Distribution

CHESAPEAKE, Va. -- Dollar Tree has announced that it intends to expand its distribution center in Marietta, Oak., by an additional 400,000 sq. ft. More than 100 full time positions will be created as a result of the expansion.

The facility in Marietta opened in 2003 and is currently 603,000 sq. ft. This facility supplies products to stores across eleven states, including all of Oklahoma, Kansas, Colorado, New Mexico and Texas, and portions of Louisiana, Arkansas, Missouri, Nebraska, South Dakota, Wyoming and Montana.

The retail industry has temporarily avoided a shut down of 14 ports along the East and Gulf coasts following a 30 day extension of contract negotiations with organized labor.

The extension solves nothing, but it does give port operators and representatives of the U.S. Maritime Alliance and International Longshoremen’s Association time to iron out a new collective bargaining agreement that was set to expire on December 29. Retail industry trade groups welcomed news of the extension, while pushing for a longer term solution.

New York City -- A federal mediator announced Friday that the union for longshoremen along the East Coast and Gulf of Mexico has agreed to extend its contract for 30 days.

The extension averts a potential strike that could have crippled operations at ports that handle about 40% of all U.S. container cargo, and it comes after the union and an alliance of port operators and shipping lines resolved a royalty payment issue that had held up contract resolution. Exact terms have not been made public.

New York City -- A Wednesday report by MarketWatch said that a potential strike by nearly 15,000 dock workers at 14 ports from Boston to Houston beginning on Sunday may derail retailers’ spring selling as well.

El Dorado, Ark. -- Murphy Oil USA announced Wednesday it has entered into an agreement with Wal-Mart Stores Inc. for 200 new fuel stations in the midwestern and southeastern U.S.

According to the agreement, Murphy Oil will build more than 200 new fuel stations at existing Wal-Mart Super Centers over the next three years.

Steven Cosse, president and CEO, Murphy Oil Corp., said the agreement with Wal-Mart is a significant step forward for the pair’s long-term relationship.

Ever since the financial crisis, consumer confidence has labored to regain strength, and spending has been correspondingly subpar. So it’s not surprising that retailers have been extremely reluctant to make big capital outlays. But now there are signs that consumers are loosening their purse strings and, as they do, momentum is building among retailers to renew capital spending on certain projects.

Mohawk Industries plans to acquire leading ceramic tile manufacturer The Marazzi Group.

The $1.5 billion acquisition will make Mohawk, a flooring industry leader best known for carpeting, the world leader in ceramic tile, according to the company. The Marazzi Group is said to be the leading manufacturer and marketer of ceramic tile in all its major geographies, including Russia, the United States, Italy, France and Spain, with 2011 revenues of nearly $1.2 billion. The deal is expected to close in the first quarter of 2013.

FRAMINGHAM, Mass. — The TJX Companies has acquired Sierra Trading Post, an off-price Internet retailer based in Cheyenne, Wyoming, for approximately $200 million in cash.

The purchase was financed from TJX’s existing cash balances.

ISELIN, N.J. — Domino Sugar has donated $50,000 to the American Red Cross for relief and rebuilding efforts in the Northeast following Hurricane Sandy.

Framingham, Mass. -- The TJX Cos. said Friday it has acquired Sierra Trading Post, an off-price Internet retailer based in Cheyenne, Wyoming, for approximately $200 million in cash.

The purchase was financed from TJX’s existing cash balances.