(NewsNation) — The CEO of TJX Cos., which owns T.J. Maxx, Marshalls and Home Goods, says holiday shopping is off to a “strong start.”

CEO Ernie Herrman made the comments in a news release that noted growth in the distributor’s third-quarter sales.

TJX Cos. announced $15.12 billion in revenue and $1.28 earnings per share, above estimates of $14.85 billion and $1.22, respectively.

Sales were up 7% from $14.06 billion last year. The company’s success is attributed to customers searching for a bargain while still seeking new clothes, according to CNBC.

“The availability of merchandise continues to be outstanding, and we are excited about the deals we are seeing in the marketplace,”Herrman said in the news release.

Herman added the company was “strongly positioned as gifting destinations for value-conscious shoppers this holiday season.”