Family Dollar

 WHAT IT MEANS AND WHY IT'S IMPORTANT — It appears that even when the economy gets back to humming on all cylinders that America’s shopping patterns will have been forever changed, and that's only going to support dollar store growth for years to come. Clearly, the two biggest competitors in Family Dollar and Dollar General are ramping up store growth all over the country, with the two companies lining up on opposite corners much the way drug chains began had done in the '80s and '90s.

MATTHEWS, N.C. — Family Dollar said its board of directors declared a regular quarterly cash dividend on the company's common stock of 21 cents per share.

The dividend is made payable July 13 to shareholders of record at the close of business on June 15.

MATTHEWS, N.C. — Family Dollar is gearing up to offer its customers a broader selection of merchandise, including refrigerated and frozen food, through a strategic partnership with McLane.

MATTHEWS, N.C. — Family Dollar announced that one of its executives intends to leave the company to pursue other interests.

The company said the departure of Dorlisa Flur, vice chair of strategy and chief administrative officer, is effective May 2.

"Dorlisa has served the Company in a variety of leadership roles and has been a valued part of our team," Family Dollar chairman and CEO Howard Levine said. "Her contributions to Family Dollar's success are greatly appreciated, and we wish her all the best in her future endeavors."

MATTHEWS, N.C. — Family Dollar has named Mary Winston to the position of EVP and CFO. Winston will report to Howard Levine, chairman and CEO, and will have executive responsibility for Family Dollar’s financial operations, including accounting, treasury, tax, financial planning, investor relations and internal audit.

MATTHEWS, N.C. — Family Dollar has appointed a new VP and assistant general counsel for litigation.

Jon Broz joins the retailer from Lowe's, where he most recently served as VP and assistant general counsel for litigation. In his new role at Family Dollar, Broz will report to James Snyder Jr., SVP general counsel and secretary.

MATTHEWS, N.C. — Rising gas prices and a cautious consumer environment continues to benefit the dollar store, with Family Dollar being the latest example. The company reported that net income for the second quarter of fiscal year 2012, ended Feb. 25, increased 10.7% to $136.4 million, compared with net income of $123.2 million for the second quarter of fiscal year 2011. Net income per diluted share for the quarter increased 17.3% to $1.15, compared with 98 cents for the same period last year.

MATTHEWS, N.C. — Momentum remains on the side of Family Dollar, as the company late Thursday reported another quarter of record sales and profits and the opening of 101 units, which included its first stores in California.