness are
used to repay outstanding debt incurred to acquire Marshalls.
 
     The pro forma condensed consolidated statement of income for the twelve
months ended January 27, 1996 is based on the audited historical statement of
income of the Company as reported on Form 10-K for the year ended January 27,
1996, which includes Marshalls operating results since its acquisition by the
Company on November 17, 1995. (See the Company's filing on Form 8-K dated as of
November 17, 1995 including subsequent amendment.) The historical results for
the Company have first been adjusted to reflect the acquisition of Marshalls as
if it had occurred on the first day of the fiscal year. The pro forma
adjustments include the historical results of Marshalls from January 29, 1995
through the acquisition date as well as adjustments for the impact of the
purchase accounting method and the impact of the preferred stock issued and debt
incurred as a result of the acquisition. The pro forma results reflecting the
acquisition of Marshalls are further adjusted to reflect the sale of Chadwick's
stock by the Company as if it also occurred on the first day of the fiscal year.
The pro forma adjustments eliminate the operating results for Chadwick's
included in the Company's consolidated results, record 39% of Chadwick's net
income and reflect a reduction in interest expense due to the repayment of debt.
The pro forma statement of income excludes the non-recurring gain of
approximately $65 million the Company will recognize upon the sale of its
investment in Chadwick's and excludes a non-recurring charge of approximately $2
million the Company may incur for the prepayment of debt.
 
     The pro forma condensed consolidated statement of income for the quarter
ended April 27, 1996 is based on the unaudited historical statement of income of
the Company as reported on Form 10-Q for the thirteen weeks ended April 27,
1996. The pro forma adjustments eliminate the operating results for Chadwick's
included in the Company's consolidated results record 39% of Chadwick's net
income and reflect a reduction in interest expense due to the repayment of debt.
Pro forma adjustments to the statement of income for such quarter reflect the
impact of the transaction as if it occurred at the beginning of the most recent
fiscal year.
 
     These pro forma condensed consolidated financial statements have been
prepared for information purposes only and do not necessarily indicate what
would have occurred had the acquisition of Marshalls and public offering taken
place on the dates indicated or what results may occur in the future.
Specifically, the pro forma condensed consolidated statement of income for the
twelve months ended January 27, 1996 includes the historical results of
Marshalls before its acquisition by the Company and of Chadwick's, which are not
necessarily indicative of current results. Thus, the pro forma statement of
income for the twelve months ended January 27, 1996 does not fully reflect the
impact that Marshalls has had on the Company's results. In addition, the
historical results are not necessarily indicative of the impact that Marshalls
and Chadwick's may have on future results of the Company. The accompanying pro
forma condensed consolidated financial
 
                                       P-1
<PAGE>   77
 
statements should be read in conjunction with the historical financial
statements of the Company, the Company's Form 8-K dated November 17, 1995 (and
subsequent amendment) relating to the Marshalls acquisition and the Form S-1
Registration Statement filed by Chadwick's of Boston, Ltd.
 
<TABLE>
                             PRO FORMA CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENT OF INCOME
                                  FOR THE FISCAL YEAR ENDED JANUARY 27, 1996
                                                  (UNAUDITED)
 
<CAPTION>
                                                                                   PRO FORMA
                                                PRO FORMA                       ADJUSTMENTS FOR
                             BALANCE AS      ADJUSTMENTS FOR        PRO FORMA   CHADWICK'S STOCK      PRO FORMA
                              REPORTED    MARSHALLS ACQUISITION     SUBTOTAL          SALE             BALANCE
                             ----------   ---------------------     ---------   ----------------      ---------
                                                  (IN MILLIONS, EXCEPT PER SHARE AMOUNTS)
<S>                           <C>               <C>                 <C>              <C>              <C>
INCOME STATEMENT DATA:
  Net sales................   $4,447.5          $ 2,110.4(1a)       $6,557.9         $(472.4)(2a)     $6,085.5
  Cost of sales, including
     buying and occupancy
     costs.................    3,429.4              (10.5)(1c)       5,187.5          (286.1)(2a)      4,901.4
                                                  1,768.6(1d)
  Selling, general and
     administrative
     expenses..............      830.0                2.3(1d)        1,209.5          (160.2)(2a)      1,049.3
                                                    377.2(1a)
  Store closing costs......       35.0                 --               35.0              --              35.0
  Interest expense, net....       44.2                6.3(1a)           72.6            (6.0)(2a)         55.1
                                                     22.1(1b)                          (11.5)(2b)
                              --------                              --------                          -------- 
  Income from continuing
     consolidated
     operations before
     income taxes..........      108.9                                  53.3                              44.7
  Provision for income
     taxes.................       45.3              (16.6)(1a)          23.1            (8.1)(2a)         19.6
                                                     (5.6)(1e)                           4.6 (2b)
                              --------                              --------                          -------- 
                                  63.6                                  30.2                              25.1
  Equity in net income of
     Chadwick's............         --                                    --             3.3(2c)           3.3
                              --------                              --------                          -------- 
  Income from continuing
     operations............       63.6                                  30.2                              28.4
  Preferred stock
     dividends.............        9.3                8.4(1f)           17.7                              17.7
                              --------                              --------                          -------- 
  Income from continuing
     operations for
     earnings per
     share computations....   $   54.3                              $   12.5                          $   10.7
                              ========                              ========                          ========
  Number of common shares
     for earnings per share
     computations..........       73.1                1.6(1g)           74.8                              74.8
  Income from continuing
     operations per common
     share.................   $    .74                              $    .17                          $    .14
                              ========                              ========                          ========
</TABLE>
 
The accompanying notes are an integral part of the unaudited pro forma condensed
                       consolidated Statement of Income.
 
                                       P-2
<PAGE>   78

<TABLE>
                   PRO FORMA CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENT OF INCOME
                           FOR THE QUARTER ENDED APRIL 27, 1996
                                        (UNAUDITED)
 
<CAPTION>
                                                                   PRO FORMA
                                                                  ADJUSTMENTS
                                                     BALANCE    FOR CHADWICK'S     PRO FORMA
                                                   AS REPORTED    STOCK SALE        BALANCE
                                                   -----------    -----------      ---------
                                                   (IN MILLIONS, EXCEPT PER SHARE AMOUNTS)
<S>                                                  <C>           <C>             <C>
INCOME STATEMENT DATA:
  Net sales......................................    $1,604.2      $(132.0)(2a)    $1,472.2
                                                     --------                      -------- 
  Cost of sales, including buying and occupancy
     costs.......................................     1,240.7        (73.3)(2a)     1,167.4
  Selling, general and administrative expenses...       297.0        (45.9)(2a)       251.1
  Interest expense, net..........................        15.1          (.5)(2a)        12.0
                                                                      (2.6)(2b)
                                                     --------                      -------- 
  Income from continuing operations before income
     taxes.......................................        51.4                          41.8
  Provision for income taxes.....................        21.4         (5.1)(2a)        17.2
                                                                       1.0 (2b)
                                                     --------                      -------- 
                                                         30.1                          24.5
  Equity in net income of Chadwick's.............          --          2.6 (2c)         2.6
                                                     --------                      -------- 
  Income from continuing operations..............        30.1                          27.1
  Preferred stock dividend adjustment............         1.8                           1.8
                                                     --------                      -------- 
  Income from continuing operations for earnings
     per share computations......................    $   28.3                      $   25.3
                                                     ========                      ======== 
  Number of common shares primary and fully   
     diluted earnings per share computations.....        85.3                          85.3
  Income from continuing operations per common
     share.......................................    $    .33                      $    .30
                                                     ========                      ======== 
</TABLE>
 
The accompanying notes are an integral part of the unaudited pro forma condensed
                       consolidated Statement of Income.
 
                                       P-3
<PAGE>   79
 
<TABLE>
                      PRO FORMA CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEET
                                   AS OF APRIL 27, 1996
                                        (UNAUDITED)
 
<CAPTION>
                                                                     PRO FORMA
                                                                    ADJUSTMENTS
                                                        BALANCE    FOR CHADWICK'S  PRO FORMA
                                                      AS REPORTED    STOCK SALE     BALANCE
                                                      -----------   ------------   ---------
                                                                  (IN MILLIONS)
<S>                                                     <C>        <C>             <C>
ASSETS
  Currents assets:
     Cash and cash equivalents......................    $  191.4   $  40.3 (3b)    $  201.4
                                                                     125.7 (3c)
                                                                    (156.0)(3e)
     Accounts receivable............................       140.9     (65.5)(3a)        75.4
     Merchandise inventories........................     1,372.0     (71.8)(3a)     1,300.2
     Prepaid expenses...............................        32.6     (13.7)(3a)        18.9
                                                        --------                   --------
            Total current assets....................     1,736.9                    1,595.9
                                                        --------                   --------
  Property, net.....................................       772.1     (51.2)(3a)       720.9
                                                                     126.9 (3a)        33.8
  Investment in Chadwick's of Boston, Ltd...........          --     (40.3)(3b)
                                                                     (52.8)(3c)
  Other assets......................................        35.9                       35.9
  Goodwill and tradename, net of amortization.......       234.5                      234.5
                                                        --------                   --------
            Total Assets............................    $2,779.4                   $2,621.0
                                                        ========                   ========
LIABILITIES
  Current liabilities:
     Short-term debt................................    $    2.2                   $    2.2
     Current installments of long-term debt.........        88.7     (25.0)(3e)        63.7
     Accounts payable...............................       498.5     (34.0)(3a)       464.5
     Accounts expenses and other current
       liabilities..................................       707.7     (39.3)(3a)       678.4
                                                                      10.0 (3c)
                                                        --------                   --------
     Total current liabilities......................     1,297.1                    1,208.8
                                                        --------                   --------
  Long-term debt, exclusive of current
     installments...................................       679.7    (131.0)(3e)       548.7
  Deferred income taxes.............................        17.1      (2.0)(3a)        15.1

SHAREHOLDERS' EQUITY
  Preferred stock at face value.....................       282.5     (25.0)(3d)       257.5
  Common Stock......................................        72.6       1.3 (3d)        73.9
  Additional paid-in capital........................       269.4      23.7 (3d)       293.1
  Retained earnings.................................       161.0      62.9 (3c)       223.9
                                                        --------                   --------
          Total shareholders' equity................       785.5                      848.4
                                                        --------                   --------
          Total Liabilities and Shareholders'
            Equity..................................    $2,779.4                   $2,621.0
                                                        ========                   ========
</TABLE>
 
The accompanying notes are an integral part of the unaudited pro forma condensed
consolidated Balance Sheet.
 
                                       P-4
<PAGE>   80
 
         NOTES TO PRO FORMA CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
 
Note 1
- ------
 
     The pro forma condensed consolidated statement of income reflects the
following adjustments relating to the acquisition of Marshalls:
 
<TABLE>
     (a) To record Marshalls historical results for the period January 29, 1995
         through November 17, 1995, the period prior to the Company's
         acquisition of Marshalls.
 
            <S>                                                              <C>
            Net sales....................................................    $2,110.4
            Cost of sales including buying and occupancy costs...........     1,768.6
            Selling, general and administrative expenses.................       377.2
            Interest expense, net........................................         6.3
            Provision (benefit) for income taxes.........................       (16.6)
</TABLE>
 
     (b) To record additional interest expense and amortization of deferred
         financing costs for the period January 29, 1995 through November 17,
         1995.
 
     (c) To reflect a reduction in depreciation expense due to the net
         write-down of property to fair value for the period January 29, 1995
         through November 17, 1995.
 
     (d) To record amortization of "Marshalls" trade name, net of reduction in
         amortization due to elimination of goodwill from prior acquisitions,
         for period January 29, 1995 through November 17, 1995.
 
     (e) To record the income tax (benefit) associated with pro forma
         adjustments b, c and d at a marginal tax rate of 40%.
 
     (f) To adjust preferred stock dividends for dilutive effect of additional
         dividends on preferred stock issued for acquisition of Marshalls.
 
     (g) To adjust weighted average shares outstanding for earnings per share
         calculations shares for dilutive effect of preferred stock issued for
         acquisition of Marshalls.
 
Note 2
- ------
 
     The pro forma condensed consolidated statement of income for the fiscal
year ended January 27, 1996 and the thirteen weeks ended April 27, 1996 reflects
the following adjustments for the initial public offering of Chadwick's stock.
 
     (a) To eliminate the net sales, expenses and tax provision relating to
         Chadwick's operating results as included in the consolidated results of
         the Company.
 
     (b) To reflect a reduction in interest expense as a result of the repayment
         of a portion of the term loan incurred from the acquisition of
         Marshalls, along with the related impact on the income tax provision.
 
     (c) To record 39% of Chadwick's net income as equity in the net earnings of
         minority owned subsidiary. Chadwick's net income for the fiscal year
         ended January 27, 1996 was $8.3 million which includes an after-tax
         extraordinary charge of $3.3 million for early retirement of debt, and
         was $6.7 million for the thirteen weeks ended April 27, 1996.
 
Note 3
- ------
 
     The pro forma condensed consolidated balance sheet reflects the following
adjustments:
 
     (a) To eliminate the assets and liabilities of Chadwick's included in the
         consolidated results of the Company and reflect the net assets of
         Chadwick's as investment in Chadwick's of Boston, Ltd.
 
     (b) To reflect payment to the Company by Chadwick's of the balance of its
         inter-company indebtedness, after a $20 million forgiveness of debt via
         capital contribution by the Company.
 
                                       P-5
<PAGE>   81
 
     (c) To record net proceeds of $125.7 million (based on $15.00 per share)
         received from the Company's sale of 61% of its investment in
         Chadwick's, after the repayment of inter-company debt described above,
         and to record a gain of $62.9 million, after estimated taxes of $10
         million.
 
     (d) The Company is required to redeem its outstanding Series D Preferred
         Stock from the proceeds of certain asset sales. It is assumed the
         Company will call the Series D Preferred Stock for redemption and that
         based on current market prices, the holders of the Series D Preferred
         Stock elect their conversion rights and convert into common stock.
 
     (e) To record repayment of long-term debt (including current installments)
         of $156.0 million. The net proceeds used to repay the debt include cash
         received from Chadwick's in repayment of its inter-company debt and the
         net proceeds from the stock offering, less taxes to be paid.
 
                                       P-6
<PAGE>   82
 
                        [LOGO] THE TJX COMPANIES, INC.
<PAGE>   83
 
     INFORMATION CONTAINED HEREIN IS SUBJECT TO COMPLETION OR AMENDMENT. A
     REGISTRATION STATEMENT RELATING TO THESE SECURITIES HAS BEEN FILED WITH THE
     SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION. THESE SECURITIES MAY NOT BE SOLD NOR
     MAY OFFERS TO BUY BE ACCEPTED PRIOR TO THE TIME THE REGISTRATION STATEMENT
     BECOMES EFFECTIVE. THIS PROSPECTUS SHALL NOT CONSTITUTE AN OFFER TO SELL OR
     THE SOLICITATION OF AN OFFER TO BUY NOR SHALL THERE BE ANY SALE OF THESE
     SECURITIES IN ANY STATE IN WHICH SUCH OFFER, SOLICITATION OR SALE WOULD BE
     UNLAWFUL PRIOR TO REGISTRATION OR QUALIFICATION UNDER THE SECURITIES LAWS
     OF ANY SUCH STATE.
 
   
PROSPECTUS (SUBJECT TO COMPLETION)
    
 
   
ISSUED JULY 1, 1996
    
 
   
                                350,000 SHARES
    
                                    [LOGO]

               SERIES E CUMULATIVE CONVERTIBLE PREFERRED STOCK
   
                              ($1.00 PAR VALUE)
    
                            ------------------------
   
     This Prospectus relates to 350,000 shares of the Series E Cumulative
Convertible Preferred Stock, par value $1.00 per share ("Series E Preferred
Stock"), of The TJX Companies, Inc. ("TJX" or the "Company") which may be
offered for sale from time to time by the Selling Stockholder as described
herein under "Selling Stockholder" and "Plan of Distribution." None of the
proceeds from the sale of the shares of Series E Preferred Stock will be
received by the Company.
                                                    
                            ------------------------
   
     The annual dividend rate payable with respect to each share of Series E
Preferred Stock is $7.00, is cumulative and is payable quarterly in arrears on
each January 1, April 1, July 1 and October 1, commencing on January 1, 1996.
The liquidation preference applicable to each share of Series E Preferred Stock
is equal to the sum of $100 and the amount of accrued and unpaid dividends
thereon.
    
 
   
     On November 17, 1998 (the "Automatic Conversion Date"), unless earlier
converted at the option of the holder, each share of Series E Preferred Stock
will convert automatically into (i) a number of shares (the "Conversion Shares")
of the Company's Common Stock, par value $1.00 per share (the "Common Stock")
equal to the applicable Exchange Rate (as defined) and (ii) the right to receive
accrued and unpaid dividends thereon. The "Exchange Rate" is equal to (i) if the
Current Market Price (as defined) is equal to or greater than $18.525 (the
"Threshold Common Stock Price"), 5.398111 shares of Common Stock per share of
Series E Preferred Stock, (ii) if the Current Market Price is less than the
Threshold Common Stock Price but greater than $15.4375, the number of shares of
Common Stock having a value (determined at the Current Market Price) equal to
$100 and (c) if the Current Market Price is less than or equal to $15.4375,
6.477733 shares of Common Stock per share of Series E Preferred Stock. The
Exchange Rate is subject to adjustment in certain events.
    
 
   
     At any time prior to the close of business on the business day prior to the
Automatic Conversion Date, each share of Series E Preferred Stock is convertible
at the option of the holder thereof into 5.398111 shares of Common Stock,
subject to adjustment in certain events. For a detailed description of the
Series E Preferred Stock, see "Description of Series E Preferred Stock."
                                                    
                            ------------------------
   
     The Series E Preferred Stock may be sold for public offering to
underwriters or dealers, which may be a group of underwriters represented by one
or more managing underwriters. In addition, the Series E Preferred Stock may be
sold by the Selling Stockholder directly to purchasers or through agents
designated from time to time. See "Plan of Distribution." Any underwriters,
dealers or agents participating in the offering of Series E Preferred Stock may
be deemed "underwriters" within the meaning of the Securities Act of 1933, as
amended (the "Securities Act").
    
 
                                                    
                            ------------------------
    
 
   
 THESE SECURITIES HAVE NOT BEEN APPROVED OR DISAPPROVED BY THE SECURITIES AND
      EXCHANGE COMMISSION OR ANY STATE SECURITIES COMMISSION NOR HAS THE
    SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION OR ANY STATES SECURITIES COMMISSION
         PASSED UPON THE ACCURACY OR ADEQUACY OF THIS PROSPECTUS. ANY
            REPRESENTATION TO THE CONTRARY IS A CRIMINAL OFFENSE.
    
                            ------------------------
   
                The date of this Prospectus is           , 1996
    
<PAGE>   84
 
     No person is authorized in connection with any offering made hereby to give
any information or to make any representation not contained or incorporated by
reference in this Prospectus, and any information or representation not
contained or incorporated herein must not be relied upon as having been
authorized by the Company or the Underwriters. This Prospectus does not
constitute an offer to sell or the solicitation of an offer to buy any security
other than the securities covered by this Prospectus, nor does it constitute an
offer or solicitation by any person in any jurisdiction in which it is unlawful
for such person to make such an offer or solicitation. Neither the delivery of
this Prospectus at any time nor any sale made hereunder shall under any
circumstance imply that the information herein is correct as of any date
subsequent to the date hereof.

                           ------------------------
 
                              TABLE OF CONTENTS
   
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                        PAGE                                         PAGE
                                        ----                                         ----
<S>                                      <C>  <C>                                     <C>
Incorporation of Certain Documents by         Management's Discussion and Analysis
  Reference...........................    3     of Results of Operations and
Available Information.................    3     Financial Condition.................   16
Summary...............................    4   Selling Stockholder...................   21
The Company...........................    8   Description of Series E Preferred
Use of Proceeds.......................   12   Stock.................................   22
Price Range of Common Stock and               Federal Income Tax Considerations.....   27
  Dividends...........................   12   Description of Capital Stock..........   29
Selected Consolidated Financial               Plan of Distribution..................   37 
  Information.........................   13   Legal Opinion.........................   38
Selected Information by Major Business        Experts...............................   38
  Segment.............................   15   Pro Forma Condensed Consolidated
                                                 Financial Statements...............  P-1 

</TABLE>
    
 
   
                            ------------------------
 
     IN CONNECTION WITH ANY OFFERING OF SERIES E PREFERRED STOCK HEREUNDER AT
FIXED PRICES, THE UNDERWRITERS MAY OVER-ALLOT OR EFFECT TRANSACTIONS WHICH
STABILIZE OR MAINTAIN THE MARKET PRICE OF THE SHARES OF SERIES E PREFERRED STOCK
AND/OR COMMON STOCK OF THE COMPANY AT LEVELS ABOVE THOSE WHICH MIGHT OTHERWISE
PREVAIL IN THE OPEN MARKET. SUCH TRANSACTIONS MAY BE EFFECTED ON THE NEW YORK
STOCK EXCHANGE, IN THE OVER-THE-COUNTER MARKET OR OTHERWISE. SUCH STABILIZING,
IF COMMENCED, MAY BE DISCONTINUED AT ANY TIME.
    
 
                                        2
<PAGE>   85
 
                INCORPORATION OF CERTAIN DOCUMENTS BY REFERENCE
 
     The following documents previously or simultaneously filed with the
Securities and Exchange Commission (the "Commission") (File No. 1-4908) are
incorporated herein by reference:
 
          (a) The Company's Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended
     January 27, 1996;
 
          (b) The Company's Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the thirteen weeks
     ended April 27, 1996;
 
          (c) The Company's Current Report on Form 8-K dated May 24, 1996 (filed
     June 5, 1996);
 
          (d) The Company's Current Report on Form 8-K dated June 18, 1996
     (filed June 20, 1996);
 
          (e) The Company's Amendment No. 4 on Form 8-A/A dated June 3, 1996 to
     the Company's Registration Statement on Form 8-A in respect of the Common
     Stock, including without limitation the description of the Common Stock set
     forth therein; and
 
          (f) The consolidated financial statements of Marshalls of Roseville,
     Minn., Inc. and the unaudited pro forma condensed consolidated financial
     statements of the Company set forth in the Company's Amendment No. 1 on
     Form 8-K/A dated November 17, 1995 (filed January 31, 1996).
 
     All documents filed by the Company pursuant to Section 13(a), 13(c), 14 or
15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended (the "Exchange Act")
after the date of this Prospectus and prior to the termination of the offering
made hereby shall be incorporated by reference into this Prospectus and shall be
deemed to be a part of this Prospectus from the date of filing of such
documents. See "Available Information." Any statement contained in a document
incorporated by reference herein shall be deemed to be modified or superseded to
the extent that a statement contained in this Prospectus or in the accompanying
Prospectus Supplement, or in any other subsequently filed incorporated document,
modifies or supersedes such statement. The Company will provide, upon written or
oral request, without charge, to each person to whom a copy of this Prospectus
has been delivered, a copy of any or all of the documents which have been or may
be incorporated in this Prospectus by reference, other than certain exhibits to
such documents. Requests for such copies should be directed to: The TJX
Companies, Inc., 770 Cochituate Road, Framingham, Massachusetts 01701 (telephone
(508) 390-1000), Attention: Sherry Lang, Manager of Investor Relations.
 
