Family Dollar courts Father's Day shoppers

MATTHEWS, N.C. — With Father’s Day just around the corner, Family Dollar is touting its small-store format, accessible staff and assorted product offerings to draw shoppers into its stores.



The value retailer is offering greeting cards, apparel and grills, while reminding shoppers that stores carry not only grills but also charcoal, coolers, hot dogs, hamburgers and even condiments.



Family Dollar is also promoting its assortment of gift cards, encouraging shoppers to "let [Dad] pick out his own special gift." With offerings from Visa, Amazon, Bass Pro Shops, Barnes & Noble, Chili’s and Outback Steakhouse, Family Dollar is banking on the rebounding economy and the likelihood that shoppers will be spending as much as 2% more on Dad this year than they did last year, according to surveys by industry research firm IBISWorld and the National Retail Federation.



According to IBISWorld's survey, gift cards will remain a holiday mainstay this year because of their ease, convenience and their ability to let dad choose his own gift. The firm estimates they will account for the same amount of Father’s Day spending as they did last year at 13%.



The NRF's survey found that families will shell out $1.8 billion on the perfect practical gift, that is, gift cards.



“At Family Dollar, we have expanded our Father’s Day offerings to ensure we have under one roof the perfect gift for every dad, whether he plans to spend his special day at the grill, in the garage or simply relaxing with family at home,” said Bob Giles, divisional VP of merchandise.