Shop Talk
Retailers, consumers and prices
Check Out Line: Save a buck, drive a share price
Check out the higher profits at discounter Family Dollar Stores.
Family Dollar, which prices most of its merchandise below $10, and other discounters like Wal-Mart and Dollar Tree, have been flourishing in the recession as consumers turn to them for low-priced essentials like food and cleaning supplies.
Family Dollar’s success in turn pleased shareholders, who pushed up the company’s shares in pre-market trading.
Sales and earnings in Family Dollar’s fiscal second quarter rose almost 9 and 33 percent, respectively, and the company boosted its financial forecasts for the second time. Chief Executive Howard Levine said the current environment has resulted in more budget-minded consumers.
“In today’s challenging economic environment, families of all incomes are
looking for ways to save money,” he said in a statement, citing market share gains.
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