                             AVAILABLE INFORMATION
 
     The Company is subject to the informational requirements of the Exchange
Act, and, in accordance therewith, files periodic reports, proxy materials and
other information with the Commission. Such reports, proxy materials and other
information filed by the Company can be inspected and copied at the public
reference facilities maintained by the Commission at Judiciary Plaza, 450 Fifth
Street, N.W., Room 1024, Washington, D.C. 20549, and at the Commission's
regional offices at 7 World Trade Center, 13th Floor, New York, New York 10048,
and 500 West Madison Street, Suite 1400, Chicago, Illinois 60661-2511. Copies of
such material can be obtained from the Public Reference Section of the
Commission at 450 Fifth Street, N.W., Washington, D.C. 20549, at prescribed
rates. The Commission maintains a Web site that contains reports, proxy and
information statements and other information regarding the Company; the address
of such site is http://www.sec.gov. In addition, similar information concerning
the Company can be inspected at the NYSE, 20 Broad Street, New York, New York
10005.
 
     This Prospectus constitutes a part of a Registration Statement on Form S-3
(together with all amendments and exhibits thereto, the "Registration
Statement") filed by the Company with the Commission under the Securities Act of
1933, as amended (the "Securities Act"), with respect to the securities offered
hereby. This Prospectus does not contain all the information included in the
Registration Statement, certain parts of which are omitted in accordance with
the rules and regulations of the Commission. Reference is made to such
Registration Statement and to the exhibits thereto for further information with
respect to the Company and the Series E Preferred Stock.
 
                                        3
<PAGE>   86
 
                                    SUMMARY
 
     The following summary is qualified in its entirety by the detailed
information appearing elsewhere or incorporated by reference in this Prospectus.
The Company's fiscal year ends on the last Saturday in January and the Company
identifies fiscal years by reference to the year in which the fiscal year ends.
Thus, fiscal 1996 refers to the fiscal year ended January 27, 1996. All
information as to stores currently in operation is as of January 27, 1996,
except as otherwise specifically indicated.
 
                                  THE COMPANY
 
     The TJX Companies, Inc. is the largest off-price family apparel retailer in
North America. The Company operated, as of January 27, 1996, 587 T.J. Maxx
stores, the recently acquired Marshalls chain of 496 stores, and Winners Apparel
Ltd., a Canadian off-price family apparel chain with 52 stores. TJX is also
developing HomeGoods, a U.S. off-price home fashion chain with 22 stores, and
T.K. Maxx, an off-price family apparel concept in the United Kingdom, which has
9 stores. The Company also has operated the Chadwick's of Boston off-price
women's fashion catalog. The Company's mission is to consistently deliver value
to its customers by providing rapidly changing assortments of brand-name
merchandise at prices substantially below department and specialty store regular
prices. Net sales of the Company for the fiscal year ended January 27, 1996 were
$4.4 billion, including Marshalls' sales since its acquisition by TJX in
November 1995. The Company's combined T.J. Maxx and Marshalls division
represents the substantial majority of the Company's sales volume.
 
     TJX completed the acquisition of Marshalls, an off-price family apparel
chain, from Melville Corporation on November 17, 1995. The purchase price
(before expenses) for the acquisition was $599.3 million, consisting of $375
million in cash, before closing adjustments, plus an additional $49.3 million
(paid on April 30, 1996) based on the final closing balance sheet, plus $175
million in TJX convertible preferred stock. The convertible preferred stock
consisted of 1,500,000 shares of Series E Preferred Stock plus 250,000 shares of
Series D Cumulative Convertible Preferred Stock. On June 28, 1996, the Selling
Stockholder sold 1,150,000 shares of Series E Preferred Stock in an underwritten
public offering.
 
     As a result of the acquisition, TJX added 496 Marshalls stores to its
existing base of 587 U.S. off-price family apparel stores as of January 27,
1996. Management believes that it will realize improved operating efficiencies
for the combined entity through the integration of many administrative and
operational functions as well as through increased purchasing leverage. In
addition, through the acquisition of Marshalls, the Company will be able to
decrease the amount of excess retail square footage in the competitive off-price
retail sector through the closure of underperforming stores. During the period
from the Marshalls acquisition through the end of fiscal 1998, the Company
expects to close approximately 30 T.J. Maxx stores and 170 Marshalls stores. TJX
established a $244.1 million reserve in the allocation of the purchase price of
Marshalls relating primarily to the anticipated closing of these approximately
170 Marshalls stores. In addition, TJX recorded a charge of $35 million for the
closing of these approximately 30 T.J. Maxx stores. The Company plans to retain
the independent identities of the T.J. Maxx and Marshalls chains, including, but
not limited to, certain elements of marketing, merchandising, product assortment
and store appearance.
 
     Both T.J. Maxx and Marshalls offer a broad range of brand-name family
apparel, accessories, shoes, domestics, giftware and jewelry at prices generally
20% to 60% below department and specialty store regular prices. The Company's
strategies for increasing sales and profitability at both T.J. Maxx and
Marshalls include:
 
     - Taking advantage of increased purchasing leverage to deliver lower
       prices, to increase the differential of the prices offered by T.J. Maxx
       and Marshalls as compared to those offered by department and specialty
       stores and to provide enhanced value to customers;
 
     - Continuing the process of integrating Marshalls and T.J. Maxx and further
       consolidating duplicative functions and reducing associated operating
       expenses;
 
     - Closing underperforming stores; and
 
                                        4
<PAGE>   87
 
     - Improving the performance of Marshalls by implementing strategies
       utilized by T.J. Maxx such as increased brand-name focus, everyday
       low price strategy, disciplined markdown programs, and low operating
       expenses.
 
     In September 1995, the Company sold its Hit or Miss chain of off-price
women's specialty apparel stores. On May 24, 1996, the Company's subsidiary
Chadwick's of Boston, Ltd. ("Chadwick's") filed with the Commission a
Registration Statement (File No. 333-4427) related to the sale by the Company in
an underwritten public offering of up to 9,260,000 shares (or approximately
61%), excluding 1,389,000 shares (or approximately 9%) subject to an
underwriters' over-allotment option, of the common stock of Chadwick's, which
operates the Chadwick's of Boston fashion catalog. The Company expects to reduce
its ownership interest in Chadwick's over time, subject to prevailing market and
other conditions.
 
                                  THE OFFERING
 
Securities Offered.........  350,000 shares of the Company's Series E Preferred
                             Stock
 
Ranking....................  The shares of Series E Preferred Stock offered
                             hereby will rank, with respect to dividends and
                             upon liquidation, dissolution or winding up, senior
                             to the Common Stock, pari passu with the Company's
                             outstanding Series D Cumulative Convertible
                             Preferred Stock, par value $1.00 per share (the
                             "Series D Preferred Stock") and pari passu with the
                             Company's Series C Cumulative Convertible Preferred
                             Stock, par value $1.00 per share (the "Series C
                             Preferred Stock").
 
Dividends..................  The annual dividend rate payable with respect to
                             each share of Series E Preferred Stock is $7.00, is
                             cumulative and is payable quarterly in arrears on
                             each January 1, April 1, July 1 and October 1,
                             commencing January 1, 1996.
 
Mandatory Conversion.......  On November 17, 1998 the ("Automatic Conversion
                             Date"), unless earlier converted at the option of
                             the holder, each share of Series E Preferred Stock
                             will convert automatically into (i) a number of
                             shares of Common Stock equal to the Exchange Rate
                             and (ii) the right to receive accrued and unpaid
                             dividends thereon. The "Exchange Rate" is equal to
                             (i) if the Current Market Price is equal to or
                             greater than $18.525 (the "Threshold Common Stock
                             Price"), 5.398111 shares of Common Stock per each
                             share of Series E Preferred Stock, (ii) if the
                             Current Market Price is less than the Threshold
                             Common Stock Price but greater than $15.4375, the
                             number of shares of Common Stock having a value
                             (determined at the Current Market Price) equal to
                             $100 and (iii) if the Current Market Price is less
                             than or equal to $15.4375, 6.477733 shares of
                             Common Stock per each share of Series E Preferred
                             Stock. The Exchange Rate is subject to adjustment
                             in certain events. The "Current Market Price"
                             generally means the average of the daily Closing
                             Prices per share of Common Stock for the ten
                             consecutive Trading Days immediately prior to, but
                             not including, the Automatic Conversion Date.
 
Conversion at the Option of
the Holder.................  At any time prior to the close of business on the
                             business day prior to the Automatic Conversion
                             Date, each share of Series E Preferred Stock is
                             convertible at the option of the holder thereof
                             into 5.398111 shares of Common Stock, subject to
                             adjustment in certain events.
 
                                        5
<PAGE>   88
 
Liquidation Preference.....  The liquidation preference applicable to each share
                             of Series E Preferred Stock is equal to the sum of
                             $100 and the amount of accrued and unpaid dividends
                             thereon.
 
Redemption at the Option of
the Company................  The shares of Series E Preferred Stock are not
                             redeemable by the Company.
 
Voting Rights..............  Except as required by law or with respect to the
                             creation or issuance of senior classes or series of
                             preferred stock, the holders of shares of Series E
                             Preferred Stock will generally not be entitled to
                             any voting rights unless the equivalent of six
                             quarterly dividends payable on the shares of Series
                             E Preferred Stock are in arrears, in which case the
                             number of directors of the Company will be
                             increased by two and the holders of shares of
                             Series E Preferred Stock, voting separately as a
                             class with the holders of shares of any other
                             series of parity preferred stock upon which like
                             voting rights have been conferred and are
                             exercisable, will be entitled to elect two
                             directors for a term of one year (or until the
                             dividend arrearage has been paid).
 
Listing....................  The Series E Preferred Stock is listed on the NYSE
                             under the symbol "TJX PrE". The Common Stock is
                             listed on the NYSE under the symbol "TJX".
 
Use of Proceeds............  None of the proceeds from the sale of the shares of
                             Series E Preferred Stock will be received by the
                             Company.
 
                                        6
<PAGE>   89

                             SUMMARY FINANCIAL DATA
 
     The summary financial data reflects the Company's Hit or Miss division,
which was sold on September 30, 1995, as a discontinued operation. On November
17, 1995 the Company acquired Marshalls. The Company has included the results of
Marshalls in its consolidated results commencing November 18, 1995.

<TABLE>
 
     On May 24, 1996, the Company's subsidiary Chadwick's of Boston, Ltd. filed
with the Commission a Registration Statement related to the sale by the Company
in an underwritten public offering of up to 9,260,000 shares (or approximately
61%), excluding 1,389,000 shares (or approximately 9%) subject to an
underwriters' over-allotment option, of the common stock of Chadwick's. (See
"Pro Forma Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements.")
 
<CAPTION>
                                                         FISCAL YEAR ENDED                          13 WEEKS ENDED
                                ---------------------------------------------------------------  --------------------
                                JANUARY 25,  JANUARY 30,  JANUARY 29,  JANUARY 28,  JANUARY 27,  APRIL 29,  APRIL 27,
                                   1992         1993         1994         1995         1996        1995       1996
                                -----------  -----------  -----------  -----------  -----------  ---------  ---------
                                                     (IN MILLIONS, EXCEPT PER SHARE AND STORE AMOUNTS)
<S>                              <C>          <C>          <C>          <C>          <C>         <C>        <C>
INCOME STATEMENT DATA:
  Net sales...................   $2,380.6     $2,879.3     $3,253.5     $3,489.1     $4,447.5    $  830.4   $1,604.2
  Operating income(1)(2)......      194.3        239.7        261.6        214.7        201.2        36.6       77.4
  Income from continuing                                                 
    operations(2).............       90.0        110.7        124.6         86.6         63.6         9.5       30.1
  Net income(2)(3)............       20.1        102.8        124.4         82.6         26.3         8.1       30.1
  Earnings per common share                      
    from continuing
    operations(2).............   $   1.28     $   1.49     $   1.58     $   1.08     $    .74    $    .11   $    .33
  Dividends per common
    share(4)..................       0.46         0.46         0.50         0.56         0.49        0.14       0.07
  Ratio of earnings to
    combined fixed charges and
    preferred stock
    dividends(5)..............       3.79x        3.65x        3.69x        2.52x        1.70x       1.47x      1.83x
CASH FLOW DATA:
  Earnings before interest,
    taxes, depreciation and
    amortization from
    continuing operations ....   $  223.5     $  259.7     $  282.2     $  238.9     $  239.1    $   44.4   $   98.7
  Capital expenditures........       78.0        102.1        118.5        120.0        111.8        26.6       16.9
BALANCE SHEET DATA:                            
  Working capital(6)..........   $  158.9     $  244.2     $  285.4     $  277.2     $  409.2    $  267.9   $  439.9
  Total assets(6).............    1,004.0      1,209.1      1,331.0      1,550.8      2,745.6     1,718.2    2,779.4
  Long-term debt (exclusive of
    current installments).....      307.4        179.8        210.9        239.5        690.7       238.5      679.7
  Shareholders' equity........      260.5        505.2        590.9        607.0        764.6       602.7      785.5
STORES IN OPERATION -- END OF PERIOD
  T.J. Maxx...................        437          479          512          551          587         558        590
  Marshalls...................         --           --           --           --          496          --        494
  Winners.....................          9           15           27           37           52          39         57
  HomeGoods...................         --            6           10           15           22          19         23
  T.K. Maxx...................         --           --           --            5            9           6          9

<FN> 
- ---------------
 
(1) Operating income is the pre-tax income from the business segments before
    interest and general corporate items. See "Selected Information by Major
    Business Segment."
(2) For fiscal 1996, reflects an after-tax charge of $21.0 million ($35 million
    pre-tax), or $.29 per share, for the estimated cost of closing approximately
    30 T.J. Maxx stores in connection with the acquisition of Marshalls.
(3) Net income includes the results of and/or charges relating to discontinued
    operations. Discontinued operations relate to the Company's Hit or Miss
    division which was sold on September 30, 1995 and to a reserve established
    relating to lease liabilities from its former Zayre division. The Company
    sold the Zayre division in October 1988 to Ames Department Stores Inc.
    ("Ames"). In April 1990 Ames filed for bankruptcy and certain lease
    liabilities reverted back to the Company. The loss on disposal of
    discontinued operations includes a $50 million after-tax charge in fiscal
    1992 relating to Zayre division and an after-tax charge of $31.7 million in
    fiscal 1996 relating to the sale of Hit or Miss. In addition to the
    foregoing after-tax charge, the income (loss) of the Hit or Miss division
    for all periods prior to September 30, 1995 is included in discontinued
    operations.
(4) In the fourth quarter of fiscal 1996, the Company reduced its quarterly
    dividend from $.14 to $.07 per share of Common Stock in order to utilize the
    approximately $20 million in annual dividend savings in support of its
    acquisition of Marshalls.
(5) For purposes of computing the ratio of earnings to fixed charges and
    preferred stock dividends, "earnings" represent income from continuing
    operations plus provision for taxes, interest expense and the interest
    portion of rentals. "Fixed charges" represents interest expense, capitalized
    interest, and a portion of rentals, which is considered representative of
    the interest factor. "Preferred stock dividends" represent the preferred
    stock dividend requirements increased to an amount representing the pre-tax
    earnings that would be required to cover such dividend requirements.
(6) Excludes the net assets of the discontinued Hit or Miss division.

</TABLE>
 
                                        7
<PAGE>   90
 
                                  THE COMPANY
 
GENERAL
 
     The TJX Companies, Inc. is the largest off-price family apparel retailer in
North America. The Company operated, as of January 27, 1996, 587 T.J. Maxx
stores, the recently acquired Marshalls chain of 496 stores, and Winners Apparel
Ltd., a Canadian off-price family apparel chain with 52 stores. TJX is also
developing HomeGoods, a U.S. off-price home fashion chain with 22 stores, and
T.K. Maxx, an off-price family apparel concept in the United Kingdom, which has
9 stores. The Company also has operated the Chadwick's of Boston off-price
women's fashion catalog. The Company's mission is to consistently deliver value
to its customers by providing rapidly changing assortments of brand-name
merchandise at prices substantially below department store and specialty store
regular prices. Net sales of the Company for the fiscal year ended January 27,
1996 were $4.4 billion, including Marshalls' sales since its acquisition by TJX
in November 1995. The Company's combined T.J. Maxx and Marshalls division
represents the substantial majority of the Company's sales volume.
 
     TJX completed the acquisition of Marshalls, an off-price family apparel
chain, from Melville Corporation on November 17, 1995. The purchase price
(before expenses) for the acquisition was $599.3 million, consisting of $375
million in cash, before closing adjustments, plus an additional $49.3 million
(paid on April 30, 1996) based on the final closing balance sheet, plus $175
million in TJX convertible preferred stock. The convertible preferred stock
consisted of 1,500,000 shares of Series E Preferred Stock plus 250,000 shares of
Series D Cumulative Convertible Preferred Stock. On June 28, the Selling
Stockholder sold 1,150,000 shares of Series E Preferred Stock in an underwritten
public offering.
 
     As a result of the acquisition, TJX added 496 Marshalls stores to its
existing base of 587 U.S. off-price family apparel stores as of January 27,
1996. Management believes that it will realize improved operating efficiencies
for the combined entity through the integration of many administrative and
operational functions as well as through increased purchasing leverage. In
addition, through the acquisition of Marshalls, the Company will be able to
decrease the amount of excess retail square footage in the competitive off-price
retail sector through the closure of underperforming stores. During the period
from the Marshalls acquisition through the end of fiscal 1998, the Company
expects to close approximately 30 T.J. Maxx stores and 170 Marshalls stores. TJX
established a $244.1 million reserve in the allocation of the purchase price of
Marshalls relating primarily to the anticipated closing of these approximately
170 Marshalls stores. In addition, TJX recorded a charge of $35 million for the
closing of these approximately 30 T.J. Maxx stores. The Company plans to retain
the independent identities of the T.J. Maxx and Marshalls chains, including, but
not limited to, certain elements of merchandising, product assortment and store
appearance.
 
     Both T.J. Maxx and Marshalls offer a broad range of brand-name family
apparel, accessories, shoes, domestics, giftware and jewelry at prices generally
20% to 60% below department and specialty store regular prices. The Company's
strategies for increasing sales and profitability at both T.J. Maxx and
Marshalls include:
 
     - Taking advantage of increased purchasing leverage to deliver lower
       prices, to increase the differential of the prices offered by T.J. Maxx
       and Marshalls as compared to those offered by department and specialty
       stores and to provide enhanced value to customers;
 
     - Continuing the process of integrating Marshalls and T.J. Maxx and further
       consolidating duplicative functions and reducing associated operating
       expenses;
 
     - Closing underperforming stores; and
 
     - Improving the performance of Marshalls by implementing strategies
       utilized by T.J. Maxx such as increased brand-name focus, everyday low
       price strategy, disciplined markdown programs, and low operating
       expenses.
 
     In September 1995, the Company sold its Hit or Miss chain of off-price
women's specialty apparel stores. On May 24, 1996, the Company's subsidiary
Chadwick's of Boston, Ltd. filed with the Commission a
 
                                        8
<PAGE>   91
 
Registration Statement (File No. 333-4427) related to the sale by the Company in
an underwritten public offering of up to 9,260,000 shares (or approximately
61%), excluding 1,389,000 shares (or approximately 9%) subject to an
underwriters' over-allotment option, of the common stock of Chadwick's, which
operates the Chadwick's of Boston fashion catalog. The Company expects to reduce
its ownership interest in Chadwick's over time, subject to prevailing market and
other conditions.
 
T.J. MAXX
 
     T.J. Maxx is the largest off-price family apparel chain in the United
States. T.J. Maxx was founded by the Company in 1976 and operated, as of January
27, 1996, 587 stores in 48 states.
 
     T.J. Maxx sells brand-name family apparel, accessories, giftware,
domestics, women's shoes and fine jewelry at prices generally 20% to 60% below
department and specialty store regular prices. T.J. Maxx's target customers are
women between the ages of 25 to 50, who typically have families with middle and
upper-middle incomes and who generally fit the profile of a department store
shopper.
 
     The ability to purchase merchandise at favorable prices and operate with a
low cost structure is essential to T.J. Maxx's off-price mission. The chain uses
opportunistic buying strategies to purchase large quantities of merchandise at
significant discounts from initial wholesale prices. Those strategies include
special situation purchases, closeouts of current season fashions and
out-of-season purchases of fashion basic items for warehousing until the
appropriate selling season. These buying strategies rely heavily on inventory
controls that permit a virtually continuous "open-to-buy" position. In addition,
highly automated warehousing and distribution systems track, allocate and
deliver an average of 10,000 items per week to each store. Each T.J. Maxx store
is currently serviced by one of the chain's four distribution centers in
Worcester, Massachusetts; Evansville, Indiana; Las Vegas, Nevada; and Charlotte,
North Carolina.
 
     T.J. Maxx stores are generally located in suburban community shopping
centers and average approximately 28,000 gross square feet in size. In recent
years, T.J. Maxx has enlarged a number of stores to a larger format,
approximately 30,000-40,000 gross square feet in size, and plans to continue its
program of enlarging other successful stores. This larger format allows T.J.
Maxx to expand all of its departments, with particular emphasis on its
successful giftware and domestics departments and other non-apparel categories.
During fiscal 1996, 41 stores were opened, including 22 of the new larger
prototype, and 5 were closed. In addition, 17 existing stores were expanded to
the larger format, bringing the total of T.J. Maxx stores in the larger format
to 217. In fiscal 1997, approximately 30 stores are expected to be closed;
approximately 25 new stores are planned, of which approximately 10 are expected
to be larger stores, along with the planned expansion of about 19 existing
locations.
 
MARSHALLS
 
     Marshalls is the second largest off-price family apparel retailer in the
United States. Marshalls operated, as of January 27, 1996, 496 stores in 38
states. Marshalls target customers fit a profile similar to those of T.J. Maxx.
Marshalls merchandise is also similar to that carried by T.J. Maxx, except that
Marshalls offers its customers a full-line shoe department, a larger men's
department and costume, rather than fine, jewelry. Marshalls stores average
approximately 32,000 gross square feet. During fiscal 1996, 25 Marshalls stores
were opened and 13 were closed. In fiscal 1997, approximately 60 stores are
expected to be closed; approximately 10 new stores are planned. Each Marshalls
store is currently serviced by one of four distribution centers located in
Woburn, Massachusetts; Decatur, Georgia; Bridgewater, Virginia; and Chatsworth,
California.
 
     The operations and strategies of T.J. Maxx and Marshalls have been very
similar historically. In recent years, however, Marshalls had moved away from
some of its key strategies, such as everyday low prices, in favor of other
marketing concepts, including the frequent use of promotional pricing. By
restoring certain Marshalls historical strategies and effecting other
improvements, including the adoption of certain strategies similar to those of
TJX, the Company believes that it can increase Marshalls' level of profitability
and performance.
 
