TJX Cos. says it is shuttering its A.J. Wright discount stores, cutting 4,400 jobs and converting the stores to other brands such as T.J. Maxx.

According to a company spokeswoman, the Chicago area has 11 A.J. Wright stores now slated for conversion to T.J. Maxx, Marshalls or HomeGoods. Eleven other A.J. Wright stores that will close.

Slated to close are Chicago stores at Six Corners, Bricktown Square and Washington Square. Elsewhere, Calumet Park, Cicero (Cicero Marketplace), Forest Park, River Grove, Evanston, Markham, Loves Park and Matteson stores will close.

Nationally, 91 one stores will be converted into T.J. Maxx, Marshalls or HomeGoods stores and 71 will be closed along with two distribution centers. About 4,400 jobs will be cut and 3,400 staffers will remain employed at the converted stores.

TJX said the move allows the company, based in Framingham, Mass., to focus on its more profitable businesses.

All 162 A.J. Wright stores will close by mid-February. And 91 will reopen under a different name after eight weeks.

The move will cost $150 million to $170 million to close the stores and $12 million to $15 million to convert the 91 stores that will reopen.

With the Associated Press