Family Dollar

Family Dollar Stores Inc. (Matthews, N.C.) reported a 13.3 percent increase in sales for the four-week period ended Feb. 26, 2005. Same-store sales increased 4.9 percent (including increases of approximately 5.3 percent in sales of hardlines and approximately 3.8 percent in sales of softlines).

For the 13-week period ended February 26, 2005, sales were up approximately 13.1 percent and same-store sales increased approximately 4.5 percent.

The company said that while it is pleased with the recent sales improvement, sales of lower-margin consumables continue to outpace sales growth. In the second quarter, the company also incurred expenses as planned in connection with the urban initiative and the start of the installation in stores of coolers for the sale of perishable goods.

For the 26-week period ended February 26, sales were up about 12 percent and same-store sales increased approximately 3.6 percent.

As of February 26, 2005, the Company had 5600 stores in operation, including 90 stores that were opened during the 13-week period ended on that date.