Warehouse

Asda, Walmart’s U.K. subsidiary, has big plans for 2012 that include investing more than £500m ($784 million) in its stores in 2012.

The company said it will invest the money in opening 25 new stores and three depots, as well as expanding and remodeling 43 of its existing stores. According to the company, this investment will create up to 5,000 new jobs in the United Kingdom. The company noted that current Asda associates would have the opportunity to enhance their careers through the company’s apprenticeship program.

MENOMONEE FALLS, Wis. — Kohl’s Department Stores announced that it has entered into a purchase agreement to build a new e-commerce distribution center located at I-35 and Centre Park Blvd. in DeSoto, Texas. Expected to open in summer 2012, upon completion the approximately 951,000 sq.-ft. building will fulfill Kohls.com purchases. Kohl’s will close on the agreement once the building process is complete.

Sunbury, Pa. — Weis Markets on Monday announced it has joined the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency’s SmartWay Transport Partnership, a program, that will help the grocer assess the environmental and energy efficiency of the trucks supplying its 161 stores.

New York City -- Family Dollar plans to continue aggressive growth in the current fiscal year, with 450 to 500 new stores on tap, CEO Howard Levine said at the company's annual shareholder meeting Thursday, The Charlotte Observer reported.

The discounter also plans to open its 11th distribution center this year, to serve its stores in California where it has started expanding, the report said.

Levine said Family Dollar will continue its store renovation program, making over another 1,000 locations.

SUNBURY, Pa. — Weis Markets on Monday announced it has joined the SmartWay Transport Partnership, a U.S. Environmental Protection Agency program, that will help the grocer assess the environmental and energy efficiency of the trucks supplying its 161 stores.

Washington, D.C. -- A report released Thursday by the National Retail Federation and Hackett Associates said import cargo volume at the nation’s major retail container ports should be nearly flat during January compared with the same month last year, but significant year-over-year increases are expected this spring.

GOODLETTSVILLE, Tenn. — Dollar General was among the discount stores that benefited from a more cautious consumer spending in 2011, and the retailer expects that momentum to continue in 2012. The company announced that it plans to open 625 new stores and add more than 6,000 new jobs in 2012. These new stores and jobs will be spread among Dollar General’s 38-state operating area, plus California and Massachusetts.

Walmart’s online business may have gained ground this holiday season, but Amazon.com doesn’t plan to cede its leadership position, and this week announced plans for two new distribution facilities.