Distribution

SAN FRANCISCO — Gap Inc. reported that net sales for the second quarter of fiscal year 2011, which ended July 30, increased 2% to $3.39 billion compared with $3.32 billion for the second quarter last year. The company’s second quarter comparable sales, which include associated comparable online sales, were down 2% compared with a 1% increase in the second quarter last year. For the second quarter of fiscal year 2011, online sales positively impacted comparable sales for Gap Inc. by 2 percentage points.

CHESAPEAKE, Va. — The discount store channel continues to thrive, as evidenced by Dollar Tree's strong second-quarter performance.

The company reported that sales for its second quarter ended July 30 increased 11.9% to $1.54 billion from $1.38 billion for the same period last year.  Comparable-store sales increased 4.7%, on top of a 6.7% increase for the second quarter 2010.

Dollar Tree's earnings rose an impressive 26.2% to 77 cents per diluted share from 61 cents per diluted share for the prior-year quarter. 

Oakland, Calif. -- GT Nexus announced Tuesday that Liz Claiborne has extended its contract for a supply chain visibility and control platform.

Delivered as a cloud service, the platform gives Liz Claiborne the capability to tightly monitor and control inventory flows between suppliers, logistics providers, distribution centers and customers.

SUNBURY, Pa. — The Professional Recyclers of Pennsylvania recently recognized Weis Markets for its commitment to recycling and its innovative program to recycle waxed cardboard used to ship and store fresh vegetables and meats, the grocer announced Monday.

In 2010, Weis Markets teamed up with Envirolog to recycle its waxed cardboard and produce Envirolog fireplace logs, which are sold in Weis Markets stores.  Typically, supermarkets send most of their waxed cardboard to landfills since it is difficult to recycle.

ROANOKE, Va. — Advance Auto Parts saw its second-quarter earnings per share jump 26% to $1.46 from $1.16 for the same period last year, as the company looks to further invest in commercial, e-commerce and DIY businesses.

Wayne, N.J. -- Toys “R” Us said Thursday it has completed a 5.38 megawatt rooftop solar power system at the company’s largest distribution center in Flanders, N.J.

The solar roof is estimated to offset 72% of the electrical needs for the Toys “R” Us facility, making it the largest operational rooftop solar installation in North America.

ST. LOUIS — Brown Shoe Company announced that it has made four strategic additions to the leadership team within its American Sporting Goods division, appointing James Hoff as VP sales across all ASG brands, Alan Vickers as VP international, Brad Little as VP and brand manager Avia and Nevados, and Jorge Cabrera as VP athletic product development.

ENGLEWOOD, Colo. — Children will be returning to school in a matter of weeks, and many of them will be joining or returning to some sort of sporting activity. Enter Sports Authority, which is answering the need for sporting goods by opening six news stores on Aug. 13. The six new stores will open in five states nationwide, in the major markets of Miami, Los Angeles, Salt Lake City, Chicago and Milwaukee, the company reported.

The store locations will be as follows:

• Miami Beach, Fla. at 3401 N. Miami Ave.