• April 8, 2009

Family Dollar Stores says its quarterly earnings are up 33% to 84.1 million, and that sales for the Matthews, N.C.-based chain gained 8.7% to $1.99 billion.

"In today's challenging economic environment, families of all incomes are looking for ways to save money," the company says in its release. "Our strategy of providing both value and convenience continues to resonate well with consumers, and, as a result, we continue to capture more shopping trips and gain market share."

Comparable-store sales gained for the second quarter of its fiscal year climbed 6.4%, based on both an increase in traffic, as well as a jump in average customer transaction. In the coming quarter, it says it expects comparable-store sales will gain between 5% and 7%.--Sarah Mahoney