                                        9
<PAGE>   92
 
MARSHALLS ACQUISITION
 
     The Company believes that the Marshalls acquisition offers a number of
advantages and opportunities, including the following:
 
     Enhanced Purchasing Power. The combined T.J. Maxx/Marshalls division
     represents significantly increased purchasing power which the Company
     believes will permit it to reduce its costs of merchandise, thereby leading
     to lower prices and enhanced value to its customers.
 
     Increase Price Differential with Department Stores. In recent years,
     department stores have offered increased promotional pricing thereby
     effectively reducing the price differential between department store prices
     and the everyday low prices of T.J. Maxx and Marshalls. The Company
     believes that the purchasing leverage gained as a result of the Marshalls
     acquisition will permit it to reduce its prices and thereby enhance its
     competitive position in an increasingly competitive environment.
 
     Operating Efficiencies. The Company expects to achieve significant savings
     through the integration and consolidation of T.J. Maxx and Marshalls
     organizations and functions in a number of areas including the real estate,
     administrative, human resources and buying organizations. In addition, the
     Company expects to realize substantial savings through the consolidation of
     T.J. Maxx and Marshalls management information systems and by decreased
     promotional advertising.
 
     Store Closings. By the end of fiscal 1998, the Company currently expects to
     close approximately 170 Marshalls stores and 30 T.J. Maxx stores. By
     closing these stores, the Company will eliminate its least productive
     locations, which should benefit the store sales of the remaining nearby
     T.J. Maxx and Marshalls stores. In connection with the Marshalls
     acquisition, the Company established reserves for store closings which it
     believes will be adequate to cover the costs of such closings in both
     chains.
 
     Utilization of Best Practices of Each Chain. The Company expects to realize
     additional benefits by extending the respective strengths and expertise of
     each of Marshalls and T.J. Maxx to improve the performance of each chain.
 
     Improvement of Marshalls Performance. The Company believes it can
     significantly improve Marshalls' performance by incorporating a number of
     features of the T.J. Maxx model. The Company has begun the reduction of
     Marshalls' emphasis on promotional pricing events in favor of the everyday
     low pricing strategy of T.J. Maxx. Marshalls will also reduce its portion
     of private label merchandise and give more emphasis to national brands. The
     T.J. Maxx disciplined markdown approach, which requires regular and timely
     markdowns of unsold merchandise, with a goal of promoting a regular flow of
     fresh merchandise into the store, has replaced the Marshalls approach,
     which gave less emphasis to regular markdowns and thereby permitted a
     greater buildup of aging merchandise.
 
     Retention of T.J. Maxx and Marshalls Separate Identities. Notwithstanding
     the foregoing changes, the Company intends to preserve the separate
     identities of T.J. Maxx and Marshalls and thereby capitalize on the
     strengths of each franchise in the marketplace. Marshalls' broader
     assortment of men's clothing and its full-line footwear department will
     continue, as will the chain's greater emphasis on items such as costume
     jewelry. While T.J. Maxx and Marshalls will continue to feature much of the
     same merchandise, each chain will also receive different merchandise and
     emphasize certain vendors' products. In order to enhance the distinct
     identity of Marshalls and T.J. Maxx, the Company intends to maintain
     separate marketing departments for each chain which will pursue independent
     marketing and advertising strategies. Each of T.J. Maxx and Marshalls also
     will continue to present different store layouts, wall design, fixturing
     and other aesthetic differences designed to preserve a distinct store
     appearance.
 
     The foregoing is a description of the Company's present strategies related
to the Marshalls acquisition. Such strategies may change over time as the
Company and the off-price retail sector evolve.
 
                                       10
<PAGE>   93
 
WINNERS APPAREL LTD.
 
     The Company acquired the Winners chain in fiscal 1991. The Winners
acquisition has provided the Company with the opportunity to introduce the
concept of off-price apparel retailing to the Canadian market. Since the
acquisition, Winners has increased its number of stores from 5 to 52 as of
January 27, 1996.
 
     Winners' apparel merchandising concept is substantially similar to that of
T.J. Maxx. Winners' stores average 24,000 gross square feet, and emphasize
off-price designer and brand-name misses sportswear, dresses, lingerie,
accessories and giftware, as well as menswear and clothing for children,
including infants and toddlers. In fiscal 1996, Winners opened 15 stores in new
and existing Canadian markets. Winners expects to open 12-15 stores in fiscal
1997.
 
HOMEGOODS
 
     The Company is continuing to develop its HomeGoods stores, which are
designed to expand upon the Company's off-price presence in the home fashions
market. HomeGoods stores offer a broad and deep range of home fashion products,
including domestics, cookware, bath accessories, and giftware in a no-frills,
multi-department format.
 
     HomeGoods has moved to a smaller 35,500 square foot prototype for new
openings and downsized existing locations. HomeGoods opened 9 stores and closed
2 stores in fiscal 1996 and operated, as of January 27, 1996, a total of 22
stores. HomeGoods and T.J. Maxx are experimenting with a new format that
combines the T.J. Maxx and HomeGoods concepts in one store and have opened three
such stores.
 
T.K. MAXX
 
     During fiscal 1995, the Company opened its first 5 T.K. Maxx stores in the
United Kingdom, and began testing the off-price family apparel concept in
Europe. T.K. Maxx utilizes the same off-price strategy employed by T.J. Maxx and
Winners. At the end of fiscal 1996, the Company had a total of 9 stores and has
plans to open approximately 9 in fiscal 1997.
 
CHADWICK'S OF BOSTON
 
     On May 24, 1996, the Company's subsidiary Chadwick's of Boston, Ltd. filed
with the Commission a Registration Statement (File No. 333-4427) related to the
sale by the Company in an underwritten public offering of up to 9,260,000 shares
(or approximately 61%), excluding 1,389,000 shares (or approximately 9%) subject
to an underwriters' overallotment option, of the common stock of Chadwick's,
which operates the Chadwick's of Boston fashion catalog. The Company expects to
reduce its ownership interest in Chadwick's over time, subject to prevailing
market and other conditions.
 
     Chadwick's, founded by the Company in 1983, offers off-price women's career
and casual fashion apparel through a catalog operation. The Chadwick's catalog
features first quality, current fashion and classic merchandise, including
career, sportswear, casual wear, dresses, suits and accessories, with a mix of
brand-name and private label merchandise, priced significantly below
conventional retailers and other catalog operations. Chadwick's target customers
are 25 to 55-year old women interested in moderately to upper-moderately priced
merchandise. Certain of Chadwick's catalogs also carry menswear.
 
COMPETITION
 
     The retail apparel business is highly competitive. The Company generally
competes for customers with a variety of conventional and discount retail
stores, including national, regional and local independent department and
specialty stores, as well as with catalog operations, factory outlet stores and
other off-price stores. In recent years, the Company has encountered increased
competition from department stores which have become more focused on promotions
to increase sales. Competitive factors important to the Company's customers
include fashion, value, merchandise selection, brand-name recognition and, to a
lesser degree, store location. In addition, because the Company purchases much
of its inventory opportunistically, the Company competes for merchandise with
other national and regional off-price apparel and other discount outlets. Also,
 
                                       11
<PAGE>   94
 
many of the Company's competitors handle identical or similar lines of
merchandise and have comparable locations, and some have greater financial
resources than the Company. The Company expects that the Marshalls acquisition
will enhance its competitiveness. See "-- Marshalls Acquisition."
 
                                USE OF PROCEEDS
 
     The shares of Series E Preferred Stock are being sold by the Selling
Stockholder as described herein under "Selling Stockholder" and "Plan of
Distribution." None of the proceeds from the sale of the shares of Series E
Preferred Stock will be received by the Company.

<TABLE>
                   PRICE RANGE OF COMMON STOCK AND DIVIDENDS
 
     The Company's Common Stock is listed on the New York Stock Exchange, Inc.
(the "NYSE") and is traded under the symbol TJX. The following table sets forth,
for the fiscal periods indicated, the high and low sales prices per share of the
Common Stock as reported on the NYSE, and the cash dividends declared per share
of Common Stock. The reported last sale price of the Common Stock on the NYSE on
June 27, 1996 was $32.
 
<CAPTION>
                                                                                  CASH DIVIDENDS
                    FISCAL YEAR ENDED                        HIGH      LOW      DECLARED PER SHARE
- ---------------------------------------------------------    ----     -----     ------------------
<S>                                                          <C>      <C>              <C>
January 28, 1995
  1st Quarter............................................    $29 3/8  $22 7/8          $.14
  2nd Quarter............................................    24 7/8   18 1/8            .14
  3rd Quarter............................................    23 1/4   15 5/8            .14
  4th Quarter............................................    16 1/4   13 3/16           .14
January 27, 1996
  1st Quarter............................................      14     11 1/8            .14
  2nd Quarter............................................    15 1/2   11 3/8            .14
  3rd Quarter............................................    15 3/4   11 1/2            .14
  4th Quarter............................................    19 7/8   13 1/2            .07
January 30, 1997
  1st Quarter............................................    30 3/4   18 1/2            .07
  2nd Quarter (through June 27, 1996)....................    36 5/8      28             .07
</TABLE>
 
     In the fourth quarter of fiscal 1996, the Company reduced its quarterly
dividend from $.14 to $.07 per share of Common Stock in order to use the
approximately $20 million in annual dividend savings in support of its
acquisition of Marshalls.
 
                                       12
<PAGE>   95
 
                  SELECTED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL INFORMATION
 
     The following selected consolidated financial information of the Company
for each of the last five fiscal years is derived from the consolidated
financial statements, including the notes thereto, contained in the Company's
Annual Reports on Form 10-K for the five fiscal years ended January 27, 1996,
which have been audited by Coopers & Lybrand L.L.P., the Company's independent
accountants. The information for the 13 weeks ended April 27, 1996 and April 29,
1995 is unaudited but, in the opinion of management, reflects all adjustments
(consisting only of normal recurring items) necessary for a fair presentation of
the results for such interim periods. The following selected consolidated
financial information for the five years ended January 27, 1996 and for the 13
weeks ended April 29, 1995 reflects the Company's Hit or Miss division, which
was sold on September 30, 1995, as a discontinued operation. On November 17,
1995 the Company acquired Marshalls, and the Company has included the results of
Marshalls in its consolidated results commencing November 18, 1995.
 
     On May 24, 1996, the Company's subsidiary Chadwick's of Boston, Ltd. filed
with the Commission a Registration Statement related to the sale by the Company
in an underwritten offering of up to 9,260,000 shares (or approximately 61%),
excluding 1,389,000 shares (or approximately 9%) subject to an underwriters'
over-allotment option, of the common stock of Chadwick's.

<TABLE>
     This selected consolidated financial information should be read in
conjunction with the consolidated financial statements, related notes, pro forma
financial information and other financial information incorporated by reference
herein. (See "Pro Forma Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements.")
 
<CAPTION>
                                                                      FISCAL YEAR ENDED                       13 WEEKS ENDED
                                                     ----------------------------------------------------   -------------------
                                                     JAN. 25,   JAN. 30,   JAN. 29,   JAN. 28,   JAN. 27,   APR. 29,   APR. 27,
                                                       1992       1993       1994       1995       1996       1995       1996
                                                     --------   --------   --------   --------   --------   --------   --------
                                                                 (IN MILLIONS, EXCEPT PER SHARE AND STORE AMOUNTS)
<S>                                                  <C>        <C>        <C>        <C>        <C>        <C>        <C>
INCOME STATEMENT DATA:
  Net sales........................................  $2,380.6   $2,879.3   $3,253.5   $3,489.1   $4,447.5   $  830.4   $1,604.2
  Operating income(1)(2)...........................     194.3      239.7      261.6      214.7      201.2       36.6       77.4
  Income from continuing operations(2).............      90.0      110.7      124.6       86.6       63.6        9.5       30.1
  Income (loss) from discontinued operations,
    including (loss) on the disposal of
    discontinued operations, net of income
    taxes(3).......................................     (69.9)      (6.7)       2.4       (4.0)     (34.0)      (1.4)        --
  Other items, net of income taxes (4).............        --       (1.2)      (2.6)        --       (3.3)        --         --
                                                     ---------  ---------  ---------  ---------  ---------  ---------  ---------
                                                            -          -          -          -          -          -          -
    Net income (2).................................  $   20.1   $  102.8   $  124.4   $   82.6   $   26.3   $    8.1   $   30.1
                                                     ========== ========== ========== ========== ========== ========== ==========
  Income per common share:
    Continuing operations(2).......................  $   1.28   $   1.49   $   1.58   $   1.08   $    .74   $    .11   $    .33
    Discontinued operations........................      (.99)      (.09)       .04       (.05)      (.46)      (.02)        --
    Net income(2)..................................       .29       1.38       1.58       1.03        .23        .09        .33
  Dividends per common share(5)....................       .46        .46        .50        .56        .49        .14        .07
  Weighted average common shares (in millions).....      70.1       73.9       74.2       73.5       73.1       72.5       85.3
  Ratio of earnings to combined fixed charges and
    preferred stock dividends(6)...................     3.79x      3.65x      3.69x      2.52x      1.70x      1.47x      1.83x
CASH FLOW DATA:
  Earnings before interest, taxes, depreciation and
    amortization from continuing operations........  $  223.5   $  259.7   $  282.2   $  238.9   $  239.1   $   44.4   $   98.7
  Capital expenditures.............................      78.0      102.1      118.5      120.0      111.8       26.6       16.9
Balance sheet data:
  Working capital(7)...............................  $  158.9   $  244.2   $  285.4   $  277.2   $  409.2   $  267.9   $  439.9
  Total assets(7)..................................   1,004.0    1,209.1    1,331.0    1,550.8    2,745.6    1,718.2    2,779.4
  Long-term debt (exclusive of current
    installments)..................................     307.4      179.8      210.9      239.5      690.7      238.5      679.7
  Retained earnings (deficit)......................     (38.1)      44.7      125.2      159.1      140.5      155.3      161.0
  Shareholders' equity.............................     260.5      505.2      590.9      607.0      764.6      602.7      785.5
Stores in Operation - End of Period:
  T.J. Maxx........................................       437        479        512        551        587        558        590
  Marshalls........................................        --         --         --         --        496         --        494
  Winners..........................................         9         15         27         37         52         39         57
  HomeGoods........................................        --          6         10         15         22         19         23
  T.K. Maxx........................................        --         --         --          5          9          6          9

<FN> 
- ---------------
(1) Operating income is the pre-tax income from the business segments before
    interest and general corporate items. See "Selected Information by Major
    Business Segment."

</TABLE>
 
                                       13
<PAGE>   96
 
(2) For fiscal 1996, reflects an after-tax charge of $21.0 million ($35 million
    pre-tax), or $.29 per share, for the estimated cost of closing approximately
    30 T.J. Maxx stores in connection with the acquisition of Marshalls.
 
(3) Discontinued operations relate to the Company's Hit or Miss division which
    was sold on September 30, 1995 and to a reserve established relating to
    lease liabilities from its former Zayre division. The Company sold the Zayre
    division in October 1988 to Ames Department Stores Inc. ("Ames"). In April
    1990 Ames filed for bankruptcy and certain lease liabilities reverted back
    to the Company. The loss on disposal of discontinued operations includes a
    $50 million after-tax charge in fiscal 1992 relating to Zayre division and
    an after-tax charge of $31.7 million in fiscal 1996 relating to the sale of
    Hit or Miss. In addition to the foregoing after-tax charge, the income
    (loss) of the Hit or Miss division for all periods prior to September 30,
    1995 is also included in discontinued operations.
 
(4) Other items, net includes extraordinary charges of $1.2 million, or $.02 per
    share, and $3.3 million, or $.05 per share, for the early retirement of debt
    in fiscal 1993 and fiscal 1996, respectively, and a charge for the net
    cumulative effect of accounting changes of $2.7 million, or $.04 per share,
    in fiscal 1994.
 
(5) In the fourth quarter of fiscal 1996, the Company reduced its quarterly
    dividend from $.14 to $.07 per share of Common Stock in order to utilize the
    approximately $20 million in annual dividend savings in support of its
    acquisition of Marshalls.
 
(6) For purposes of computing the ratio of earnings to combined fixed charges
    and preferred stock dividends, "earnings" represent income from continuing
    operations plus provision for taxes, interest expense and the interest
    portion of rentals. "Fixed charges" represents interest expense, capitalized
    interest, and a portion of rentals, which is considered representative of
    the interest factor. "Preferred stock dividends" represent the preferred
    stock dividend requirements increased to an amount representing the pre-tax
    earnings that would be required to cover such dividend requirements.
 
(7) Excludes the net assets of discontinued Hit or Miss operations.
 
                                       14
<PAGE>   97
 
                 SELECTED INFORMATION BY MAJOR BUSINESS SEGMENT
 
     The following selected financial information by business segment for each
of the last five fiscal years is derived from the consolidated financial
statements of the Company. The information for the 13 weeks ended April 27, 1996
and April 29, 1995 are unaudited but, in the opinion of management, reflect all
adjustments (consisting only of normal recurring items) necessary for a fair
presentation of the results for such interim periods. This Selected Information
by Major Business Segment for the five years ended January 27, 1996 and for the
13 weeks ended April 29, 1995 reflects the Company's Hit or Miss division, which
was sold on September 30, 1995, as a discontinued operation. On November 17,
1995 the Company acquired Marshalls. The Company has included the results of
Marshalls in its consolidated results commencing November 18, 1995. Accordingly,
the following selected information by major business segment includes the
historical results of Marshalls only from and after November 18, 1995.
 
     On May 24, 1996, the Company's subsidiary Chadwick's of Boston, Ltd., which
conducts the Company's off-price catalog operation, filed with the Commission a
Registration Statement related to the sale by the Company in an underwritten
offering of up to 9,260,000 shares (or approximately 61%), excluding 1,389,000
shares (or approximately 9%) subject to an underwriters' over-allotment option,
of the common stock of Chadwick's.
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                      FISCAL YEAR ENDED                       13 WEEKS ENDED
                                                     ----------------------------------------------------   -------------------
                                                     JAN. 25,   JAN. 30,   JAN. 29,   JAN. 28,   JAN. 27,   APR. 29,   APR. 27.
                                                       1992       1993       1994       1995       1996       1995       1996
                                                     --------   --------   --------   --------   --------   --------   --------
                                                                                   (IN MILLIONS)
<S>                                                  <C>        <C>        <C>        <C>        <C>        <C>        <C>
NET SALES:
  Off-price family apparel stores..................  $2,207.2   $2,588.6   $2,832.1   $3,055.6   $3,896.7   $  700.7   $1,452.9
  Off-price catalog operation......................     173.4      290.7      421.4      433.5      472.4      116.6      132.0
  Off-price home fashion stores....................        --         --         --         --       78.4       13.1       19.3
                                                     --------   --------   --------   --------   --------   --------   --------
                                                     $2,380.6   $2,879.3   $3,253.5   $3,489.1   $4,447.5   $  830.4   $1,604.2
                                                     ========   ========   ========   ========   ========   ========   ========
OPERATING INCOME (LOSS):
  Off-price family apparel stores(1)...............  $  180.9   $  216.7   $  236.9   $  208.6   $  188.0   $   32.9   $   67.1
  Off-price catalog operation......................      13.4       23.0       24.7        6.1       26.6        5.2       12.9
  Off-price home fashion stores(2).................        --         --         --         --      (13.4)      (1.5)      (2.6)
                                                     --------   --------   --------   --------   --------   --------   --------
                                                        194.3      239.7      261.6      214.7      201.2       36.6       77.4
  General corporate expense(3).....................      14.0       29.2       33.9       39.4       45.5       10.1       10.2
  Goodwill amortization............................       2.6        2.6        2.6        2.6        2.6         .7         .7
  Interest expense, net............................      24.4       24.1       17.9       24.5       44.2        8.5       15.1
                                                     --------   --------   --------   --------   --------   --------   --------
  Income from continuing operations before income
    taxes, extraordinary items and cumulative
    effects of accounting changes..................  $  153.3   $  183.8   $  207.2   $  148.2   $  108.9   $   17.3   $   51.4
                                                     ========   ========   ========   ========   ========   ========   ========
DEPRECIATION AND AMORTIZATION:
  Off-price family apparel stores..................  $   40.0   $   44.2   $   47.4   $   53.6   $   69.6   $   14.9   $   27.9
  Off-price catalog operation......................       2.4        3.7        5.1        6.3        7.1        1.8        1.8
  Off-price home fashion stores....................        --         --         --         --        1.8         .5         .5
  Corporate, including goodwill....................       3.4        3.9        4.7        6.4        7.4        1.4        1.9
                                                     --------   --------   --------   --------   --------   --------   --------
                                                     $   45.8   $   51.8   $   57.2   $   66.3   $   85.9   $   18.6   $   32.1
                                                     ========   ========   ========   ========   ========   ========   ========

<FN> 
- ---------------
 
(1) Fiscal 1996 includes a charge of $35 million relating to the closing of
    approximately 30 T.J. Maxx stores in connection with the acquisition of
    Marshalls.
 
(2) Fiscal 1996 includes a charge of $3.8 million for certain restructuring
    costs of the HomeGoods operation.
 
(3) General corporate expense includes the net results of HomeGoods since its
    inception in fiscal 1993 through the end of fiscal 1995. General corporate
    expense also includes the net results of T.K. Maxx in all periods presented
    since its inception in fiscal 1994, costs associated with the Company's
    former Value Mart operation for fiscal 1993 and the net results of the
    Cosmopolitan catalog for fiscal 1996.
</TABLE>
 
                                       15
<PAGE>   98
 
                MANAGEMENT'S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF RESULTS
                     OF OPERATIONS AND FINANCIAL CONDITION
 
     On September 30, 1995, the Company sold its Hit or Miss division. This
transaction was accounted for as a discontinued operation and all historical
results of the Hit or Miss division have been reclassified to discontinued
operations for comparative purposes.
 
     On November 17, 1995, the Company acquired the Marshalls off-price family
apparel chain from Melville Corporation. Under the purchase method of
accounting, the assets and liabilities and results of operations associated with
the acquired business have been included in the Company's financial position and
results of operations since the date acquired. Accordingly, the financial
position and results of operations of the Company as of, and for the periods
ending, January 27, 1996 and April 27, 1996, are not directly comparable to the
financial position and results of operations of the Company for prior periods,
and are not necessarily indicative of the financial position and results of
operations that may be reported by the Company for future periods. The following
discussion should be read in conjunction with the consolidated financial
statements and notes thereto contained elsewhere in this report.
 
     On May 24, 1996, the Company's subsidiary Chadwick's of Boston, Ltd. filed
with the Commission a Registration Statement (File No. 333-4427) related to the
sale by the Company in an underwritten public offering of up to 9,260,000 shares
(or approximately 61%), excluding 1,389,000 shares (or approximately 9%) subject
to an underwriters' over-allotment option, of the common stock of Chadwick's,
which operates the Chadwick's of Boston fashion catalog. The Company expects to
reduce its ownership interest in Chadwick's over time, subject to prevailing
market and other conditions.
 
RESULTS OF OPERATIONS
 
  Thirteen Weeks Ended April 27, 1996 versus Thirteen Weeks Ended April 29, 1995
 
     Net sales from continuing operations for the first quarter were $1,604.2
million, up 93% from $830.4 million last year. The increase in sales is
primarily attributable to the acquisition of Marshalls. Same store sales
increased by 5% at T.J. Maxx, 4% at Winners, 7% at Marshalls and 5% at
HomeGoods. Chadwick's experienced a 13% increase in net sales.
 
