Are Family Dollar And Dollar General The Same Company
When it comes to discount stores, two of the most well-known names in the industry are Family Dollar and Dollar General. While they may seem similar in many ways, there are actually some key differences between these two chains. So, are Family Dollar and Dollar General the same company? Let's take a closer look.
History of Family Dollar
Family Dollar was founded in 1959 by Leon Levine in Charlotte, North Carolina. The first store was a self-service, cash-and-carry concept that focused on low prices. By the 1970s, the company had expanded to more than 50 locations and went public in 1971. Today, Family Dollar operates more than 8,000 stores across the United States.
History of Dollar General
Dollar General was founded in 1939 by J.L. Turner and Cal Turner Sr. in Scottsville, Kentucky. The company started as a wholesale business and opened its first retail store in 1955. By the 1970s, Dollar General had expanded to more than 1,000 stores across the United States. Today, the company operates more than 17,000 stores in 46 states.
Ownership
While both Family Dollar and Dollar General are discount stores, they are actually owned by different companies. Family Dollar is a subsidiary of Dollar Tree, Inc., which acquired the company in 2015. Dollar General, on the other hand, is a publicly traded company that is not affiliated with Dollar Tree, Inc.
Store Layout and Products
When it comes to store layout and products, there are some differences between Family Dollar and Dollar General. Family Dollar stores tend to be smaller and have a more cluttered layout, with merchandise stacked high on shelves. Dollar General stores are typically larger and have a more organized layout, with products neatly arranged on shelves.
In terms of products, both chains offer a range of household items, groceries, and personal care products. However, Dollar General tends to have a wider selection of food items, while Family Dollar focuses more on household items and cleaning supplies.
Pricing
Both Family Dollar and Dollar General are known for their low prices, but there are some differences in pricing strategy. Family Dollar tends to have more sales and promotions, with items frequently marked down or offered at a discount. Dollar General, on the other hand, typically has lower everyday prices without as many sales or promotions.
Conclusion
So, are Family Dollar and Dollar General the same company? The answer is no. While both chains offer similar products at low prices, they are owned by different companies and have some differences in store layout, product selection, and pricing strategy. Whether you prefer one chain over the other may depend on your personal shopping preferences and needs.