The owner of T.J. Maxx, Marshalls and Home Goods prospered as Americans continued to shift their shopping habits down. Like many discounters, the Framingham, Mass-based chain reported higher earnings amid a weak economy by luring customers with designer clothing and other items sold for less.
Shares were also helped in June after a Goldman Sachs analyst raised his stock rating to "buy" from "neutral" on stronger business prospects. In the year ahead, it remains to be seen how the retailer will fare as the economic recovery continues.
