A.J. Wright stores will close sometime between late January and mid-February. - Photo by Bobbie Toner

By Cathleen Twardzik

A.J. Wright has been an employer in Somerville for the past 12 years. Now, in the midst of the holidays, those jobs are gone as the company closes its local store.

The company will convert 91 A.J. Wright stores to either T.J. Maxx, Marshalls or HomeGoods.

Although, to the chagrin of many, 71 A.J. Wright stores and both of A.J. Wright’s distribution centers – one in Fall River, Mass and another in South Bend, Indiana, as well as the chain’s headquarters in Framingham will all slam their doors for good.

Massachusetts A.J. Wright stores, which are perminatently closing are situated in: Somerville, Medford, Malden, Waltham, Methuen, Quincy, New Bedford, Springfield,Worcester and Fitchburg.

“Approximately 40 associates work in each A.J. Wright store,” said Doreen Thompson, Vice President of Corporate Communications at The TJX Companies, Inc.

Therefore, that means that 400 associates, alone, in the 10 Massachusetts stores, along with 800 workers at the Fall River distribution center and 175 more individuals at the TJX headquarters in Framingham will suddenly find themselves without a job.

Altogether, nationwide, TJX approximates that 4,400 positions will be eradicated. “Any business decision that involves the elimination of jobs – even if right for the company as a whole – is extremely difficult,” said Carol Meyrowitz, President and Chief Executive Officer of The TJX Companies, Inc.

On a slightly higher note, the affected associates will be compensated throughout the holiday season – although most of them will remain employed until late January, according to a press release.

The company anticipates to incur estimated pre-tax costs, which are related to shutting down A.J. Wright, ranging from $250 to $280 million.

“A.J. Wright stores will close sometime between late January and mid-February, 2011,” said Sherry Lang, Senior Vice President of Global Communications at The TJX Companies, Inc., in a press statement. “We are enormously grateful for the patronage of all of our A.J. Wright customers,” she said.