     Income from continuing operations was $30.1 million, or $.33 per common
share, versus $9.5 million or $.11 per common share, last year. Net income for
the period ended April 29, 1995, after reflecting Hit or Miss as a discontinued
operation, was $8.1 million or $.09 per common share.
 
<TABLE>
     The following table sets forth operating results expressed as a percentage
of net sales (continuing operations):
 
<CAPTION>
                                                                       PERCENTAGE OF NET SALES
                                                                 -----------------------------------
                                                                           13 WEEKS ENDED
                                                                 -----------------------------------
                                                                 APRIL 27, 1996       APRIL 29, 1995
                                                                 --------------       --------------
<S>                                                                   <C>                  <C>
Net sales......................................................       100.0%               100.0%
                                                                      -----                -----
Cost of sales, included buying and occupancy costs.............        77.3                 76.4
Selling, general and administrative expenses...................        18.5                 20.5
Interest expense, net..........................................         1.0                  1.0
                                                                      -----                -----
Income from continuing operations before income taxes..........         3.2%                 2.1%
                                                                      =====                =====
</TABLE>
 
     Cost of sales including buying and occupancy costs as a percent of net
sales increased from the prior year. This increase is the result of Chadwick's
smaller pro rata share of consolidated results, due to the Marshalls
acquisition, as Chadwick's operates with a lower cost of sales ratio than the
Company's store operations.
 
     Selling, general and administrative expenses, as a percentage of net sales,
decreased from the prior year. This improvement is primarily the result of a
decrease in Chadwick's pro rata share of consolidated results, due to the
Marshalls acquisition, as Chadwick's operates at a higher selling, general and
administrative expense ratio than the Company's store operations.
 
                                       16
<PAGE>   99
 
     The increase in interest expense for the quarter ended April 1996 versus
April 1995 is due to interest on the $200 million of notes issued in June 1995
and on the $375 million term loan incurred for the acquisition of Marshalls.
 
     The decrease in the effective income tax rate reflects the tax benefits on
foreign operating losses realizable due to a corporate restructuring of certain
foreign subsidiaries that took place in the second half of fiscal 1996.
 
<TABLE>
     The following table sets forth the operating results of the Company's major
business segments: (unaudited)
 
<CAPTION>
                                                                           THIRTEEN WEEKS ENDED
                                                                          -----------------------
                                                                          APRIL 27,     APRIL 29,
                                                                            1996          1995
                                                                          ---------     ---------
                                                                               (IN MILLIONS)
<S>                                                                       <C>           <C>
Net sales:
  Off-price family apparel stores.....................................     $1,452.9        $700.7
  Off-price catalog operation.........................................        132.0         116.6
  Off-price home fashion stores.......................................         19.3          13.1
                                                                           --------        ------
                                                                                  -             -
                                                                           $1,604.2        $830.4
                                                                           =========       =======
Operating income (loss):
  Off-price family apparel stores.....................................     $   67.1        $ 32.9
  Off-price catalog operation.........................................         12.9           5.2
  Off-price home fashion stores.......................................         (2.6)         (1.5)
                                                                           --------        ------
                                                                                  -             -
                                                                               77.4          36.6
General corporate expense (1).........................................         10.2          10.1
Goodwill amortization.................................................           .7            .7
Interest expense, net.................................................         15.1           8.5
                                                                           --------        ------
                                                                                  -             -
Income from continuing operations before income taxes.................     $   51.4        $ 17.3
                                                                           =========       ======

<FN>
- ---------------
 
(1) General corporate expense for the thirteen weeks ended April 27, 1996
    includes the net operating results of T.K. Maxx. General Corporate expense
    for the thirteen weeks ended April 29, 1995 includes the net operating
    results of T.K. Maxx and the Cosmopolitan catalog.
</TABLE>
 
     The off-price family apparel stores segment, T.J. Maxx, Marshalls, and
Winners more than doubled its operating profit primarily due to the benefits of
the Marshalls acquisition. This segment's operating results reflect its strong
sales performance along with tight inventory control. Chadwick's recorded an
increase in operating income due to a strong response to the spring catalog and
its improved ability to meet customer demand in the first quarter of this year
versus last year's first quarter.
 
<TABLE>
     Stores in operation at the end of the period are as follows:
 
<CAPTION>
                                                                APRIL 27, 1996     APRIL 29, 1995
                                                                --------------     --------------
    <S>                                                               <C>                <C>
    T.J. Maxx...............................................          590                558
    Marshalls...............................................          494                 --
    Winners.................................................           57                 39
    HomeGoods...............................................           23                 19
    T.K. Maxx...............................................            9                  6
</TABLE>
 
  Fiscal Year Ended January 27, 1996 versus Fiscal Year Ended January 28, 1995
and Fiscal Year Ended January 28, 1995 versus Fiscal Year Ended January 29, 1994
 
     Continuing Operations. Income from continuing operations before
extraordinary item and cumulative effect of accounting changes ("income from
continuing operations") was $63.6 million in fiscal 1996 versus
 
                                       17
<PAGE>   100
 
$86.6 million and $124.6 million in fiscal 1995 and 1994, respectively. Income
from continuing operations per common share, on a fully diluted basis, was $.74
in fiscal 1996, versus $1.08 in fiscal 1995 and $1.58 in fiscal 1994. The
results for fiscal 1996 include a $35 million pre-tax ($21 million after-tax)
charge for closing certain T.J. Maxx stores in connection with the acquisition
of Marshalls. Excluding the $35 million pre-tax charge, income from continuing
operations for fiscal 1996 would have been $84.6 million, or $1.03 per share.
 
     Net sales for fiscal 1996 increased 27.5% to $4.45 billion from $3.49
billion in 1995. Net sales for fiscal 1995 increased 7.2% to $3.49 billion from
$3.25 billion in fiscal 1994. Same store sales, on a consolidated basis,
decreased 2% in fiscal 1996, and were flat in fiscal 1995. The above
consolidated sales and same store sales results include those for Marshalls for
the post-acquisition period.
 
     On a divisional basis, same stores sales at T.J. Maxx were down 2% in
fiscal 1996 and flat in fiscal 1995. Same store sales for Marshalls from the
date of acquisition in mid-November decreased 1%. Winners achieved same store
sales increases of 7% in fiscal 1996 and 10% in fiscal 1995. The continuation of
weak apparel sales in the U.S. as well as the highly promotional retail
environment were factors affecting sales in both fiscal 1995 and fiscal 1996 for
the off-price family apparel segment. Sales for Chadwick's increased 9% in
fiscal 1996 and 3% in fiscal 1995. This division had experienced rapid growth in
the years prior to fiscal 1995 which put a strain on its operations, and in
fiscal 1995, had a negative impact on the division's ability to service its
customers. Chadwick's made considerable progress in correcting these
difficulties and improving its profitability in fiscal 1996. Lastly, HomeGoods,
whose results are reported as a separate segment beginning in fiscal 1996,
experienced a same store sales increase of 1%.
 
     Cost of sales, including buying and occupancy costs, as a percentage of net
sales, was 77.1%, 75.8% and 74.7% in fiscal 1996, 1995 and 1994, respectively.
The increase in this percentage in both fiscal 1996 and 1995 reflects higher
than planned markdowns taken as a result of the weak apparel environment and the
highly promotional retail environment. In addition, the increase in fiscal 1996
reflects the inclusion of HomeGoods in the detailed consolidated results of the
Company as HomeGoods operated at a lower margin in fiscal 1996 than the other
divisions.
 
     Selling, general and administrative expenses as a percentage of net sales
were 18.7% in fiscal 1996, 19.3% in fiscal 1995 and 18.4% in fiscal 1994. The
decrease in the ratio in fiscal 1996 versus 1995 reflects the inclusion of
Marshalls in the Company's consolidated results, as Marshalls operates at an
expense ratio closer to that of T.J. Maxx versus the other divisions. The
expense ratio for fiscal 1996 also reflects the benefits realized by Chadwick's
due to operational improvements made at this division. The increase in fiscal
1995 in this expense ratio, versus fiscal 1994, is primarily attributable to the
Chadwick's division. Chadwick's had an expense ratio increase in fiscal 1995
primarily due to increased production and postage costs of its catalogs and
order processing costs.
 
     The Company recorded a pre-tax charge of $35 million in fiscal 1996 for the
closing of approximately 30 T.J. Maxx stores in connection with the acquisition
of Marshalls. The Company also expects to close approximately 170 Marshalls
stores for which a reserve was established in the allocation of the purchase
price under the purchase accounting method. These reserves are primarily
estimates for the costs associated with subletting or otherwise disposing of
store leases.
 
     Interest expense was $44.2 million in fiscal 1996, $24.5 million in fiscal
1995 and $17.9 million in fiscal 1994. The increase in fiscal 1996 versus fiscal
1995 is primarily due to additional borrowings, including a $45 million real
estate mortgage, issued in December 1994, but which was prepaid as a result of
the Marshalls acquisition, a $375 million term loan to fund the cash portion of
the purchase price of the Marshalls acquisition and $200 million of notes issued
in June 1995 under the Company's shelf registration statement. The increase in
fiscal 1995 versus fiscal 1994 also reflects increased borrowing levels as well
as increased rates. The comparison of fiscal 1995 to fiscal 1994 is impacted by
$2 million of interest income included in fiscal 1994 associated with a federal
tax refund.
 
     The Company's effective income tax rate was 42% in fiscal 1996 and 1995 and
40% in fiscal 1994. The increase in the effective rate in fiscal 1996 and 1995
is primarily attributable to the Company's entry into the United Kingdom where a
net operating loss carryforward has been incurred. The difference in the U.S.
federal
 
                                       18
<PAGE>   101
 
statutory tax rate and the Company's worldwide effective income tax rate in each
fiscal year is primarily attributable to the effective state income tax rate,
with the additional impact in fiscal 1996 and 1995 of the aforementioned net
operating loss carryforward attributable to the Company's entry into the United
Kingdom.
 
     Discontinued Operations and Net Income. Net income for fiscal 1996 includes
a loss on the disposal of the Hit or Miss discontinued operation, net of income
taxes, of $31.7 million. The results of the Hit or Miss division prior to the
sale have been reclassified as income (loss) from discontinued operations, net
of income taxes, which includes a loss of $2.3 million in fiscal 1996, a loss of
$4.0 million in fiscal 1995 and income of $2.4 million in fiscal 1994.
 
     In addition, in fiscal 1996, in connection with the Marshalls acquisition
and the new bank credit agreement (described below), the Company prepaid its $45
million real estate mortgage on its Chadwick's fulfillment center and incurred
an after-tax extraordinary charge for the early retirement of debt of $3.3
million, or $.05 per common share. In fiscal 1994, the Company recorded an
after-tax charge of $2.7 million, or $.04 per common share, for the cumulative
effect of accounting changes.
 
     Net income, after reflecting the above items, was $26.3 million, or $.23
per common share, in fiscal 1996, $82.6 million, or $1.03 per common share, in
fiscal 1995 and $124.4 million, or $1.58 per common share, in fiscal 1994.
 
CAPITAL SOURCES AND LIQUIDITY
 
     Net cash provided by operating activities was $233.6 million, $103.4
million and $75.0 million in fiscal 1996, 1995 and 1994, respectively. The
increase in cash provided by operating activities in fiscal 1996 versus that of
fiscal 1995 was primarily attributable to the timing of the Marshalls
acquisition and the resulting favorable cash flow of the holiday selling season.
The Company also experienced an increase in cash provided by operations in
fiscal 1995 versus fiscal 1994 despite reduced net income in fiscal 1995. The
impact of the lower net income in fiscal 1995 was offset by an increase in
consolidated accounts payable to merchandise inventory ratio and lower payments
against the Company's discontinued operations reserve. Cash flows from operating
and financing activities for the quarter ended April 27, 1996 reflect increases
in inventories and accounts payable, which are primarily due to normal seasonal
requirements. The improvement in cash provided by operating activities in the
quarter ended April 27, 1996 versus the quarter ended April 29, 1995 reflects
stronger sales and tight inventory controls. Short term borrowings at the end of
the first quarter ended April 1996 were lower than at the end of the same
quarter in 1995. The decrease in short term borrowings in the first quarter
ended April 1996 versus April 1995 is a result of the strong cash position at
the end of fiscal 1996 which reflected the benefits from the timing of the
Marshalls acquisition and the resulting favorable cash flow of the holiday
selling season. Cash flows from operating activities over the next several years
will be impacted by the settlements and disposition of leases associated with
both the Company's discontinued operations reserve and the store closing and
restructuring reserves. The Company's reserve for store closing and
restructuring in respect of continuing operations was $251.6 million at the end
of fiscal 1996, and the reserve for discontinued operations was $25.3 million.
 
     Inventories as a percentage of net sales were 30.2% in fiscal 1996, 25.5%
in fiscal 1995 and 22.1% in fiscal 1994. The fiscal 1996 percentage is not
comparable since Marshalls net sales are included only from November 18, 1995.
Using pro forma net sales for fiscal 1996, which assumes Marshalls was acquired
at the beginning of the fiscal year, inventories as a percentage of net sales in
fiscal 1996 would be 20.5%. The higher percentage in fiscal 1995 versus fiscal
1994 and the lower pro forma percentage for fiscal 1996 versus fiscal 1995
reflect higher warehouse inventory related to opportunistic merchandise
purchases and a larger percentage of spring merchandise on hand at the end of
fiscal 1995. Working capital was $409.2 million in fiscal 1996, $277.2 million
in fiscal 1995 and $285.4 million in fiscal 1994. The increase in working
capital in fiscal 1996 is primarily attributable to the acquisition of
Marshalls.
 
                                       19
<PAGE>   102
 
<TABLE>
     The Company's cash flows from investing activities include capital
expenditures for the last two years as set forth in the table below:
 
<CAPTION>
                                                                   FISCAL YEAR ENDED
                                                                        JANUARY
                                                                 ---------------------
                                                                  1996           1995
                                                                 ------         ------
                                                                     (IN MILLIONS)
        <S>                                                      <C>            <C>
        New stores.............................................  $ 44.6         $ 53.2
        Store renovations and improvements.....................    36.5           40.0
        Office and distribution centers........................    30.7           26.8
                                                                 ------         ------
        Capital expenditures...................................  $111.8         $120.0
                                                                 ======         ======
</TABLE>
 
     Capital expenditures for both fiscal 1996 and 1995 emphasized new stores
and store renovations.
 
     The Company expects that capital expenditures will approximate $150 million
for fiscal 1997 including approximately $46 million for new stores, primarily
T.J. Maxx and Marshalls; $69 million for improvements to existing stores,
primarily T.J. Maxx and Marshalls; and approximately $35 million for office and
distribution centers.
 
     Investing activities for fiscal 1996 include $378.7 million paid for the
acquisition of Marshalls. In addition
to the cash outlay for the acquisition of Marshalls, the Company issued $175
million of convertible junior preferred stock. See Note E to the consolidated
financial statements for further information on the preferred stock issued. The
total purchase price for Marshalls reflected in these financials, including
acquisition costs and a purchase price adjustment paid subsequent to the end of
fiscal 1996, totals $606 million.
 
     Lastly, investing activities for fiscal 1996 reflect proceeds of $3 million
for the sale of the Hit or Miss division. The Company also received a $10
million note, due in seven years with 10% interest.
 
     Financing Activities. In June 1995, the Company filed a shelf registration
statement with the Securities and Exchange Commission, which provides for the
issuance of up to $250 million of long-term debt. In June 1995, the Company
issued $200 million of long-term notes under the registration statement. The
proceeds were used, in part, to repay short-term borrowings and for general
corporate purposes, including new store and capital expenditures, and the
repayment of scheduled maturities of other outstanding long-term debt. During
fiscal 1995 and fiscal 1994, the Company borrowed an aggregate of $57.5 million
under its medium term note program, (which was replaced by the shelf
registration statement mentioned above). The aggregate borrowings under the
medium term note program were used entirely to fund the Company's investments in
its Canadian and United Kingdom operations.
 
     In connection with the purchase of Marshalls, the Company entered into an
unsecured $875 million bank credit agreement under which the Company borrowed
$375 million on a term loan basis to fund the cash portion of the Marshalls
purchase price. The Company may also borrow up to an additional $500 million on
a revolving loan basis for the working capital needs of the Company. Interest is
payable on the borrowings at rates equal to or less than prime. Subsequent to
year-end, the Company entered into two interest rate swap agreements which in
essence provide for a fixed rate of 5.9% on $200 million of the $375 million
term loan. The term loan matures on November 17, 2000, and the revolving loan
expires on November 17, 1998. The new agreement has certain financial covenants
which include a minimum net worth requirement and certain leverage and fixed
charge ratios. In connection with this financing arrangement, the Company
canceled its former committed U.S. short-term credit lines and prepaid its $45
million real estate mortgage on its Chadwick's fulfillment center, issued in
December 1994. The Company incurred an after-tax extraordinary charge of $3.3
million on the early retirement of this debt.
 
     The Company declared quarterly dividends on its common stock of $.14 per
share in fiscal 1995 and for the first three quarters of fiscal 1996. In
connection with the acquisition of Marshalls, the Company reduced the quarterly
dividend to $.07 per common share effective with the dividend payable for the
fourth quarter of fiscal 1996. Annual dividends on common stock totaled $35.5
million in fiscal 1996 and $41.6 million in fiscal 1995. The Company also has
dividend requirements on its outstanding Series A and Series C Preferred Stock
which totaled $7.2 million in each of fiscal 1996 and 1995, as well as dividend
requirements on the new
 
                                       20
<PAGE>   103
 
Series D and Series E junior Preferred Stock issued in the acquisition of
Marshalls. Series D Preferred Stock carries an annual dividend of $0.5 million
and the Series E Preferred Stock carries an annual dividend of $10.5 million. An
aggregate of $9.4 million of preferred dividends is reflected in investing
activities for fiscal 1996. During fiscal 1995, the Company repurchased 1.1
million shares of Common Stock for a cost of $19.3 million under a stock
buy-back program, which the Company terminated due to the acquisition of
Marshalls.
 
     The Company has traditionally funded its seasonal merchandise requirements
through short-term bank borrowings and the issuance of short-term commercial
paper. The Company has the ability to borrow up to $500 million on a revolving
loan basis under its bank agreement. As of January 27, 1996, the entire $500
million was available for use. The maximum amount of short-term borrowings
outstanding during fiscal 1996, 1995 and 1994 was $200 million, $181.5 million
and $133 million, respectively. The Company also has C$20 million of committed
lines for its Canadian operations, all of which were available as of January 27,
1996. Management believes that the Company's internally generated funds along
with the available credit facility and credit lines and existing cash balances
are adequate to meet its needs.
 
   
     Chadwick's Offering. On May 24, 1996, Chadwick's of Boston, Ltd., a holding
company formed to own the off-price catalog operation of the Company, filed a
Registration Statement with the Securities and Exchange Commission pursuant to
which the Company intends to sell to the public 9,260,000 shares of common stock
of Chadwick's. An additional 1,389,000 shares of common stock are subject to an
over-allotment option granted to the underwriters. After the offering, the
Company will own approximately 30%-39% (depending on the amount of the
underwriters' over-allotment option exercised) of the outstanding shares of
common stock of Chadwick's. It is currently anticipated that the initial
offering price will be between $16.00 and $18.00 per share. The Company intends
to use the proceeds from the stock sale to pay down a portion of the bank
financing taken on to acquire Marshalls. The Company is required to redeem the
outstanding Series D Preferred Stock, which are held by the Selling Stockholder,
with proceeds from the stock sale but it anticipates, based on current market
prices, that the holder of the Series D Preferred Stock will convert its shares
into Common Stock upon a call for redemption.
    
 
     There can be no assurance that the offering reflected in the Chadwick's
Registration Statement will be made or consummated or, if the offering is
consummated, that the amount of shares sold or the initial public offering price
per share will be as reflected in the Chadwick's Registration Statement.

 
                              SELLING STOCKHOLDER
 
   
     All of the 350,000 shares of Series E Preferred Stock which may be offered
from time to time hereby will be sold by Nashua Hollis CVS, Inc. (the "Selling
Stockholder"), a wholly owned subsidiary of Melville Corporation ("Melville").
    
 
   
     In connection with the acquisition of Marshalls, the Company issued to
Melville 1,500,000 shares of Series E Preferred Stock. Melville subsequently
transferred the shares of Series E Preferred Stock to the Selling Stockholder.
On June 28, 1996, the Selling Stockholder sold 1,150,000 shares of Series E
Preferred Stock pursuant to an underwritten public offering. In addition to the
shares of Series E Preferred Stock, the Company also issued to Melville in
connection with the Marshalls acquisition 250,000 shares of Series D Preferred
Stock (which also were subsequently transferred to the Selling Stockholder). The
shares of Series D Preferred Stock are convertible into shares of Common Stock
ranging in number from 1,349,528 to 2,024,292 (subject to adjustment in the
event of stock splits, reverse stock splits and similar events). See
"Description of Capital Stock - Series D Preferred Stock." Neither Melville nor
the Selling Stockholder owns any other equity securities of the Company.
    
 
   
     Subject to the Lockup Period described below and the Standstill and
Registration Rights Agreement referred to below, the Selling Stockholder
currently intends to proceed as soon as practicable with the public sale of the
remaining shares of Series E Preferred Stock held by it, but has no current
plans to dispose of the Series D Preferred Stock. Melville intends to evaluate
and review market, industry and general economic conditions (including the
Company's common stock price) from time to time, and based on such prevailing
conditions and the Company's stock price at the time, there can be no assurance
as to when or whether the
    
 
                                       21
<PAGE>   104
 
   
Selling Stockholder will proceed with such public sale of Series E Preferred
Stock. In addition, Melville may consider from time to time various alternative
courses of action as permitted by the Standstill and Registration Rights
Agreement. Such actions may include, in circumstances permitted by the
Standstill and Registration Rights Agreement and subject to the Lockup Period,
the sale of all or a portion of the Company's Series D Preferred Stock and
Series E Preferred Stock held by the Selling Stockholder (or common stock
issuable upon conversion of some or all of such preferred stock) in the open
market, in privately negotiated transactions, through an underwritten public
offering or otherwise. See "Plan of Distribution."
    
 
   
     In connection with the sale of 1,150,000 shares of Series E Preferred Stock
on June 28, 1996 pursuant to an underwritten public offering, the Selling
Stockholder agreed that without the prior written consent of Morgan Stanley &
Co. Incorporated, as representative of the underwriters in such offering, of it
would not, during the 30-day period ending on July 24, 1996 (the "Lockup
Period"), offer, pledge, sell, contract to sell, sell any option or contract to
purchase, purchase any option or contract to sell, grant any option, right or
warrant to purchase or otherwise transfer or dispose of, directly or indirectly,
any shares of Series E Preferred Stock, any shares of Common Stock or any
securities convertible into or exercisable or exchangeable for Common Stock
(including the Series D Preferred Stock).
    
