Dollar Tree intends to expand its 603,000-sq.-ft. distribution center in Marietta, Oklahoma by an additional 400,000 sq. ft.

Profits surged, sales momentum slowed

Dollar Tree has approved a 2-for-1 stock split in the form of a 100% common stock dividend.

Dollar Tree posted big sales and earnings growth for the quarter, showing that discounters remain dominant in this economy.

Dollar stores get a lot of the credit for negatively impacting Walmart’s U.S. sales the past few years and it’s no wonder. The big three – Dollar General, Family Dollar and Dollar Tree – have grown rapidly and collectively operate more than 20,000 conveniently located units that offer sharp prices on an expanding assortment of food and consumables.

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

U.S. discount-store operators should keep an eye on their Northern neighbors, as Canadian dollar stores continue to thrive.

Dollar Tree's fiscal fourth-quarter earnings rose 20.4% to $162.5 million amid rising sales and widening margins.

The retail world takes center stage this week as financial markets are poised to dissect a slew of earnings reports from major retailers who will be sharing details on the profitability of holiday sales, perspective on the state of the economic recovery and the outlook for consumer spending during the remainder of 2011.

Target is among the companies scheduled to report, but before its numbers are released on Thursday plenty of competitors will have shed light on their operations. Companies such as Walmart, Macy’s, Home Depot, Office Depot and Barnes & Noble are scheduled to release earnings on Tuesday followed on Wednesday by Lowes, TJX, Limited, Dollar Tree and Chicos. On Thursday, in addition to Target, other companies reporting results include Gap, Safeway, Kohl’s and Sear’s Holdings. JCPenney is scheduled to report on Friday.

Dollar Tree announced that it has completed its purchase of the assets of Dollar...