Family Dollar

MATTHEWS, N.C. — Family Dollar has inked a partnership with a national leader in health-and-wellness solutions to further drive the retailer's commitment to proactively engage in activities that encourage healthy living.

Family Dollar said it would open 500 new stores next year following the release of record sales and profits on Wednesday morning.

Matthews, N.C. -- Family Dollar Stores reported Wednesday that net income for the quarter ended Aug. 25 inched up to $80.9 million, from $79.8 million in the same period last year. Results were impacted by an $11.5 million litigation charge stemming from the preliminary settlement of a lawsuit in New York.

Sales for the quarter rose 10.8% to $2.36 billion, a record for the company, and same-store sales increased 5.4%.

Pricing studies conducted this week by Wall Street analysts yielded familiar results.

Deutsche Bank analyst Charles Grom and Citigroup analyst Deb Weinswig issued reports this week comparing Walmart’s prices to dollar stores and conventional supermarkets and Target.

Matthews, N.C. -- Family Dollar Stores said Wednesday it plans to settle a class-action matter with more than 1,700 New York store managers who filed suit on claims of unpaid overtime wages.

The preliminary settlement provides for a maximum payment of $14 million by Family Dollar. Settlement terms are pending court approval, and the discounter plans to record a fourth quarter charge to cover the costs.

Baldwin Park, Calif. -- NewMark Merrill Cos. announced that three new tenants have joined Park Plaza on Maine, located in Baldwin Park, Calif., joining Superior Grocers, CVS, O’Reilly Auto Parts, Chase Bank, El Pollo Loco, GNC and Bank of America.

Menchie’s Yogurt signed a five-year lease for a 1,586-sq.-ft. location; LA Eyebrow signed a five-year lease for a 1,220-sq.-ft. space; and Family Dollar signed a lease for the approximately 9,000-sq.-ft. space next door to Superior Grocers.

New York -- The store opening plans of retailers hit a four-year high in July, according to the August edition of the National Retailer Demand Monthly report from RBC Capital Markets and Retail Lease Trac.

Retailers in the RBC database currently plan to open 78,325 stores over the next 24 months, which represents an 11% increase over openings projected at the end of 2011, and a 0.6% increase over June’s level.

MATTHEWS, N.C. — Family Dollar Stores has named Holly Shaskey-Platek to the position of SVP merchandising. She will lead the home, apparel and seasonal divisions and report to Paul White, EVP, chief merchandising officer.