 
   
     The Company and Melville entered into an agreement dated as of November 17,
1995 (the "Standstill and Registration Rights Agreement"), a copy of which is
incorporated by reference as an exhibit to the Registration Statement of which
this Prospectus is a part, pursuant to which the Company agreed to register the
offer and sale of the shares of the Series E Preferred Stock held by the Selling
Stockholder, including the shares of the Series E Preferred Stock offered
hereby, under the Securities Act, and the Selling Stockholder and Melville and
the Company agreed to indemnify each other against certain liabilities,
including liabilities under the Securities Act in connection with the sale of
the shares pursuant to a registered public offering contemplated by the
Standstill and Registration Rights Agreement. Pursuant to the Standstill and
Registration Rights Agreement, the Selling Stockholder is required to pay the
underwriting discounts and commissions and expenses of its legal counsel and
accountants associated with the offering, and the Company is generally required
to pay all of the other expenses directly associated with the offering,
including, without limitation, the cost of registering the shares offered
hereby, including applicable registration and filing fees, printing expenses and
applicable expenses for legal counsel and accountants incurred by the Company.
    
 
                    DESCRIPTION OF SERIES E PREFERRED STOCK
 
   
     The following summary description of the Series E Preferred Stock does not
purport to be complete and is subject to, and qualified in its entirety by
reference to, the Restated Certificate of Incorporation of the Company, as
amended (the "Certificate"), the Certificates of Designation with respect to the
Series E Preferred Stock and the By-Laws of the Company (the "By-Laws"), copies
of which are incorporated by reference as exhibits to the Registration Statement
relating to the offering herein.
    
 
RANKING
 
   
     On November 17, 1995, the Company issued 1,500,000 shares of Series E
Preferred Stock in a private placement. The Series E Preferred Stock ranks
senior to the Common Stock and on a parity with the Series D Preferred Stock and
the Series C Preferred Stock, with respect to the payment of dividends and upon
liquidation, dissolution or winding up. The Company may not, without the consent
of two-thirds of the votes of the holders of the outstanding shares of Series E
Preferred Stock and all other outstanding shares of preferred stock of the
Company (the "Preferred Stock"), ranking on a parity with the Series E Preferred
Stock either as to dividends or upon liquidation, dissolution or winding up,
voting together as a single class, create, authorize or issue, or reclassify any
authorized stock of the Company into, or create, authorize or issue any
obligation or security convertible into or evidencing a right to purchase, any
shares of any class of stock of the Company ranking prior to the Series E
Preferred Stock or ranking prior to any other series of Preferred Stock which
ranks on a parity with the Series E Preferred Stock. However, the Company may
create additional classes of stock or issue series of Preferred Stock ranking on
a parity with the Series E Preferred Stock with respect to the payment of
dividends or upon liquidation, dissolution and winding up without the consent of
any holder of Series E Preferred Stock.
    
 
                                       22
<PAGE>   105
 
DIVIDENDS
 
     Holders of shares of Series E Preferred Stock are entitled to receive, when
and as declared by the Board of Directors of the Company out of assets of the
Company legally available for payment, cash dividends at an annual rate of $7.00
per each share of Series E Preferred Stock, payable in arrears on January 1,
April 1, July 1 and October 1 of each year commencing January 1, 1996. Each
dividend is payable to holders of record as they appear on the stock register of
the Company on a record date, not more than 60 nor less than 10 days before the
payment date, fixed by the Board of Directors of the Company. Dividends are
cumulative and accrue on a daily basis from the date of original issuance of the
Series E Preferred Stock. Dividends payable on the Series E Preferred Stock for
each full quarterly dividend period are computed by annualizing the dividend
rate and dividing by four. Dividends payable for any period greater or less than
a full dividend period are computed on the basis of a 360-day year consisting of
twelve 30-day months. The Series E Preferred Stock is not entitled to any
dividend, whether payable in cash, property or stock, in excess of Full
Cumulative Dividends. No interest is payable in respect of any accrued and
unpaid dividends.
 
     Unless Full Cumulative Dividends on all outstanding shares of any series of
Preferred Stock ranking senior to the Series E Preferred Stock have been paid or
declared and set aside for payment for all past dividend payment periods, no
dividend may be declared on shares of the Series E Preferred Stock (other than a
dividend paid in stock ranking junior to any series of Preferred Stock ranking
senior to the Series E Preferred Stock as to dividends), nor may shares of the
Series E Preferred Stock be redeemed or purchased by the Company nor any sinking
fund payment made for such redemption or purchase (other than a purchase or
redemption made by issue or delivery of stock ranking junior to any Series of
Preferred Stock ranking senior to the Series E Preferred Stock as to dividends,
or upon liquidation, dissolution or winding up). Unless Full Cumulative
Dividends on all outstanding shares of the Series E Preferred Stock have been
paid or declared and set aside for payment for all past dividend payment
periods, no dividend (other than a dividend paid in stock ranking junior to the
Series E Preferred Stock as to dividends) may be declared on any stock ranking
junior to the Series E Preferred Stock as to dividends, nor may any stock
ranking junior to the Series E Preferred Stock as to dividends or upon
liquidation, dissolution or winding up be redeemed or purchased by the Company
nor any sinking fund payment made for such redemption or purchase (other than a
purchase or redemption made by issue or delivery of stock ranking junior to the
Series E Preferred Stock as to dividends or upon liquidation, dissolution or
winding up); provided that, unless prohibited by the terms of any other
outstanding series of Preferred Stock, any monies theretofore deposited in any
sinking fund with respect to any Preferred Stock in compliance with the terms
thereof may thereafter be applied in accordance with the terms thereof. If
dividends on Series E Preferred Stock and on any other series of Preferred Stock
ranking on a parity as to dividends with the Series E Preferred Stock are in
arrears, any dividend payment on account of such arrearage must be made ratably
upon all outstanding shares of the Series E Preferred Stock and such other
series of Preferred Stock in proportion to the respective amounts of Full
Cumulative Dividends.
 
LIQUIDATION RIGHTS
 
     In the event of any voluntary or involuntary liquidation, dissolution or
winding up of the Company not including mergers, consolidations and sale of all
or substantially all assets, before any payment or distribution of assets
(whether from capital or surplus) is made to holders of the Series E Preferred
Stock upon liquidation, dissolution or winding up, the holders of each class or
series of Preferred Stock ranking senior to the Series E Preferred Stock upon
liquidation, dissolution or winding up shall be entitled to receive full payment
of their liquidation preferences. In the event of any voluntary or involuntary
liquidation, dissolution or winding up of the Company, before any payment or
distribution of assets (whether from capital or surplus) is made to holders of
Common Stock or any other stock of the Company ranking junior to the Series E
Preferred Stock upon liquidation, dissolution or winding up, the holders of the
Series E Preferred Stock shall receive a liquidation preference of $100 per
share and shall be entitled to receive all accrued and unpaid dividends through
the date of distribution, and the holders of any class or series of Preferred
Stock ranking on a parity with the Series E Preferred Stock as to liquidation,
dissolution or winding up shall be entitled to receive the full respective
liquidation preferences (including any premium) to which they are entitled and
shall receive all accrued and unpaid dividends with respect to their respective
shares through and including the date of distribution. If, upon such a voluntary
or involuntary liquidation, dissolution or winding up of the Company,
 
                                       23
<PAGE>   106
 
the assets of the Company are insufficient to pay in full the amounts described
above as payable with respect to the Series E Preferred Stock and any class or
series of Preferred Stock of the Company ranking on a parity with the Series E
Preferred Stock as to liquidation, dissolution or winding up, the holders of the
Series E Preferred Stock and of such other class or series of Preferred Stock
will share ratably in any such distribution of assets of the Company first in
proportion to their respective liquidation preferences until such preferences
are paid in full, and then in proportion to their respective amounts of accrued
but unpaid dividends. After payment of any such liquidating preference and
accrued dividends, the Series E Preferred Stock will not be entitled to any
further participation in any distribution of assets by the Company. Neither the
sale of all or substantially all the assets of the Company, nor the merger or
consolidation of the Company into or with any other corporation, will be deemed
to be a liquidation, dissolution or winding up of the Company.
 
REDEMPTION
 
     Shares of Series E Preferred Stock are not redeemable at the option of the
Company.
 
VOTING RIGHTS
 
     Except as indicated below or as expressly required by applicable law,
holders of Series E Preferred Stock have no voting rights.
 
     If the equivalent of six full quarterly dividends payable on the Series E
Preferred Stock are in arrears, the maximum authorized number of directors of
the Company will be increased by two and the holders of Series E Preferred
Stock, voting separately as a class with the holders of shares of any other
series of Preferred Stock ranking on a parity with the Series E Preferred Stock
and upon which like voting rights have been conferred and are exercisable, will
be entitled to elect two directors for successive one-year terms until all
dividends in arrears on the Series E Preferred Stock have been paid or declared
and set apart for payment. Upon payment or declaration and setting apart of
funds for payment of all such dividends in arrears, the term of office of each
director elected will immediately terminate and the number of directors
constituting the entire Board of Directors of the Company will be reduced by the
number of directors elected by the holders of the Series E Preferred Stock and
any other series of Preferred Stock ranking on a parity with the Series E
Preferred Stock as discussed above.
 
     The Company may not, without the affirmative vote or consent of two-thirds
of the votes of the holders of the Series E Preferred Stock and each other
series of Preferred Stock ranking on a parity with the Series E Preferred Stock
and upon which like voting rights have been conferred (voting together as a
single class), create, authorize or issue, or reclassify any authorized stock of
the Company into, or create, authorize or issue any obligation or security
convertible into or evidencing a right to purchase, any shares of any class of
stock of the Company ranking prior to the Series E Preferred Stock or any other
series of Preferred Stock which ranks on a parity with the Series E Preferred
Stock as to dividends or upon liquidation, dissolution or winding up. The
Company may not, without the affirmative vote or consent of two-thirds of the
votes of the holders of the outstanding shares of the Series E Preferred Stock
and each other series of Preferred Stock of the Company similarly affected, if
any, voting together as a single class, amend, alter or repeal any provision of
the Certificate which would materially and adversely affect the preferences,
rights, powers or privileges, qualification, limitations and restrictions of the
Series E Preferred Stock and any such other series of Preferred Stock; provided,
however, that the creation, issuance or increase in the amount of authorized
shares of any other series of Preferred Stock ranking on a parity with or junior
to the Series E Preferred Stock with respect to the payment of dividends or the
distribution of assets upon liquidation, dissolution or winding up of the
affairs of the Company will not be deemed to materially and adversely affect
such rights and preferences, privileges or voting powers.
 
CONVERSION
 
     On November 17, 1998 (the "Automatic Conversion Date"), unless earlier
converted at the option of the holder, each outstanding share of Series E
Preferred Stock shall convert automatically (the "Automatic Conversion") into
(i) shares of Common Stock at the Exchange Rate in effect on the Automatic
Conversion Date and (ii) the right to receive an amount in cash equal to Full
Cumulative Dividends on such share to the Automatic Conversion Date.
 
                                       24
<PAGE>   107
 
     Shares of Series E Preferred Stock may be converted, in whole or in part,
at the option of the holder thereof ("Optional Conversion"), at any time through
the close of business on the Business Day prior to November 17, 1998, into
shares of Common Stock at the Upper Exchange Rate.
 
     The Exchange Rate shall be subject to adjustment (under formulae set forth
in the Certificate of Designations) from time to time as appropriate in certain
circumstances, including if the Company shall (i) pay or make a dividend or
other distribution with respect to its Common Stock in shares of Common Stock
(including by way of reclassification of any shares of its Common Stock) to all
holders of Common Stock, (ii) subdivide its outstanding shares of Common Stock
into a greater number of shares of Common Stock or combine its outstanding
shares of Common Stock into a smaller number of shares of Common Stock, (iii)
issue certain rights or warrants to all holders of its Common Stock entitling
them (for a period not exceeding 45 days from the date of such issuance) to
subscribe for or purchase shares of Common Stock at a price less than the Fair
Market Value of the Common Stock on the record date for the determination of
stockholders entitled to receive such rights or warrants, or (iv) pay a dividend
or make a distribution to all holders of its Common Stock consisting of
evidences of its indebtedness or other assets (including shares of capital stock
of the Company other than Common Stock but excluding any cash dividends or other
distributions referred to in clauses (i) or (ii) above) or shall issue to all
holders of its Common Stock rights or warrants to subscribe for or purchase any
of its securities (other than those referred to in clause (iii) above).
Notwithstanding the foregoing, there will be no adjustment in the event the
Company were to issue rights to purchase capital stock of the Company pursuant
to a shareholder rights agreement. Anything in this paragraph notwithstanding,
the Company shall be entitled to make such upward adjustments in the Exchange
Rate, in addition to those required by this paragraph, as the Company in its
sole discretion shall determine to be advisable, in order that any stock
dividends, subdivision of shares, distribution of rights to purchase stock or
securities, or distribution of securities convertible into or exchangeable for
stock (or any transaction which could be treated as any of the foregoing
transactions pursuant to Section 305 of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as
amended) hereafter made by the Company to its stockholders shall not be taxable.
All adjustments to the Exchange Rate shall be calculated to the nearest
1/1,000,000th of a share of Common Stock. No adjustment in the Exchange Rate
shall be required unless such adjustment would require an increase or decrease
of at least one percent in the Exchange Rate; provided, however, that any
adjustments which by reason of the foregoing are not required to be made shall
be carried forward and taken into account in any subsequent adjustment. All
adjustments to the Exchange Rate shall be made successively. Before taking any
action that would cause an adjustment increasing the Exchange Rate such that the
conversion price (for purposes of this paragraph, an amount equal to the
liquidation value per each share of Series E Preferred Stock divided by the
Upper Exchange Rate as in effect from time to time) would be below the then par
value of the Common Stock, the Company will take any corporate action which may,
in the opinion of its counsel, be necessary in order that the Company may
validly and legally issue fully paid and nonassessable shares of Common Stock at
the Upper Exchange Rate as so adjusted.
 
     In case of any consolidation or merger to which the Company is a party
(other than a merger or consolidation in which the Company is the continuing
corporation and in which the Common Stock outstanding immediately prior to the
merger or consolidation remains unchanged), or in case of any sale or transfer
to another corporation of the property of the Company as an entirety or
substantially as an entirety, or in case of any statutory exchange of securities
with another corporation (other than in connection with a merger or
acquisition), proper provision shall be made so that each share of Series E
Preferred Stock shall, after consummation of such transaction, be subject to (i)
conversion at the option of the holder into the kind and amount of securities,
cash or other property receivable upon consummation of such transaction by a
holder of the number of shares of Common Stock into which such share of Series E
Preferred Stock would have been converted if the conversion had occurred
immediately prior to consummation of such transaction (based on the Exchange
Rate in effect immediately prior to such consummation) and (ii) conversion on
the Automatic Conversion Date into the kind and amount of securities, cash or
other property receivable upon consummation of such transaction by a holder of
the number of shares of Common Stock into which such share of Series E Preferred
Stock would have been converted if the conversion on the Automatic Conversion
Date had occurred immediately prior to the date of consummation of such
transaction (based on the Exchange Rate in effect immediately prior to such
consummation); assuming in each case that such holder of
 
                                       25
<PAGE>   108
 
Common Stock failed to exercise rights of election, if any, as to the kind or
amount of securities, cash or other property receivable upon consummation of
such transaction (provided that if the kind or amount of securities, cash or
other property receivable upon consummation of such transaction is not the same
for each nonelecting share, then the kind and amount of securities, cash or
other property receivable upon consummation of such transaction for each
nonelecting share shall be deemed to be the kind and amount so receivable per
share by a plurality of the nonelecting shares). The kind and amount of
securities into which the Series E Preferred Stock shall be convertible after
consummation of such transaction shall be subject to adjustment as described
above following the date of consummation of such transaction. The Company may
not become a party to any such transaction unless the terms thereof are
consistent with the foregoing.
 
FRACTIONAL SHARES
 
     No fractional shares or scrip representing fractional shares of Common
Stock shall be issued upon conversion of any shares of Series E Preferred Stock.
Instead of any fractional share of Common Stock that would otherwise be issuable
upon conversion of any shares of Series E Preferred Stock, the Company shall pay
a cash adjustment in respect of such fractional interest in an amount equal to
the same fraction of the Closing Price of a share of Common Stock (or, if there
is no such Closing Price, the fair market value of a share of Common Stock, as
determined or prescribed by the Board of Directors) at the close of business on
the Trading Day immediately preceding the date of conversion.
 
LISTING; TRANSFER AGENT
 
     The Series E Preferred Stock is listed on the NYSE under the Symbol "TJX
PrE". The transfer agent, registrar, dividend disbursing agent and redemption
agent for the Series E Preferred Stock will be Boston Equiserve, subject to the
right of the Company to designate another bank or trust company having its
principal office in the United States and having a combined capital and surplus
of at least $100,000,000 to assume some or all of such functions.
 
DEFINITIONS
 
     The following terms shall have the meanings indicated in respect of the
Series E Preferred Stock:
 
     "Base Number" shall mean the number derived from dividing $100 by $15.4375.
 
     "Business Day" shall mean any day other than a Saturday, Sunday, or a day
on which banking institutions in the State of New York or The Commonwealth of
Massachusetts are authorized or obligated by law or executive order to close or
a day which is or is declared a national or New York or Massachusetts state
holiday.
 
     "Closing Price" with respect to any securities on any day shall mean the
closing sale price regular way on such day or, in case no such sale takes place
on such day, the average of the reported closing bid and asked prices, regular
way, in each case on the New York Stock Exchange, or, if such security is not
listed or admitted to trading on such Exchange, on the principal national
securities exchange or quotation system on which such security is quoted or
listed or admitted to trading, or, if not quoted or listed or admitted to
trading on any national securities exchange or quotation system, the average of
the closing bid and asked prices of such security on the over-the-counter market
on the day in question as reported by the National Association of Securities
Dealers, Inc. Automated Quotation System, or a similarly generally accepted
reporting service, or if not so available, in such manner as furnished by any
New York Stock Exchange member firm selected from time to time by the Board of
Directors for that purpose or (solely in the case of Series C Preferred Stock) a
price determined in good faith by the Board of Directors.
 
     "Current Market Price" shall mean the average of the daily Closing Prices
per share of Common Stock for the ten consecutive Trading Days immediately prior
to the date in question; provided, however, that, if any event that results in
an adjustment of the Exchange Rate occurs during the period beginning on the
first day of such ten-day period and ending on the applicable conversion date,
the Current Market Price as determined pursuant to the foregoing shall be
appropriately adjusted to reflect the occurrence of such event.
 
     "Dividend Payment Date" shall mean January 1, April 1, July 1 and October 1
in each year.
 
                                       26
<PAGE>   109
 
     "Exchange Rate" for the Series E Preferred Stock shall be equal to (a) if
the Current Market Price on the date of determination is equal to or greater
than 120% of $15.4375 (the "Threshold Common Stock Price"), the number of shares
of Common Stock equal to 0.83333333 of the Base Number (the "Upper Exchange
Rate"), (b) if the Current Market Price on the date of determination is less
than the Threshold Common Stock Price but greater than $15.4375, the number of
shares of Common Stock having a value (determined at the Current Market Price)
equal to $100 per share of Series E Preferred Stock (the "Middle Exchange
Rate"), and (c) if the Current Market Price on the date of determination is
equal to or less than $15.4375, a number of shares of Common Stock (the "Lower
Exchange Rate") equal to the Base Number; provided that for all purposes
relating to Optional Conversion by a holder pursuant to the above section
entitled "Conversion," the Exchange Rate shall be equal to the Upper Exchange
Rate. The Exchange Rate is subject to adjustment as set forth in the above
section entitled "Conversion."
 
     "Fair Market Value" on any day shall mean the average of the daily Closing
Prices of a share of Common Stock of the Company on the five (5) consecutive
Trading Days selected by the Company commencing not more than 20 Trading Days
before, and ending not later than, the earlier of the day in question and the
day before the "ex" date with respect to the issuance or distribution requiring
such computation. The term " 'ex' date", when used with respect to any issuance
or distribution, means the first day on which the Common Stock trades regular
way, without the right to receive such issuance or distribution, on the exchange
or in the market, as the case may be, used to determine that day's Closing
Price.
 
     "Full Cumulative Dividends" shall mean, with respect to the Series E
Preferred Stock, or any other capital stock of the Company, as of any date the
aggregate amount of all then accumulated, accrued and unpaid dividends payable
on such shares of Series E Preferred Stock, or other capital stock, as the case
may be, in cash, whether or not earned or declared and whether or not there
shall be funds legally available for the payment thereof.
 
     "Trading Day" shall mean (x) if the applicable security is listed or
admitted for trading on the New York Stock Exchange or another national
securities exchange, a day on which the New York Stock Exchange or such other
national securities exchange is open for business or (y) if the applicable
security is quoted on the National Market System of the National Association of
Securities Dealers Automated Quotation System, a day on which trades may be made
on such National Market System or (z) if the applicable security is not so
listed, admitted for trading or quoted, any day other than a Saturday or Sunday
or a day on which banking institutions in the State of New York are authorized
or obligated by law or executive order to close.
 
                       FEDERAL INCOME TAX CONSIDERATIONS
 
     The following discussion is a summary of the federal income tax
consequences expected to apply to purchasers of the Series E Preferred Stock
under current law, which is subject to change. The discussion does not cover all
aspects of federal taxation that may be relevant to, or the actual tax effect
that any of the matters described herein will have on, particular purchases, and
does not address state, local, or foreign income or other tax laws. Certain
holders (including financial institutions, tax-exempt organizations,
broker-dealers, insurance companies, and foreign individuals and entities) may
be subject to special rules not discussed below. The discussion assumes that
purchasers of the Series E Preferred Stock will hold the Series E Preferred
Stock as a "capital asset" within the meaning of Section 1221 of the Internal
Revenue Code of 1986, as amended (the "Code").
 
DISTRIBUTIONS
 
     Distributions with respect to the Series E Preferred Stock will be treated
as dividends and taxable as ordinary income to the extent that the distributions
are made out of the Company's current and accumulated earnings and profits. To
the extent that a distribution is not made out of the Company's current and
accumulated earnings and profits, the distribution will constitute a non-taxable
return of capital reducing the holder's adjusted tax basis in its shares of
Series E Preferred Stock and, to the extent the distribution exceeds such basis,
will result in capital gain.
 
     A corporate holder will generally be entitled to 70% dividends-received
deduction with respect to distributions that are treated as dividends on Series
E Preferred Stock that the corporate holder has held for at
 
                                       27
<PAGE>   110
 
least 46 days (91 days in the case of certain dividends). For this purpose, the
period for which the holder is treated as having held Series E Preferred Stock
generally will not include any period for which the holder has an option to
sell, is under a contractual obligation to sell, has made a short sale of or is
the grantor of an option to buy substantially identical stock or securities or
as to which the holder has otherwise diminished its risk of loss by holding
other positions with respect to substantially similar or related property.
Dividends on the Series E Preferred Stock will not be eligible for the
dividends-received deduction to the extent that the holder has incurred
indebtedness that is directly attributable to the acquisition or carrying of the
relevant shares. In addition, a corporate holder may be required to reduce its
adjusted tax basis in shares of stock or to recognize gain as the result of a
payment of an "extraordinary dividend." The Company believes that regular
quarterly dividends paid to an original holder of the Series E Preferred Stock
generally will not constitute extraordinary dividends. Finally, it should be
noted that the Administration's current budget proposal contains a provision
that, if enacted, would reduce the dividends-received deduction to 50% and make
certain changes in the holding period provisions described above.
 
