Several of last year's high fliers are bumping up against devilishly tough comps now. Last month, TJX reported flat comps (and that was at the high end of its expectations), but in October 2009, TJX's comps were up handsomely, +10%. Home comps at TJMaxx/Marshall's were up 14%, and the HomeGoods chain rang up an 18% comp gain. Those are tough num-rnbers to beat at a time when consumers are being very careful with their money.rnA year ago, the numbers were so encouraging that TJX, Ross Stores, JCPenney and Jo-Ann Stores all raised their profit forecasts. Despite smaller gains last month, TJX and Ross both raised their earnings outlook.
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