Bernard Cammarata, also known as Ben Cammarata, is an American businessman who played a key role in the founding and growth of the TJX Companies, Inc., a leading off-price retail company with a global presence. The company operates several well-known retail chains, including T.J. Maxx, Marshalls, HomeGoods, Winners, HomeSense, and T.J. Maxx, among others.
In 1976, Ben Cammarata was appointed President of T.J. Maxx, which was then a newly formed division of Zayre Corp., a discount department store chain. Cammarata was instrumental in the development of T.J. Maxx, building the company's off-price retail model, which focuses on offering brand-name and designer merchandise at significantly lower prices than traditional retail stores.
Under Cammarata's leadership, T.J. Maxx expanded rapidly and played a crucial role in the growth of the off-price retail industry in the United States. In 1987, Zayre Corp. spun off T.J. Maxx and several other subsidiaries into a new company, which eventually became the TJX Companies, Inc. Cammarata was named President and CEO of TJX in 1988.
As the CEO of TJX, Ben Cammarata led the company through a period of significant growth and expansion, both in the United States and internationally. He oversaw the acquisition of Marshalls, another leading off-price retailer, in 1995, which further solidified TJX's position in the industry. Cammarata also played a key role in the development and expansion of other TJX retail chains, such as HomeGoods, Winners, and T.K. Maxx.
In 2000, Cammarata stepped down as CEO of TJX but continued to serve as Chairman of the company until 2009, when he transitioned to the role of Chairman Emeritus. Throughout his tenure at TJX, Cammarata was recognized for his innovative approach to retail, his leadership, and his ability to adapt to changing market conditions.
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