     For alternative minimum tax purposes, dividends eligible for the 70%
dividends-received deduction are included in a corporate holder's "adjusted
current earnings". If such adjusted current earnings exceed the corporate
holder's regular taxable income, 75% of the excess is added to the holder's
alternative minimum taxable income and may be subject to an alternative minimum
tax.
 
     Under certain circumstances, the operation of the conversion price
adjustment provisions of the Series E Preferred Stock may result in the deemed
receipt of a taxable distribution by the holders of the Series E Preferred Stock
if the effect of such adjustments is to increase such holder's proportionate
interests in the Company. Any such constructive distributions may constitute
(and cause other distributions to constitute) extraordinary dividends to
corporate holders.
 
CONVERSION AND DISPOSITION
 
     Conversion of Series E Preferred Stock into Common Stock generally will not
result in the recognition of gain or loss (except with respect to cash received
in lieu of fractional shares). The holder's adjusted tax basis in Common Stock
received upon conversion (including any fractional shares which are deemed to
have been issued) generally will be equal to that of the shares of Series E
Preferred Stock converted.
 
     Upon the sale or exchange of shares of Series E Preferred Stock, or of
shares of Common Stock acquired upon conversion of shares of Series E Preferred
Stock, a holder will recognize capital gain or loss equal to the difference
between the amount realized on such sale or exchange and the holder's adjusted
tax basis in such stock. Any capital gain or loss recognized will generally be
treated as long-term capital gain or loss if the holder held the stock for more
than one year. For this purpose, the period for which the shares of Series E
Preferred Stock was held would be included in the holding period of Common Stock
received upon a conversion.
 
BACKUP WITHHOLDING
 
     The Company generally is required to withhold and remit to the U.S.
Treasury 31% of distributions paid to any individual shareholder who fails to
furnish a correct taxpayer identification number to the Company, who is
determined by the Secretary of the Treasury to have under-reported dividends or
interest income, or who fails to certify to the Company that he is not subject
to such withholding. An individual's taxpayer identification number is normally
his social security number.
 
     THE FOREGOING SUMMARY IS INCLUDED HEREIN FOR GENERAL INFORMATION ONLY.
ACCORDINGLY, PROSPECTIVE HOLDERS OF THE SERIES E PREFERRED STOCK SHOULD CONSULT
WITH THEIR OWN TAX ADVISORS AS TO THE SPECIFIC TAX CONSEQUENCES TO SUCH HOLDERS
RELATING TO THE SERIES E PREFERRED STOCK, INCLUDING THE APPLICATION AND EFFECT
OF STATE, LOCAL AND FOREIGN INCOME AND OTHER TAX LAWS.
 
                                       28
<PAGE>   111
 
                          DESCRIPTION OF CAPITAL STOCK
 
     The following summary description of the Company's capital stock does not
purport to be complete and is subject to, and qualified in its entirety by
reference to, the Certificate, the respective Certificates of Designation (each,
a "Certificate of Designation") with respect to each series of Preferred Stock
described herein and the By-Laws, copies of which are incorporated by reference
as exhibits to the Registration Statement relating to the offering herein.
 
AUTHORIZED CAPITAL STOCK
 
     The Company's authorized capital stock consists of 155 million shares of
capital stock, of which 150 million shares are Common Stock, $1.00 par value per
share, and 5 million shares are Preferred Stock, $1.00 par value per share. The
Certificate authorizes the issuance of shares of Preferred Stock from time to
time in one or more series not exceeding the aggregate number of shares of
Preferred Stock authorized by the Certificate, without stockholder approval,
with such voting powers, designations, preferences and relative, participating,
optional or other special rights, and qualifications, limitations or
restrictions thereof, as are set forth in resolutions adopted by the Company's
Board of Directors. Thus, without stockholder approval, the Company could
authorize the issuance of Preferred Stock with voting, conversion and other
rights that could dilute the voting power and other rights of holders of the
Common Stock and, subject to any limiting terms thereof, other series of
Preferred Stock. The Company may from time to time amend the Certificate to
increase the number of authorized shares of Common Stock or Preferred Stock in
the manner provided by the Certificate and the General Corporation Law of the
State of Delaware.
 
   
     There were outstanding as of June 27, 1996, 1,650,000 shares of Series C
Preferred Stock, 250,000 shares of Series D Preferred Stock and 1,500,000 shares
of Series E Preferred Stock of the Company.
    
 
COMMON STOCK
 
     Subject to the rights of holders of Preferred Stock, holders of Common
Stock are entitled to receive such dividends as may from time to time be
declared by the Board of Directors of the Company out of such funds legally
available for declaration of dividends. Holders of Common Stock are entitled to
one vote per share on every question submitted to them at a meeting of
stockholders or otherwise. In the event of a liquidation, dissolution or winding
up and distribution of the assets of the Company, after paying or setting aside
for the holders of Preferred Stock the full preferential amounts to which they
are entitled, and subject to any rights of any series of Preferred Stock to
participate pro rata with the Common Stock with respect to distributions, the
holders of Common Stock will be entitled to receive pro rata all of the
remaining assets of the Company available for distribution to stockholders.
There are no pre-emptive rights for holders of Common Stock. The issued and
outstanding shares of Common Stock are fully paid and nonassessable. Shares of
Common Stock are not convertible into shares of any other class of capital stock
of the Company.
 
   
SERIES C PREFERRED STOCK
    
 
     Ranking
 
   
     The Series C Preferred Stock ranks senior to the Common Stock and on a
parity with the Series D Preferred Stock and the Series E Preferred Stock, with
respect to the payment of dividends and upon liquidation, dissolution or winding
up. The Company may not, without the consent of two-thirds of the votes of the
holders of the outstanding shares of Series C Preferred Stock and all other
outstanding shares of Preferred Stock ranking on a parity with the Series C
Preferred Stock either as to dividends or upon liquidation, dissolution or
winding up, voting together as a single class, create, authorize or issue, or
reclassify any authorized stock of the Company into, or create, authorize or
issue any obligation or security convertible into or evidencing a right to
purchase, any shares of any class of stock of the Company ranking prior to the
Series C Preferred Stock or ranking prior to any other series of Preferred Stock
which ranks on a parity with the Series C Preferred Stock. However, the Company
may create additional classes of stock or issue series of Preferred Stock
ranking on a parity with the Series C Preferred Stock with respect to the
payment of
    
 
                                       29
<PAGE>   112
 
dividends or upon liquidation, dissolution and winding up without the consent of
any holder of Series C Preferred Stock.
 
     Dividends
 
     Holders of shares of the Series C Preferred Stock are entitled to
cumulative dividends payable quarterly at an annual rate of $3.125 per share.
With limited exceptions, holders of Series C Preferred Stock are entitled to
Full Cumulative Dividends before dividends may be declared on junior stock and
before such junior stock may be redeemed or purchased by the Company.
 
     Liquidation Rights
 
     In the event of any voluntary or involuntary liquidation, dissolution or
winding up of the Company (not including mergers, consolidations or sales of all
or substantially all assets), holders of Series C Preferred Stock are entitled
to receive a liquidation preference of $50 per share plus accrued dividends,
prior to any distribution on junior stock.
 
     Optional Redemption
 
     Commencing September 1, 1995, the Series C Preferred Stock is redeemable at
the option of the Company at any time at a redemption price per share (expressed
as a percentage of the $50 liquidation preference thereof), of 104.375%,
declining annually to 100% in 2002, plus accrued dividends.
 
     Voting Rights
 
     Except as indicated below or as expressly required by applicable law, the
holders of the Series C Preferred Stock have no voting rights.
 
                                       30
<PAGE>   113
 
     If the equivalent of six full quarterly dividends payable on the Series C
Preferred Stock are in arrears, the holders of Series C Preferred Stock, voting
separately as a class with the holders of shares of any other series of
Preferred Stock which ranks on a parity with the Series C Preferred Stock and
has been granted like voting rights which are then exercisable, will be entitled
to elect two directors for successive one-year terms until all dividends in
arrears on the Series C Preferred Stock have been paid or declared and set apart
for payment.
 
     The consent of two-thirds of the votes of the holders of the Series C
Preferred Stock and each other series of Preferred Stock which ranks on a parity
with the Series C Preferred Stock and has been granted like voting rights
(voting together as a single class), is required for the Company to create,
authorize or issue, or reclassify any authorized stock of the Company into, or
create, authorize or issue any obligation or security convertible into or
evidencing a right to purchase, any shares of any class of stock of the Company
ranking prior to the Series C Preferred Stock or any other series of Preferred
Stock which ranks on a parity with the Series C Preferred Stock. The Company may
not, without the affirmative vote or consent of two-thirds of the votes of the
holders of the outstanding shares of the Series C Preferred Stock and each other
series of Preferred Stock of the Company similarly affected, voting together as
a single class, amend, alter or repeal any provision of the Certificate which
would materially and adversely affect the preferences, rights, powers or
privileges, qualification, limitations and restrictions of the Series C
Preferred Stock and any such other series of Preferred Stock. The creation,
issuance or increase in the amount of authorized shares of any other series of
Preferred Stock ranking on a parity with or junior to the Series C Preferred
Stock with respect to the payment of dividends or the distribution of assets
upon liquidation, dissolution or winding up of the affairs of the Company will
not be deemed to have such material and adverse effect.
 
     Conversion
 
     Shares of the Series C Preferred Stock are convertible at any time at the
option of the holder thereof into a number of shares of Common Stock equal to
the aggregate liquidation preference of the shares of Series C Stock surrendered
for conversion divided by the conversion price of $25.9375 per share of Common
Stock, subject to adjustment as described below.
 
     The initial conversion price of $25.9375 is subject to adjustment (under
formulae set forth in the Certificate of Designations) in certain events,
including certain subdivisions and combinations of the Common Stock, the
issuance of Common Stock as a dividend or distribution on Common Stock,
extraordinary dividends or distributions on Common Stock and payment in respect
of a tender or exchange offer by the Company or any subsidiary of the Company
for the Common Stock to the extent that the cash and value of any other
consideration included in such payment per share of Common Stock exceeds the
Current Market Price per share of Common Stock on the Trading Day next
succeeding the date of payment.
 
     If any transaction shall occur, including without limitation (i) any
recapitalization or reclassification of shares of Common Stock (other than a
change in par value, or from par value to no par value, or from no par value to
par value, or as a result of a subdivision or combination of the Common Stock),
(ii) any consolidation or merger of the Company with or into another person or
any merger of another person into the Company (other than a merger that does not
result in a reclassification, conversion, exchange or cancellation of Common
Stock), (iii) any sale or transfer of all or substantially all of the assets of
the Company, or (iv) any compulsory share exchange, pursuant to any of which
holders of Common Stock shall be entitled to receive other securities, cash or
other property, then appropriate provision shall be made so that the holder of
each share of Series C Preferred Stock then outstanding shall have the right
thereafter to convert such share only into (x) in the case of any such
transaction that does not constitute a Common Stock Fundamental Change (as
defined below) and subject to funds being legally available for such purpose
under applicable law at the time of such conversion, the kind and amount of the
securities, cash or other property that would have been receivable upon such
recapitalization, reclassification, consolidation, merger, sale, transfer or
share exchange by a holder of the number of shares of Common Stock issuable upon
conversion of such share of Series C Preferred Stock immediately prior to such
recapitalization, reclassification, consolidation, merger, sale, transfer or
share exchange, after giving effect, in the case of any Non-Stock Fundamental
Change (as defined below), to any adjustment in the conversion price in
accordance with clause (i) of the following paragraph, and (y) in the case of
any such transaction that constitutes a Common Stock Fundamental Change, common
 
                                       31
<PAGE>   114
 
stock of the kind received by holders of Common Stock as a result of such Common
Stock Fundamental Change in an amount determined in accordance with clause (ii)
of the following paragraph.
 
     Notwithstanding any other provision in the preceding paragraphs to the
contrary, if any Fundamental Change (as defined below) occurs, then the
conversion price in effect will be adjusted immediately after such Fundamental
Change as follows:
 
          (i) in the case of a Non-Stock Fundamental Change, the conversion
     price of the shares of Series C Preferred Stock immediately following such
     Non-Stock Fundamental Change shall be the lower of (A) the conversion price
     in effect immediately prior to such Non-Stock Fundamental Change, but after
     giving effect to any other prior adjustments effected pursuant to the
     preceding paragraphs, and (B) the product of (1) the greater of the
     Applicable Price (as defined below) and the then applicable Reference
     Market Price (as defined below) and (2) a fraction, the numerator of which
     is $50 and the denominator of which is (x) the amount of the redemption
     price for one share of Series C Preferred Stock if the redemption date were
     the date of such Non-Stock Fundamental Change, plus (y) any then accrued
     and then-accumulated and unpaid dividends on Series C Preferred Stock; and
 
          (ii) in the case of a Common Stock Fundamental Change, the conversion
     price of the shares of Series C Preferred Stock immediately following such
     Common Stock Fundamental Change shall be the conversion price in effect
     immediately prior to such Common Stock Fundamental Change, but after giving
     effect to any other prior adjustments effected pursuant to the preceding
     paragraphs, multiplied by a fraction, the numerator of which is the
     Purchaser Stock Price (as defined below) and the denominator of which is
     the Applicable Price; provided, however, that in the event of a Common
     Stock Fundamental Change in which (A) 100% of the value of the
     consideration received by a holder of Common Stock is common stock of the
     successor, acquiror, or other third party (and cash, if any, paid with
     respect to any fractional interests in such common stock resulting from
     such Common Stock Fundamental Change) and (B) all of the Common Stock of
     the Company shall have been exchanged for, converted into, or acquired for,
     common stock of the successor, acquiror or other third party (and any cash
     with respect to fractional interests), the conversion price of the shares
     of Series C Preferred Stock immediately following such Common Stock
     Fundamental Change shall be the conversion price in effect immediately
     prior to such Common Stock Fundamental Change multiplied by a fraction, the
     numerator of which is one (1) and the denominator of which is the number of
     shares of common stock of the successor, acquiror, or other third party
     received by a holder of one share of Common Stock as a result of such
     Common Stock Fundamental Change.
 
     Depending upon whether a Fundamental Change is a Non-Stock Fundamental
Change or a Common Stock Fundamental Change, a holder may receive significantly
different consideration upon conversion. In the event of a Non-Stock Fundamental
Change, the holder has the right to convert shares of Series C Preferred Stock
into the kind and amount of the shares of stock and other securities or property
or assets (including cash), except as otherwise provided above, as is determined
by the number of shares of Common Stock receivable upon conversion at the
conversion price as adjusted in accordance with clause (i) of the preceding
paragraph. However, in the event of a Common Stock Fundamental Change in which
less than 100% of the value of the consideration received by a holder of Common
Stock is common stock of the successor, acquiror or other third party, a holder
of a share of Series C Preferred Stock who converts such share following the
Common Stock Fundamental Change will receive consideration in the form of such
common stock only, whereas a holder who converted such share prior to the Common
Stock Fundamental Change would have received consideration in the form of such
common stock as well as any other securities or assets (which may include cash)
issuable upon conversion of such share of Series C Preferred Stock immediately
prior to such Common Stock Fundamental Change.
 
                                       32
<PAGE>   115
 
     Definitions
 
     Capitalized terms not otherwise defined have the meanings set forth in
"Definitions" following the description of Series E Preferred Stock.
 
     The following terms shall have the meanings indicated in respect of the
Series C Preferred Stock:
 
     "Applicable Price" shall mean (i) in the event of a Non-Stock Fundamental
Change in which the holders of the Common Stock receive only cash, the amount of
cash received by a holder of one share of Common Stock and (ii) in the event of
any other Non-Stock Fundamental Change or any Common Stock Fundamental Change,
the average of the reported last sale price for one share of the Common Stock
(determined as provided in the Certificate of Designations) during the 10
Trading Days immediately prior to the Record Date for the determination of the
holders of Common Stock entitled to receive cash, securities, property or other
assets in connection with such Non-Stock Fundamental Change or Common Stock
Fundamental Change or, if there is no such Record Date, prior to the date upon
which the holders of the Common Stock shall have the right to receive such cash,
securities, property or other assets.
 
     "Common Stock Fundamental Change" shall mean any Fundamental Change in
which more than 50% of the value (as determined in good faith by the Board of
Directors of the Company) of the consideration received by holders of Common
Stock consists of common stock that, for the 10 Trading Days immediately prior
to such Fundamental Change, has been admitted for listing or admitted for
listing subject to notice of issuance on a national securities exchange or
quoted on the National Market System of the National Association of Securities
Dealers, Inc. Automated Quotations System; provided, however, that a Fundamental
Change shall not be a Common Stock Fundamental Change unless either (i) the
Company continues to exist after the occurrence of such Fundamental Change and
the outstanding shares of Series C Preferred Stock continue to exist as
outstanding shares of Series C Preferred Stock, or (ii) not later than the
occurrence of such Fundamental Change, the outstanding shares of Series C
Preferred Stock are converted into or exchanged for shares of convertible
preferred stock of a corporation succeeding to the business of the Company,
which convertible preferred stock has powers, preferences and relative,
participating, optional or other rights, and qualifications, limitations and
restrictions substantially similar to those of the Series C Preferred Stock.
 
     "Fair Market Value" shall mean the amount which a willing buyer would pay a
willing seller in an arm's length transaction.
 
     "Fundamental Change" shall mean the occurrence of any transaction or event
or series of transactions or events pursuant to which all or substantially all
of the Common Stock of the Company shall be exchanged for, converted into,
acquired for or shall constitute solely the right to receive cash, securities,
property or other assets (whether by means of an exchange offer, liquidation,
tender offer, consolidation, merger, combination, reclassification,
recapitalization or otherwise); provided, however, in the case of any such
series of transactions or events, for purposes of adjustment of the conversion
price, such Fundamental Change shall be deemed to have occurred when
substantially all of the Common Stock of the Company shall have been exchanged
for, converted into, or acquired for, or shall constitute solely the right to
receive, such cash, securities, property or other assets, but the adjustment
shall be based upon the consideration that the holders of Common Stock received
in the transaction or event as a result of which more than 50% of the Common
Stock of the Company shall have been exchanged for, converted into, or acquired
for, or shall constitute solely the right to receive, such cash, securities,
property or other assets; and provided, further, that such term does not include
(i) any such transaction or event in which the Company and/or any of its
subsidiaries are the issuers of all the cash, securities, property or other
assets exchanged, acquired or otherwise issued in such transaction or event, or
(ii) any such transaction or event in which the holders of Common Stock receive
securities of an issuer other than the Company if, immediately following such
transaction or event, such holders hold a majority of the securities having the
power to vote normally in the election of directors of such other issuer
outstanding immediately following such transaction or other event.
 
     "Non-Stock Fundamental Change" shall mean any Fundamental Change other than
a Common Stock Fundamental Change.
 
                                       33
<PAGE>   116
 
     "Purchaser Stock Price" shall mean, with respect to any Common Stock
Fundamental Change, the average of the reported last sale price for one share of
the common stock received by holders of Common Stock (determined as provided in
the Certificate of Designations) in such Common Stock Fundamental Change during
the 10 Trading Days immediately prior to the date fixed for the determination of
the holders of Common Stock entitled to receive such common stock or, if there
is no such date, prior to the date upon which the holders of the Common Stock
shall have the right to receive such common stock.
 
     "Reference Market Price" shall initially mean $13.8333 and, in the event of
any adjustment to the conversion price other than as a result of a Fundamental
Change, the Reference Market Price shall also be adjusted so that the ratio of
the Reference Market Price to the conversion price after giving effect to any
such adjustment shall always be the same as the ratio of the initial Reference
Market Price to the initial conversion price of $25.9375 per share.
 
SERIES D PREFERRED STOCK
 
     Ranking
 
     The Series D Preferred Stock ranks senior to the Common Stock, and on a
parity with the Series E Preferred Stock and the Series C Preferred Stock, with
respect to the payment of dividends and upon liquidation, dissolution or winding
up. The Company may not, without the consent of two-thirds of the votes of the
holders of the outstanding shares of Series D Preferred Stock and all other
outstanding shares of Preferred Stock ranking on a parity with the Series D
Preferred Stock either as to dividends or upon liquidation, dissolution or
winding up, voting together as a single class, create, authorize or issue, or
reclassify any authorized stock of the Company into, or create, authorize or
issue any obligation or security convertible into or evidencing a right to
purchase, any shares of any class of stock of the Company ranking prior to the
Series D Preferred Stock or ranking prior to any other series of Preferred Stock
which ranks on a parity with the Series D Preferred Stock. However, the Company
may create additional classes of stock or issue series of Preferred Stock
ranking on a parity with the Series D Preferred Stock with respect to the
payment of dividends or upon liquidation, dissolution and winding up without the
consent of any holder of Series D Preferred Stock.
 
     Dividends
 
     Holders of shares of the Series D Preferred Stock are entitled to
cumulative dividends payable quarterly at an annual rate of $1.8138 per share.
With limited exceptions, holders of Series D Preferred Stock are entitled to
Full Cumulative Dividends before dividends may be declared on junior stock and
before such junior stock may be redeemed or purchased by the Company.
 
     Liquidation Rights
 
     In the event of any voluntary or involuntary liquidation, dissolution or
winding up of the Company (not including mergers, consolidations or sales of all
or substantially all assets), the holders of each class or series of Preferred
Stock ranking senior to the Series D Preferred Stock shall first receive full
payment of their liquidation preferences. Holders of Series D Preferred Stock
are then entitled to receive a liquidation preference of $100 per share plus
accrued dividends prior to any distribution on stock ranking junior to the
Series D Preferred Stock.
 
     Mandatory Redemption in Event of Sale
 
     Shares of the Series D Preferred Stock are subject to mandatory redemption
in the following circumstances. If at any time not less than 10 Business Days
before November 17, 1996 the Company shall consummate any Sale (generally
defined as a sale of all or substantially all of the assets or stock of an
operating division or subsidiary of the Company other than T.J. Maxx or
Marshalls at a value of not less than a $25 million premium over the book value
of such assets or stock), then the Company is required to apply as much of the
Sale Proceeds (generally defined as the net cash proceeds, if any (after
subtracting all fees and expenses related to such transaction), received by the
Company in respect of any Sale) received by the
 
                                       34
<PAGE>   117
 
Company in respect of such Sale as is necessary to redeem all then outstanding
shares of Series D Preferred Stock (or, if fewer, as many such shares as can be
redeemed at the Call Price out of such Sale Proceeds). Upon any such redemption,
the Company shall deliver to the holders of shares of Series D Preferred Stock,
in exchange for each share so redeemed, cash in an amount equal to the sum of
(i) $100 per share plus (ii) Full Cumulative Dividends thereon to the date fixed
for redemption.
 
     Voting Rights
 
     Except as indicated below or as expressly required by applicable law, the
holders of the Series D Preferred Stock have no voting rights.
 
