• January 5, 2011

Business is booming at Family Dollar Stores: The Matthews, N.C.-based chain says sales for its fiscal first quarter jumped 9.5% to $1.99 billion, compared to $1.82 billion in the same quarter a year ago. And net income rose 9.9% to $74.3 million, from $67.6 million in the comparable period.

Comparable-store sales rose 6.9%, which it says is the best first-quarter result it has had in twelve years. Sales gains were strongest in food and candy items. As a result, the company is raising its financial forecasts, and now expects a sales gain of between 8 and 10% for the fiscal year.