T.J. Maxx, the national discount retailer, will open three stores on Oahu in May.

Marking its re-entrance into the Hawaii market after 15 years, the retail chain will open a 35,000-square-foot store at Ward Centers, followed by a second outlet at Pearl Highlands Center and another at Pearlridge Center’s Uptown by mid-May. The company didn’t disclose how many employees it intends to hire for the three stores.

The retailer will fill the second floor of the two-story Ward Village Shops complex on Auahi Street. The space was previously leased to Whole Foods Market and is adjacent to a new 732-stall parking garage.

The chain is a rival to Ross, which is also looking to expand its presence in the islands, recently opening a nearly 40,000-square-foot megastore in Waikiki.

T.J. Maxx, part of The TJX Cos. Inc. of Massachusetts, sells brand-name apparel, jewelry, home items and other merchandise at 20 percent to 60 percent below department store prices.

The TJX Cos. left the Hawaii market in July 1996 when it sold the leasehold rights to six retail locations—including a T.J. Maxx outlet at the Stadium Marketplace—to rival Ross Stores Inc.