     If the equivalent of six full quarterly dividends payable on the Series D
Preferred Stock are in arrears, the maximum authorized number of directors of
the Company will be increased by two and the holders of Series D Preferred
Stock, voting separately as a class with the holders of shares of any other
series of Preferred Stock ranking on a parity with the Series D Preferred Stock
and upon which like voting rights have been conferred and are exercisable, will
be entitled to elect two directors for successive one-year terms until all
dividends in arrears on the Series D Preferred Stock have been paid or declared
and set apart for payment. Upon payment or declaration and setting apart of
funds for payment of all such dividends in arrears, the term of office of each
director elected will immediately terminate and the number of directors
constituting the entire Board of Directors of the Company will be reduced by the
number of directors elected by the holders of the Series D Preferred Stock and
any other series of Preferred Stock ranking on a parity with the Series D
Preferred Stock as discussed above.
 
     The Company may not, without the consent of two-thirds of the votes of the
holders of the Series D Preferred Stock and each other series of Preferred Stock
ranking on a parity with the Series D Preferred Stock and upon which like voting
rights have been conferred (voting together as a single class), create,
authorize or issue, or reclassify any authorized stock of the Company into, or
create, authorize or issue any obligation or security convertible into or
evidencing a right to purchase, any shares of any class of stock of the Company
ranking prior to the Series D Preferred Stock or any other series of Preferred
Stock which ranks on a parity with the Series D Preferred Stock. The Company may
not, without the consent of two-thirds of the votes of the holders of the
outstanding shares of the Series D Preferred Stock and each other series of
Preferred Stock of the Company similarly affected, if any, voting together as a
single class, amend, alter or repeal any provision of the Certificate which
would materially and adversely affect the preferences, rights, powers or
privileges, qualification, limitations and restrictions of the Series D
Preferred Stock and any such other series of Preferred Stock. The creation,
issuance or increase in the amount of authorized shares of any other series of
Preferred Stock ranking on a parity with or junior to the Series D Preferred
Stock with respect to the payment of dividends or the distribution of assets
upon liquidation, dissolution or winding up of the affairs of the Company will
not be deemed to have such material and adverse effect.
 
     Conversion
 
     On November 17, 1996 (the "Automatic Conversion Date"), unless earlier
converted at the option of the holder, each outstanding share of the Series D
Preferred Stock shall convert automatically (the "Automatic Conversion") into
(i) shares of Common Stock at the Exchange Rate in effect on the Automatic
Conversion Date and (ii) the right to receive an amount in cash equal to Full
Cumulative Dividends on such share to the Automatic Conversion Date.
 
     Shares of Series D Preferred Stock may be converted at the option of the
holder thereof ("Optional Conversion"), at any time through the close of
business on the Business Day prior to November 17, 1996, into (i) shares of
Common Stock at the Exchange Rate in effect on the Optional Conversion Date; and
(ii) the right to receive an amount in cash equal to Full Cumulative Dividends
on such shares to the Optional Conversion Date. Notwithstanding the foregoing,
the Company may, at its option, in lieu of delivering shares of Common Stock on
the Optional Conversion Date, deliver cash in an aggregate amount equal to the
aggregate Closing Price (on the Trading Day preceding the Optional Conversion
Date) of the number of
 
                                       35
<PAGE>   118
 
shares of Common Stock otherwise so deliverable (together, in any event, with
Full Cumulative Dividends thereon to the Optional Conversion Date).
 
     The Exchange Rate is subject to adjustment (under formulae set forth in the
Certificate of Designations) from time to time as appropriate in certain
circumstances, including certain subdivisions and combinations of the Common
Stock, dividends in Common Stock and non-cash dividends and distributions on
Common Stock.
 
     In case of any consolidation or merger to which the Company is a party
(other than a merger or consolidation in which the Company is the continuing
corporation and in which the Common Stock outstanding immediately prior to the
merger or consolidation remains unchanged), or in case of any sale or transfer
to another corporation of the property of the Company as an entirety or
substantially as an entirety, or in case of any statutory exchange of securities
with another corporation (other than in connection with a merger or
acquisition), proper provision shall be made so that each share of the Series D
Preferred Stock shall, after consummation of such transaction, be subject to (i)
conversion at the option of the holder into the kind and amount of securities,
cash or other property receivable upon consummation of such transaction by a
holder of the number of shares of Common Stock into which such share of Series D
Preferred Stock would have been converted if the conversion had occurred
immediately prior to consummation of such transaction (based on the Exchange
Rate in effect immediately prior to such consummation), (ii) conversion on the
Automatic Conversion Date into the kind and amount of securities, cash or other
property receivable upon consummation of such transaction by a holder of the
number of shares of Common Stock into which such share of Series D Preferred
Stock would have been converted if the conversion on the Automatic Conversion
Date had occurred immediately prior to the date of consummation of such
transaction (based on the Exchange Rate in effect immediately prior to such
consummation) and (iii) redemption on any redemption date in exchange for the
kind and amount of securities, cash or other property receivable upon
consummation of such transaction by a holder of the number of shares of Common
Stock that would have been issuable at the Call Price in effect on such
redemption date upon a redemption of such share of Series D Preferred Stock
immediately prior to consummation of such transaction; assuming in each case
that such holder of Common Stock failed to exercise rights of election, if any,
as to the kind or amount of securities, cash or other property receivable upon
consummation of such transaction (provided that if the kind or amount of
securities, cash or other property receivable upon consummation of such
transaction is not the same for each nonelecting share, then the kind and amount
of securities, cash or other property receivable upon consummation of such
transaction for each nonelecting share shall be deemed to be the kind and amount
so receivable per share by a plurality of the nonelecting shares).
 
     Definitions
 
     Capitalized terms not otherwise defined have the meanings set forth in
"Definitions" following the description of Series E Preferred Stock.
 
     The following terms shall have the meanings indicated in respect of the
Series D Preferred Stock:
 
     "Call Price" of each share of Series D Preferred Stock shall mean $100 per
share.
 
     The "Exchange Rate" for the Series D Preferred Stock shall be equal to (a)
if the Current Market Price on the date of determination is equal to or greater
than 120% of $15.4375 (the "Threshold Common Stock Price"), the number of shares
of Common Stock equal to 0.83333333 of the Base Number (the "Upper Exchange
Rate"), (b) if the Current Market Price on the date of determination is less
than the Threshold Common Stock Price but greater than 80% of $15.4375, the
number of shares of Common Stock having a value (determined at the Current
Market Price) equal to $100 per share of Series D Preferred Stock (the "Middle
Exchange Rate"), and (c) if the Current Market Price on the date of
determination is equal to or less than 80% of $15.4375, a number of shares of
Common Stock (the "Lower Exchange Rate") equal to 1.25 multiplied by the Base
Number. The Exchange Rate is subject to adjustment as set forth in the above
section entitled "Conversion."
 
                                       36
<PAGE>   119
 
SERIES E PREFERRED STOCK
 
     For a detailed description of the Series E Preferred Stock see "Description
of Series E Preferred Stock."
 
CERTAIN CHARTER AND BY-LAW PROVISIONS
 
     The Certificate and By-Laws contain various provisions that may impede the
acquisition of control of the Company by means of a tender offer, proxy fight or
other means. Such provisions include a classified Board of Directors,
restrictions on the ability of stockholders to remove directors, the ability to
fill vacancies or call a stockholder meeting, and restrictions on stockholder
proposals and amendment of certain charter and by-law provisions.
 
     The Certificate further provides that no director of the company shall be
liable to the Company or its stockholders for monetary damages for breach of
fiduciary duty as a director, except for liability (i) for any breach of the
director's duty of loyalty to the Company or its shareholders, (ii) for acts or
omissions not in good faith or which involve intentional misconduct or a knowing
violation of law, (iii) under Section 174 of the Delaware General Corporation
Law or (iv) for any transaction from which the director derived an improper
personal benefit. Section 174 of the Delaware General Corporation Law specifies
conditions under which directors of Delaware corporations may be liable for
unlawful payment of dividends or unlawful stock purchases or redemptions.
 
SECTION 203 OF THE DELAWARE GENERAL CORPORATION LAW
 
     As a Delaware corporation, the Company is subject to the provisions of
Section 203 of the General Corporation Law of the State of Delaware. Section 203
generally provides that if a person or group acquires 15% or more of a
corporation's voting stock (thereby becoming an "interested stockholder")
without prior board approval, such interested stockholder may not, for a period
of three years, engage in a wide range of business combination transactions with
the corporation. However, this restriction does not apply to a person who
becomes an interested stockholder in a transaction resulting in the interested
stockholder owning at least 85% of the corporation's voting stock (excluding
from the outstanding shares, shares held by officer-directors or pursuant to
employee stock plans without confidential tender offer decisions), or to a
business combination approved by the board of directors and authorized by the
affirmative vote of at least 66 2/3% of the outstanding voting stock not owned
by the interested stockholder. In addition, Section 203 does not apply to
certain business combinations proposed subsequent to the public announcement of
specified business combination transactions which are not opposed by the board
of directors.
 
                              PLAN OF DISTRIBUTION
 
GENERAL
 
     The Selling Stockholder may sell the Series E Preferred Stock being offered
hereby from time to time by one or more methods, including without limitation
(i) through underwriters, (ii) through brokers or dealers, (iii) through agents
and (iv) directly to purchasers.
 
     The Series E Preferred Stock may be sold in or through, among other things,
(a) a block trade in which the broker or dealer so engaged will attempt to sell
the Series E Preferred Stock as agent but may position and resell a portion of
the block as principal to facilitate the transaction, (b) purchases by a broker
or dealer as principal and resale by such broker or dealer for its account
pursuant to this Prospectus, (c) an exchange distribution in accordance with the
rules of such exchange,(d) ordinary brokerage transactions and transactions in
which the broker solicits purchases and (e) privately negotiated transactions.
In effecting sales, brokers or dealers engaged by the Selling Stockholder may
arrange for other brokers or dealers to participate. The Selling Stockholder
also may, from time to time, authorize underwriters acting as their agents to
offer and sell Series E Preferred Stock upon such terms and conditions as shall
be set forth in a prospectus supplement. Underwriters, brokers or dealers will
receive customary commissions or discounts from the Selling Stockholder. Such
underwriters, brokers or dealers and any other participating brokers or dealers
may be deemed to be "underwriters" within the meaning of the Securities Act in
connection with such sales and any discounts and commissions received by them
and any profit realized by them on the resale of the Series E Preferred Stock
may be deemed to be underwriting discounts and commissions under the Securities
Act. Persons who
 
                                       37
<PAGE>   120
 
   
may act as underwriters, brokers or dealers may have from time to time performed
various investment banking services for the Company and its subsidiaries and for
Melville and its subsidiaries.
    
 
   
     If a material arrangement with any underwriter, broker, dealer or other
agent is entered into for the sale of any Series E Preferred Stock through a
secondary distribution, or a purchase by a broker or dealer, a prospectus
supplement will be filed, if necessary, pursuant to Rule 424(b) under the
Securities Act disclosing the material terms and conditions of such arrangement.
    
 
   
     If an underwriter or underwriters are used in the sale of the Series E
Preferred Stock, the Company and the Selling Stockholder will execute an
underwriting agreement with such underwriter or underwriters at the time an
agreement for such sale is reached. The underwriter or underwriters with respect
to an underwritten offering of Series E Preferred Stock and the other material
terms and conditions of the underwriting will be set forth in a prospectus
supplement relating to such offering and, if an underwriting syndicate is used,
the managing underwriter or underwriters will be set forth on the cover of such
prospectus supplement. If any underwriter or underwriters are used in the sale
of the Series E Preferred Stock, the underwriting agreement will provide that
the obligations of the underwriters are subject to certain conditions precedent
and the underwriters with respect to a sale of Series E Preferred Stock will be
obligated to purchase all such shares of Series E Preferred Stock if any are
purchased. In connection with the sale of Series E Preferred Stock, underwriters
will receive compensation in the form of underwriting discounts or commissions
and may also receive commissions from purchasers of Series E Preferred Stock for
whom they may act as agent. Underwriters may sell Series E Preferred Stock to or
through dealers, and such dealers may receive compensation in the form of
discounts, concessions or commissions from the underwriters and/or commissions
from the purchasers for whom they may act as agent.
    
 
   
     Underwriters, dealers or agents who participate in the distribution of
Series E Preferred Stock may be entitled, under agreements that may be entered
into with the Company and/or the Selling Stockholder, as the case may be, to
indemnification by the Company and/or the Selling Stockholder, as the case may
be, against certain liabilities, including liabilities under the Securities Act,
or to contribution by the Company and/or the Selling Stockholder, as the case
may be, to payments such underwriters, dealers or agents may be required to make
in respect thereof. Underwriters, dealers or agents may be customers of, engage
in transactions with, or perform services for the Company or certain
subsidiaries of the Company and/or the Selling Stockholder or certain affiliates
of the Selling Stockholder in the ordinary course of business.
    
 
   
     The shares of Series E Preferred Stock may be sold either at a fixed price
or prices that may be changed, at market prices prevailing at the time of sale,
at prices related to such prevailing market prices or at negotiated prices.
    
 
   
                                 LEGAL OPINIONS
    
 
   
     The legality of the shares of Series E Preferred Stock has been passed upon
for the Company by Ropes & Gray, Boston, Massachusetts.
    
 
   
                                    EXPERTS
    
 
     The consolidated balance sheets of the Company as of January 27, 1996 and
January 28, 1995 and the consolidated statements of income, shareholders' equity
and cash flows of the Company for the years ended January 27, 1996, January 28,
1995, and January 29, 1994, incorporated by reference in this prospectus, have
been incorporated herein in reliance on the report of Coopers & Lybrand L.L.P.,
independent accountants, given on the authority of that firm as experts in
accounting and auditing.
 
     The consolidated balance sheets of Marshalls as of December 31, 1994 and
1993, and the consolidated statements of income, stockholders' equity and cash
flows of Marshalls for the years ended December 31, 1994, 1993 and 1992
incorporated by reference in this prospectus, have been incorporated herein in
reliance on the report of KPMG Peat Marwick LLP, independent accountants, given
on the authority of that firm as experts in accounting and auditing.
 
                                       38
<PAGE>   121
 
             PRO FORMA CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
 
     On May 24, 1996, Chadwick's of Boston, Ltd. ("Chadwick's"), a holding
company formed to own the off-price catalog operation of The TJX Companies, Inc.
(the "Company"), filed a Registration Statement with the Securities and Exchange
Commission pursuant to which the Company intends to sell to the public 9,260,000
shares of common stock of Chadwick's. An additional 1,389,000 shares of common
stock are subject to an over-allotment option granted to the underwriters. After
the offering, the Company will own approximately 30%-39% (depending on the
amount of the underwriters' over-allotment option exercised) of the outstanding
shares of common stock of Chadwick's. It is currently anticipated that the
initial offering price will be between $16.00 and $18.00 per share.
 
     The pro forma condensed consolidated financial statements of the Company
assume that the offering takes place at a price of $15.00 per share and that no
underwriters' over-allotment option is exercised. The pro forma condensed
consolidated balance sheet as of April 27, 1996 assumes the sale of 61% of the
Company's investment in Chadwick's on that date and is based on the unaudited
historical balance sheet of the Company as of April 27, 1996. The pro forma
adjustments eliminate the assets and liabilities of Chadwick's included in the
consolidated results of the Company, record a gain on the sale of the Company's
61% interest in Chadwick's, record the Company's remaining equity investment in
Chadwick's, assume conversion of the Company's Series D preferred stock into
common stock following a call for redemption and assume the net proceeds from
the offering along with Chadwick's repayment of intercompany indebtedness are
used to repay outstanding debt incurred to acquire Marshalls.
 
     The pro forma condensed consolidated statement of income for the twelve
months ended January 27, 1996 is based on the audited historical statement of
income of the Company as reported on Form 10-K for the year ended January 27,
1996, which includes Marshalls operating results since its acquisition by the
Company on November 17, 1995. (See the Company's filing on Form 8-K dated as of
November 17, 1995 including subsequent amendment.) The historical results for
the Company have first been adjusted to reflect the acquisition of Marshalls as
if it had occurred on the first day of the fiscal year. The pro forma
adjustments include the historical results of Marshalls from January 29, 1995
through the acquisition date as well as adjustments for the impact of the
purchase accounting method and the impact of the preferred stock issued and debt
incurred as a result of the acquisition. The pro forma results reflecting the
acquisition of Marshalls are further adjusted to reflect the sale of Chadwick's
stock by the Company as if it also occurred on the first day of the fiscal year.
The pro forma adjustments eliminate the operating results for Chadwick's
included in the Company's consolidated results, record 39% of Chadwick's net
income and reflect a reduction in interest expense due to the repayment of debt.
The pro forma statement of income excludes the non-recurring gain of
approximately $65 million the Company will recognize upon the sale of its
investment in Chadwick's and excludes a non-recurring charge of approximately $2
million the Company may incur for the prepayment of debt.
 
     The pro forma condensed consolidated statement of income for the quarter
ended April 27, 1996 is based on the unaudited historical statement of income of
the Company as reported on Form 10-Q for the thirteen weeks ended April 27,
1996. The pro forma adjustments eliminate the operating results for Chadwick's
included in the Company's consolidated results record 39% of Chadwick's net
income and reflect a reduction in interest expense due to the repayment of debt.
Pro forma adjustments to the statement of income for such quarter reflect the
impact of the transaction as if it occurred at the beginning of the most recent
fiscal year.
 
     These pro forma condensed consolidated financial statements have been
prepared for information purposes only and do not necessarily indicate what
would have occurred had the acquisition of Marshalls and public offering taken
place on the dates indicated or what results may occur in the future.
Specifically, the pro forma condensed consolidated statement of income for the
twelve months ended January 27, 1996 includes the historical results of
Marshalls before its acquisition by the Company and of Chadwick's, which are not
necessarily indicative of current results. Thus, the pro forma statement of
income for the twelve months ended January 27, 1996 does not fully reflect the
impact that Marshalls has had on the Company's results. In addition, the
historical results are not necessarily indicative of the impact that Marshalls
and Chadwick's may have on future results of the Company. The accompanying pro
forma condensed consolidated financial
 
                                       P-1
<PAGE>   122
 
statements should be read in conjunction with the historical financial
statements of the Company, the Company's Form 8-K dated November 17, 1995 (and
subsequent amendment) relating to the Marshalls acquisition and the Form S-1
Registration Statement filed by Chadwick's of Boston, Ltd.
 
<TABLE>
                             PRO FORMA CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENT OF INCOME
                                  FOR THE FISCAL YEAR ENDED JANUARY 27, 1996
                                               (UNAUDITED)
<CAPTION>
                                                                                   PRO FORMA
                                                PRO FORMA                       ADJUSTMENTS FOR
                             BALANCE AS      ADJUSTMENTS FOR        PRO FORMA   CHADWICK'S STOCK      PRO FORMA
                              REPORTED    MARSHALLS ACQUISITION     SUBTOTAL          SALE             BALANCE
                             ----------   ---------------------     ---------   ----------------      ---------
                                                  (IN MILLIONS, EXCEPT PER SHARE AMOUNTS)
<S>                           <C>                <C>                <C>              <C>              <C>
INCOME STATEMENT DATA:
  Net sales................   $4,447.5           $2,110.4(1a)       $6,557.9         $(472.4)(2a)     $6,085.5

  Cost of sales, including
     buying and occupancy
     costs.................    3,429.4              (10.5)(1c)       5,187.5          (286.1)(2a)      4,901.4
                                                  1,768.6(1d)
  Selling, general and
     administrative
     expenses..............      830.0                2.3(1d)        1,209.5          (160.2)(2a)      1,049.3
                                                    377.2(1a)
  Store closing costs......       35.0                 --               35.0              --              35.0

  Interest expense, net....       44.2                6.3(1a)           72.6            (6.0)(2a)         55.1
                                                     22.1(1b)                          (11.5)(2b)
                              --------                              --------                          --------
  Income from continuing
     consolidated
     operations before
     income taxes..........      108.9                                  53.3                              44.7

  Provision for income
     taxes.................       45.3              (16.6)(1a)          23.1            (8.1)(2a)         19.6
                                                     (5.6)(1e)                           4.6(2b)
                              --------                              --------                          --------
                                  63.6                                  30.2                              25.1
  Equity in net income of
     Chadwick's............         --                                    --             3.3(2c)           3.3
                              --------                              --------                          --------
  Income from continuing
     operations............       63.6                                  30.2                              28.4

  Preferred stock
     dividends.............        9.3                8.4(1f)           17.7                              17.7
                              --------                              --------                          --------
  Income from continuing
     operations for earnings
      per share computations. $   54.3                              $   12.5                          $   10.7
                              ========                              ========                          ========
  Number of common shares
     for earnings per share
     computations..........       73.1                1.6(1g)           74.8                              74.8

  Income from continuing
     operations per common
      share................   $    .74                              $    .17                          $    .14
                              ========                              ========                          ========
</TABLE>
 
The accompanying notes are an integral part of the unaudited pro forma condensed
                       consolidated Statement of Income.
 
                                       P-2
<PAGE>   123
 
<TABLE>
                   PRO FORMA CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENT OF INCOME
                           FOR THE QUARTER ENDED APRIL 27, 1996
                                       (UNAUDITED)
 
<CAPTION>
                                                                  PRO FORMA
                                                                 ADJUSTMENTS
                                                                     FOR
                                                     BALANCE     CHADWICK'S       PRO FORMA
                                                   AS REPORTED   STOCK SALE        BALANCE
                                                   -----------   -----------      ---------
                                                   (IN MILLIONS, EXCEPT PER SHARE AMOUNTS)
<S>                                                  <C>           <C>            <C>
INCOME STATEMENT DATA:
  Net sales......................................    $1,604.2      $(132.0)(2a)   $1,472.2
                                                     --------                     --------
  Cost of sales, including buying and occupancy
     costs.......................................     1,240.7        (73.3)(2a)    1,167.4
  Selling, general and administrative expenses...       297.0        (45.9)(2a)      251.1
  Interest expense, net..........................        15.1          (.5)(2a)       12.0
                                                                      (2.6)(2b)
                                                     --------                     --------
  Income from continuing operations before income
     taxes.......................................        51.4                         41.8
  Provision for income taxes.....................        21.4         (5.1)(2a)       17.2
                                                                       1.0(2b)
                                                     --------                     --------
                                                         30.1                         24.5
  Equity in net income of Chadwick's.............          --          2.6(2c)         2.6
                                                     --------                     --------
  Income from continuing operations..............        30.1                         27.1
  Preferred stock dividend adjustment............         1.8                          1.8
                                                     --------                     --------
  Income from continuing operations for earnings
     per share computations......................    $   28.3                     $   25.3
                                                     ========                     ========
  Number of common shares primary and fully
     diluted earnings per share computations.....        85.3                         85.3
  Income from continuing operations per common
     share.......................................    $    .33                     $    .30
                                                     ========                     ========
</TABLE>
 
The accompanying notes are an integral part of the unaudited pro forma condensed
                       consolidated Statement of Income.
 
