Segment reporting (Details) (USD $) In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	3 Months Ended
	May 02, 2014 segment	May 03, 2013 segment
Segment reporting
Number of reportable segments	1	1
Net sales data for classes of similar products
Net sales	$ 4,522,081	$ 4,233,733
Consumables
Net sales data for classes of similar products
Net sales	3,445,465	3,194,906
Seasonal
Net sales data for classes of similar products
Net sales	541,432	529,281
Home products
Net sales data for classes of similar products
Net sales	283,597	265,811
Apparel
Net sales data for classes of similar products
Net sales	$ 251,587	$ 243,735