RNS Number:8951W
Hughes (T.J.) PLC
9 January 2001

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE                                            9 January 2001

                                 T.J. HUGHES PLC

                     POSITIVE CHRISTMAS TRADING STATEMENT


T.J.Hughes plc ("T.J.Hughes"), the quality discount department store operator
announces its sales performance over the recent Christmas trading period.


In the six weeks to 6 January 2001, sales for all stores were 21.3% ahead of
the comparable period last year and increased by 2.8% on a 'like-for-like'
basis.  Cumulatively for the 23 weeks to 6 January 2001, sales were up by
22.0% and 'like-for-like' sales were ahead by 3.6% - after allowing for the
factors set out below.


Certain factors should be noted when interpreting these figures:



*       The sales for the six weeks to 6 January 2001 include the week after
Christmas which was adversely affected by snow in the Midlands and North West,
areas which currently include over 80% of T.J.Hughes' retail selling space.
It is estimated that without the effects of snow, like-for-like sales would
have been 2% better over the Christmas trading period and cumulatively over 4%
for the 23 weeks of the second half.  Those stores not affected by the snow
continued to perform consistently strongly.



*       The sales gains for 2000 are compared with a particularly strong
period in the year before when sales were boosted by pre-Millennium spending;



*       The sales figures for the 23 week period also include the effect of
the 'petrol dispute' and floods in November.



George Foster, Chief Executive, commented:


"Despite the adverse affects of the weather, floods and latterly snow coupled
with the 'petrol dispute', we have managed to report positive like-for-like
sales increases over the Christmas trading period and cumulatively for the
second half.



New stores opened during the year have performed above expectations
demonstrating the national appeal of our trading formula.  The opening
programme for 2001 is well advanced.  So far, four stores are scheduled for
opening in the Spring, including a flagship store in Glasgow, and two more are
scheduled for the Autumn.  Our net selling space over the next 12 months will
increase by nearly 30%."



David Winterbottom, Chairman, stated:


"The results of the Christmas trading season means that T.J.Hughes expects to
report another satisfactory increase in profit for the current year to
end-January 2001.



George Foster, Chief Executive or Tony Potter, Finance Director   0151-207-2600

Steve Liebmann or Richard Darby at Buchanan Communications        020-7466-5000