                                       P-3
<PAGE>   124
 
<TABLE>
                   PRO FORMA CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEET
                                AS OF APRIL 27, 1996
                                    (UNAUDITED)
<CAPTION>
                                                                     PRO FORMA
                                                                    ADJUSTMENTS
                                                                        FOR
                                                        BALANCE      CHADWICK'S    PRO FORMA
                                                      AS REPORTED    STOCK SALE     BALANCE
                                                      -----------   ------------   ---------
                                                                  (IN MILLIONS)
<S>                                                     <C>        <C>             <C>
ASSETS
  Currents assets:
     Cash and cash equivalents......................    $  191.4   $  40.3 (3b)    $  201.4
                                                                     125.7 (3c)
                                                                    (156.0)(3e)
     Accounts receivable............................       140.9     (65.5)(3a)        75.4
     Merchandise inventories........................     1,372.0     (71.8)(3a)     1,300.2
     Prepaid expenses...............................        32.6     (13.7)(3a)        18.9
                                                        --------                   --------
            Total current assets....................     1,736.9                    1,595.9
                                                        --------                   --------
  Property, net.....................................       772.1     (51.2)(3a)       720.9
                                                                     126.9 (3a)        33.8
  Investment in Chadwick's of Boston, Ltd...........          --     (40.3)(3b)
                                                                     (52.8)(3c)
  Other assets......................................        35.9                       35.9
  Goodwill and tradename, net of amortization.......       234.5                      234.5
                                                        --------                   --------
            Total Assets............................    $2,779.4                   $2,621.0
                                                        ========                   ========
LIABILITIES
  Current liabilities:
     Short-term debt................................    $    2.2                   $    2.2
     Current installments of long-term debt.........        88.7     (25.0)(3e)        63.7
     Accounts payable...............................       498.5     (34.0)(3a)       464.5
     Accounts expenses and other current
       liabilities..................................       707.7     (39.3)(3a)       678.4
                                                                      10.0 (3c)
                                                        --------                   --------
     Total current liabilities......................     1,297.1                    1,208.8
                                                        --------                   --------
  Long-term debt, exclusive of current
     installments...................................       679.7    (131.0)(3e)       548.7
  Deferred income taxes.............................        17.1      (2.0)(3a)        15.1
SHAREHOLDERS' EQUITY
  Preferred stock at face value.....................       282.5     (25.0)(3d)       257.5
  Common Stock......................................        72.6       1.3 (3d)        73.9
  Additional paid-in capital........................       269.4      23.7 (3d)       293.1
  Retained earnings.................................       161.0      62.9 (3c)       223.9
                                                        --------                   --------
          Total shareholders' equity................       785.5                      848.4
                                                        --------                   --------
          Total Liabilities and Shareholders'
            Equity..................................    $2,779.4                   $2,621.0
                                                        ========                   ========
</TABLE>
 
The accompanying notes are an integral part of the unaudited pro forma condensed
consolidated Balance Sheet.
 
                                       P-4
<PAGE>   125
 
         NOTES TO PRO FORMA CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
 
Note 1
- ------
 
<TABLE>
     The pro forma condensed consolidated statement of income reflects the
following adjustments relating to the acquisition of Marshalls:
 
     (a) To record Marshalls historical results for the period January 29, 1995
         through November 17, 1995, the period prior to the Company's
         acquisition of Marshalls.
 
            <S>                                                              <C>
            Net sales....................................................    $2,110.4
            Cost of sales including buying and occupancy costs...........     1,768.6
            Selling, general and administrative expenses.................       377.2
            Interest expense, net........................................         6.3
            Provision (benefit) for income taxes.........................       (16.6)
</TABLE>
 
     (b) To record additional interest expense and amortization of deferred
         financing costs for the period January 29, 1995 through November 17,
         1995.
 
     (c) To reflect a reduction in depreciation expense due to the net
         write-down of property to fair value for the period January 29, 1995
         through November 17, 1995.
 
     (d) To record amortization of "Marshalls" trade name, net of reduction in
         amortization due to elimination of goodwill from prior acquisitions,
         for period January 29, 1995 through November 17, 1995.
 
     (e) To record the income tax (benefit) associated with pro forma
         adjustments b, c and d at a marginal tax rate of 40%.
 
     (f) To adjust preferred stock dividends for dilutive effect of additional
         dividends on preferred stock issued for acquisition of Marshalls.
 
     (g) To adjust weighted average shares outstanding for earnings per share
         calculations shares for dilutive effect of preferred stock issued for
         acquisition of Marshalls.
 
Note 2
- ------
 
     The pro forma condensed consolidated statement of income for the fiscal
year ended January 27, 1996 and the thirteen weeks ended April 27, 1996 reflects
the following adjustments for the initial public offering of Chadwick's stock.
 
     (a) To eliminate the net sales, expenses and tax provision relating to
         Chadwick's operating results as included in the consolidated results of
         the Company.
 
     (b) To reflect a reduction in interest expense as a result of the repayment
         of a portion of the term loan incurred from the acquisition of
         Marshalls, along with the related impact on the income tax provision.
 
     (c) To record 39% of Chadwick's net income as equity in the net earnings of
         minority owned subsidiary. Chadwick's net income for the fiscal year
         ended January 27, 1996 was $8.3 million which includes an after-tax
         extraordinary charge of $3.3 million for early retirement of debt, and
         was $6.7 million for the thirteen weeks ended April 27, 1996.
 
Note 3
- ------
 
     The pro forma condensed consolidated balance sheet reflects the following
adjustments:
 
     (a) To eliminate the assets and liabilities of Chadwick's included in the
         consolidated results of the Company and reflect the net assets of
         Chadwick's as investment in Chadwick's of Boston, Ltd.
 
     (b) To reflect payment to the Company by Chadwick's of the balance of its
         inter-company indebtedness, after a $20 million forgiveness of debt via
         capital contribution by the Company.
 
                                       P-5
<PAGE>   126
 
     (c) To record net proceeds of $125.7 million (based on $15.00 per share)
         received from the Company's sale of 61% of its investment in
         Chadwick's, after the repayment of inter-company debt described above,
         and to record a gain of $62.9 million, after estimated taxes of $10
         million.
 
     (d) The Company is required to redeem its outstanding Series D Preferred
         Stock from the proceeds of certain asset sales. It is assumed the
         Company will call the Series D Preferred Stock for redemption and that
         based on current market prices, the holders of the Series D Preferred
         Stock elect their conversion rights and convert into common stock.
 
     (e) To record repayment of long-term debt (including current installments)
         of $156.0 million. The net proceeds used to repay the debt include cash
         received from Chadwick's in repayment of its inter-company debt and the
         net proceeds from the stock offering, less taxes to be paid.
 
                                       P-6
<PAGE>   127
 
                                    [LOGO]
<PAGE>   128
 
                                    PART II
 
                     INFORMATION NOT REQUIRED IN PROSPECTUS
 
<TABLE>

ITEM 14. OTHER EXPENSES OF ISSUANCE AND DISTRIBUTION

     The following table sets forth the costs and expenses, other than
underwriting discounts and commissions, payable by the Registrant in connection
with the distribution of the securities being registered hereunder. All of the
amounts shown are estimates, except the Securities and Exchange Commission
registration fee.
 
        <S>                                                               <C>
        Securities and Exchange Commission registration fee.............  $309,303.60
        Printing and engraving fees.....................................   100,000
        Accountants' fees and expenses..................................    75,000
        Legal fees and expenses.........................................   200,000
        Blue Sky fees and expenses......................................    20,000
        Trustee and Transfer Agent fees and expenses....................    25,000
        Listing fees....................................................    25,000
        Rating agency fees and expenses.................................   150,000
        Miscellaneous expenses..........................................    50,000
                                                                          -----------
          Total.........................................................   954,303.60
                                                                          ===========
</TABLE>
 
ITEM 15. INDEMNIFICATION OF DIRECTORS AND OFFICERS
 
     Section 145 of the Delaware General Corporation Law, as amended, provides
that a corporation may indemnify any person who was or is a party or is
threatened to be made a party to any threatened, pending or completed action,
suit or proceeding, whether civil, criminal, administrative or investigative
(other than an action by or in the right of the corporation) by reason of the
fact that he is or was a director, officer, employee or agent of the
corporation, or is or was serving at the request of the corporation as a
director, officer, employee or agent of another corporation, partnership, joint
venture, trust or other enterprise, against expenses (including attorney's
fees), judgments, fines and amounts paid in settlement actually and reasonably
incurred by him in connection with such action, suit or proceeding if he acted
in good faith and in a manner he reasonably believed to be in or not opposed to
the best interests of the corporation, and, with respect to any criminal action
or proceeding, had no reasonable cause to believe his conduct was unlawful.
Section 145 further provides that a corporation similarly may indemnify any such
person serving in any such capacity who was or is a party or is threatened to be
made a party to any threatened, pending or completed action or suit by or in the
right of the corporation to procure a judgment in its favor, against expenses
(including attorneys' fees) actually and reasonably incurred in connection with
the defense or settlement of such action or suit if he acted in good faith and
in a manner he reasonably believed to be in or not opposed to the best interests
of the corporation and except that no indemnification shall be made in respect
of any claim, issue or matter as to which such person shall have been adjudged
to be liable to the corporation unless and only to the extent that the Delaware
Court of Chancery or such other court in which such action or suit was brought
shall determine upon application that, despite the adjudication of liability but
in view of all the circumstances of the case, such person is fairly and
reasonably entitled to indemnify for such expenses which the Court of Chancery
or such other court shall deem proper.
 
     The Registrant has entered into indemnification agreements with each of its
directors and officers indemnifying them against expenses, settlements,
judgments and fines incurred in connection with any threatened, pending or
completed action, suit, arbitration or proceeding, where the individual's
involvement is by reason of the fact that such person is or was a director or
officer or served at the Company's request as a director of another organization
(except that indemnification is not provided against judgments and fines in a
derivative suit unless permitted by Delaware law). An individual may not be
indemnified if such person is found not to have acted in good faith and in a
manner such person reasonably believed to be in or not opposed to the best
interests of the Registrant, except to the extent Delaware law permits broader
contractual indemnification. These indemnification agreements provide
procedures, presumptions and remedies which
 
                                      II-1
<PAGE>   129
 
substantially strengthen the indemnification rights beyond those provided by the
Registrant's Restated Certificate of Incorporation (the "Certificate") and by
Delaware law.
 
     The Registrant's Certificate provides that each person who was or is made a
party to, or is involved in, any action, suit, preceding or claim by reason of
the fact that he or she is or was a director, officer or employee of the
Registrant (or is or was serving at the request of the Registrant as a director,
officer, trustee, employee or agent of any other enterprise including service
with respect to employee benefit plans) shall be indemnified and held harmless
by the Registrant, to the full extent permitted by Delaware law, as in effect
from time to time, against all expenses (including attorneys' fees and
expenses), judgements, fines, penalties and amounts to be paid in settlement
incurred by such person in connection with the investigation, preparation to
defend or defense of such action, suit, proceeding or claim.
 
     The rights to indemnification and the payment of expenses provided by the
Registrant's Certificate do not apply to any action, suit, proceeding or claim
initiated by or on behalf of a person otherwise entitled to the benefit of such
provisions. Any person seeking indemnification under the Registrant's
Certificate shall be deemed to have met the standard of conduct required for
such indemnification unless the contrary shall be established. The Registrant's
Certificate provides that the rights to indemnification and the payment of
expenses provided thereby shall not be exclusive of any other right which any
person may have or acquire under any statute, provision of the Registrant's
Certificate or By-laws, or otherwise. Any repeal or modification of such
indemnification provisions shall not adversely affect any right or protection of
a director or officer with respect to any conduct of such director or officer
occurring prior to such repeal or modification.
 
     Section 102(b)(7) of the Delaware General Corporation Law, as amended,
permits a corporation to include in its certificate of incorporation a provision
eliminating or limiting the personal liability of a director to the corporation
or its stockholders for monetary damages for breach of fiduciary duty as a
director, provided that such provision shall not eliminate or limit the
liability of a director (i) for any breach of the director's duty of loyalty to
the corporation or its stockholders, (ii) for acts or omissions not in good
faith or which involve intentional misconduct or a knowing violation of law,
(iii) under section 174 of the Delaware General Corporation Law (relating to
unlawful payment of dividend and unlawful stock purchase and redemption) or (iv)
for any transaction from which the director derived an improper personal
benefit. The Registrant has provided in its Certificate that its directors shall
be exculpated from liability as provided under Delaware law.
 
ITEM 16. EXHIBITS
 
<TABLE>
     The following is an index of all exhibits filed as a part of this
Registration Statement, including exhibits previously filed, exhibits filed
herewith and exhibits incorporated herein by reference.
 
    <S>       <C>
     1        Underwriting Agreement relating to 1,000,000 shares of Series E Preferred
              Stock, plus 150,000 such shares subject to an over-allotment option.**

     3(i).1   Second Restated Certificate of Incorporation filed June 5, 1985 (incorporated
              by reference to Exhibit (3i)(a) of the Form 10-K filed for the fiscal year
              ended January 28, 1995).

     3(i).2   Certificate of Amendment of Second Restated Certificate of Incorporation filed
              June 3, 1986 (incorporated by reference to Exhibit (3i)(b) of the Form 10-K for
              the fiscal year ended January 28, 1995).

     3(i).3   Certificate of Amendment of Second Restated Certificate of Incorporation filed
              June 2, 1987 (incorporated by reference to Exhibit (3i)(c) of the Form 10-K for
              the fiscal year ended January 28, 1995).

     3(i).4   Certificate of Amendment of Second Restated Certificate of Incorporation filed
              June 20, 1989 (incorporated by reference to Exhibit (3i)(d) of the Form 10-K
              for the fiscal year ended January 28, 1995).

     3(i).5   Certificate of Designations, Preferences and Rights of New Series A Cumulative
              Convertible Preferred Stock of the Company, filed August 12, 1992 (incorporated
              by reference to Exhibit (3i)(e) of the Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended
              January 28, 1995).
</TABLE>
 
                                      II-2
<PAGE>   130
 
<TABLE>
    <S>       <C>
     3(i).6   Certificate of Designations, Preferences and Rights of $3.125 Series C
              Cumulative Convertible Preferred Stock (incorporated by reference to Exhibit
              (3i)(f) of the Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended January 28, 1995).
     3(i).7   Certificate of Designations, Preferences and Rights of Series D Cumulative
              Convertible Preferred Stock (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.1 of the
              Form 8-K dated November 17, 1995).
     3(i).8   Certificate of Designations, Preferences and Rights of Series E Cumulative
              Convertible Preferred Stock (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.2 of the
              Form 8-K dated November 17, 1995).
     3(ii).1  The by-laws of the Company, as amended (incorporated by reference to Exhibit
              (3ii) of the Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended January 28, 1995).
     4.1      Composite copy of Share Purchase Agreements dated as of April 15, 1992
              regarding Series A Cumulative Convertible Preferred Stock (incorporated by
              reference to Exhibit 4(c) of Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended January 30,
              1992).
     4.2      Exchange Agreement dated as of August 6, 1992 between the Company and holders
              of Company's New Series A Cumulative Convertible Preferred Stock (incorporated
              by reference to Exhibit 19 of the Form 10-Q for the quarter ended July 25,
              1992).
     4.3      Standstill and Registration Rights Agreement dated as of November 17, 1995
              dated as of November 17, 1995 between the Registrant and Melville Corporation
              (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.20 of the Form 10-K for the fiscal
              year ended January 27, 1996).
     4.4.     Indenture dated as of September 15, 1993 between TJX and The First National
              Bank of Chicago as Trustee relating to the Debt Securities (incorporated by
              reference to Exhibit 4.1 of the Registrant's Registration Statement on Form S-3
              No. 33-60059).
     4.5.     Form of Fixed Rate Note (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 4.1 of the
              Registrant's Registration Statement on Form S-3 No. 33-50259).
     4.6.     Form of Floating Rate Note (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 4.2 of the
              Registrant's Registration Statement on Form S-3 No. 33-50259).
     5        Opinion of Ropes & Gray.**
    12.1      Computation of Ratio of Earnings to Fixed Charges and Ratio of Earnings to
              Combined Fixed Charges and Preferred Stock Dividends.*
    23.1      Consent of Coopers & Lybrand L.L.P.
    23.2      Consent of KPMG Peat Marwick LLP.
    23.3      Consent of Ropes & Gray (see Exhibit 5.1).
    24        Power of Attorney (see page II-5).
    25        Statement of Eligibility and Qualification of Trustee on Form T-1.**

<FN> 
- ---------------
*  Included with the Registrant's Registration Statement on Form S-3 No.
   333-5501 filed with the Commission on June 7, 1996.
 
** Included with Amendment No. 1 to the Registrant's Registration Statement on
   Form S-3 No. 333-5501 filed with the Commission on June 17, 1996
</TABLE>
 
ITEM 17. UNDERTAKINGS
 
     (a) The undersigned Registrant hereby undertakes that, for purposes of
determining any liability under the Securities Act of 1933, each filing of the
Registrant's annual report pursuant to Section 13(a) or Section 15(d) of the
Securities Exchange Act of 1934 (and, where applicable, each filing of an
employee benefit plan's annual report pursuant to Section 15(d) of the
Securities Exchange Act of 1934) that is incorporated by reference in the
registration statement shall be deemed to be a new registration statement
relating to the securities offered therein, and the offering of such securities
at the time shall be deemed to be the initial bona fide offering thereof.
 
                                      II-3
<PAGE>   131
 
     (b) Insofar as indemnification for liabilities arising under the Securities
Act of 1933 may be permitted to directors, officers and controlling persons of
the Registrant pursuant to the foregoing provisions described above in Item 15,
or otherwise, the Registrant has been advised that in the opinion of the
Securities and Exchange Commission such indemnification is against public policy
as expressed in the Securities Act of 1933 and is, therefore, unenforceable. In
the event that a claim for indemnification against such liabilities (other than
the payment by the Registrant of expenses incurred or paid by a director,
officer, or controlling person of the Registrant in the successful defense of
any action, suit or proceeding) is asserted by such director, officer or
controlling person in connection with the securities being registered, the
Registrant will, unless in the opinion of its counsel the matter has been
settled by controlling precedent, submit to a court of appropriate jurisdiction
the question whether such indemnification by it is against public policy as
expressed in the Securities Act of 1933 and will be governed by the final
adjudication of such issue.
 
     (c) The undersigned Registrant hereby undertakes:
 
          (i) To file, during any period in which offers or sales are being
     made, a post-effective amendment to this registration statement to include
     any material information with respect to the plan of distribution not
     previously disclosed in the registration statement or any material change
     to such information in the registration statement;
 
          (ii) That, for the purpose of determining any liability under the
     Securities Act of 1933, each post-effective amendment that contains a form
     of prospectus shall be deemed to be a new registration statement relating
     to the securities offered therein, and the offering of such securities at
     that time shall be deemed to be the initial bona fide offering thereof.
 
          (ii) To remove from registration by means of a post-effective
     amendment any of the securities being registered which remain unsold at the
     termination of the offering.
 
     (d) The undersigned Registrant hereby undertakes that, for purposes of
determining any liability under the Securities Act of 1933, the information
omitted from the form of prospectus filed as part of a registration statement in
reliance upon Rule 430A and contained in the form of prospectus filed by the
Registrant pursuant to Rule 424(b)(1) or (4) or 497(h) under the Securities Act
of 1933 shall be deemed to be part of this registration statement as of the time
it was declared effective.
 
     (e) The undersigned Registrant hereby undertakes to file an application for
the purpose of determining the eligibility of the trustee to act under
subsection (a) of Section 310 of the Trust Indenture Act in accordance with the
rules and regulations prescribed by the Commission under Section 305(b)(2) of
the Act.
 
                                      II-4
<PAGE>   132
 
                                   SIGNATURES
 
     Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Act of 1933, the Registrant
certifies that it has reasonable grounds to believe that it meets all of the
requirements for filing on Form S-3 and has duly caused this Registration
Statement to be signed on its behalf by the undersigned, thereunto duly
authorized in the Town of Framingham, Commonwealth of Massachusetts.
 
                                          THE TJX COMPANIES, INC.
 
                                          By: /s/ Donald G. Campbell
                                            ------------------------------------
                                                  Donald G. Campbell
                                            Executive Vice President -- Finance
   
Dated: July 1, 1996
    
 
     Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Act of 1933, this
Registration Statement has been signed below by the following persons on behalf
of the Registrant and in the capacities and on the date indicated.
 

/s/            *                          /s/ Donald G. Campbell
- ---------------------------------------   --------------------------------------
Bernard Cammarata, President,             Donald G. Campbell, Executive Vice
   Chief Executive Officer and Director      President -- Finance and Principal
                                             Financial and Accounting Officer

/s/            *                          /s/           *
- ---------------------------------------   --------------------------------------
Phyllis B. Davis, Director                Dennis F. Hightower, Director

/s/            *                          /s/           *
- ---------------------------------------   --------------------------------------
Richard G. Lesser, Director               Arthur F. Loewy, Director

/s/            *                          /s/           *
- ---------------------------------------   --------------------------------------
 John M. Nelson, Director                 John F. O'Brien, Director

/s/            *                          /s/           *
- ---------------------------------------   --------------------------------------
Robert F. Shapiro, Director               Willow B. Shire, Director

/s/            *                          /s/           *
- ---------------------------------------   --------------------------------------
Burton S. Stern, Director                 Fletcher H. Wiley, Director


* By: /s/ Donald G. Campbell
- ---------------------------------------
Donald G. Campbell
  Attorney-in-Fact

 
   
Dated: July 1, 1996
    
 
                                      II-5

<PAGE>   1






                                                                    EXHIBIT 23.1



                    [Letterhead of Coopers & Lybrand L.L.P.]


We consent to the incorporation by reference in Post Effective Amendment No. 1
to the Registration Statement of The TJX Companies, Inc. on Form S-3 (File No.
333-5501) of our report dated March 12, 1996 on our audits of the financial
statements and financial statement schedule of The TJX Companies, Inc. as of
January 27, 1996 and January 28, 1995 and for the years ended January 27, 1996,
January 28, 1995 and January 29, 1994 which reports are included in or
incorporated by reference in, the Annual Report on Form 10-K of the TJX
Companies, Inc. for the fiscal year ended January 27, 1996. We also consent to
the reference to our Firm under the caption "Experts" and "Selected Consolidated
Financial Information."

                                                    /s/ Coopers & Lybrand L.L.P.
                                                        Coopers & Lybrand L.L.P.


Boston, Massachusetts
June 28, 1996




3125699.12


<PAGE>   1






                                                                    EXHIBIT 23.2




The Board of Directors
The TJX Companies, Inc.

We consent to the reference to our firm under the heading "Experts" in the
amendment to the Registration Statement on Form S-3 of The TJX Companies, Inc.
and to the incorporation by reference of our report dated December 1, 1995, with
respect to the consolidated balance sheets of Marshalls of Roseville, Minn.,
Inc. as of December 31, 1994 and 1993, and the related consolidated statements
of income, stockholders' equity, and cash flows for each of the years in the
three-year period ended December 31, 1994, which report appears in the Form 8-K
of the TJX Companies, Inc. dated November 17, 1995.

                                                       /s/ KPMG Peat Marwick LLP

Boston, MA
June 28, 1996

3125699.12



© 2022 IncJournal is not affiliated with or endorsed by the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission