A Dollar Goes a Long Way

Family Dollar Stores Inc., the Matthews, N.C.-based discount storechain, announces that 50 new stores opened during the four-week periodending September 1. The company now operates 4,141 stores in 39 statesacross the U.S.

The 50 new store locations are in the following states: eight in Texas;six in Michigan; three in Colorado and Georgia; two in Connecticut,Indiana, Iowa, Kentucky, Massachusetts, Pennsylvania, W. Virginia andWisconsin; and 1 each in Arizona, Arkansas, Delaware, Florida, Illinois,Louisiana, Minnesota, Nebraska, New Jersey, New Mexico, New York, NorthCarolina, Oklahoma and South Carolina.

During the fiscal year ending September 1, the company opened a total of502 stores and closed 50. During the next fiscal year, which startedSeptember 2, Family Dollar has plans to open another 525 stores andclose 50, making it one of the fastest growing chains around.

The discount chain's target customer is a woman shopping for a familythat makes less than $25,000 a year. It offers discounted prices forclothing, food, health and beauty supplies, automotive supplies,housewares, and school supplies. Most merchandise (national brands,Family Dollar private labels, and unbranded items) is priced under $10.