Frequently Asked Questions

Click on one of the categories below to be taken to that section of the FAQs:

General
Employment
Investor Relations
Real Estate
Contractors
Associate/Former Associate
Distribution Center
Carrier
Fleet
Vendor/Routing

General:

Q: Where is the nearest Family Dollar store?

A: Visit our Store Locator to find a Family Dollar store near you. You can search by zip code or by city. For a tour of a typical Family Dollar store, take a Virtual Store Tour.

Q: Can I purchase your products online at your website or over the internet?

A: At this time, Family Dollar does not offer our merchandise for sale on the internet. Please continue to shop for our everyday low priced merchandise at your local, convenient Family Dollar store.

Q: Do you accept checks?

A: Family Dollar accepts preprinted personal checks from the local trade area for the amount of the purchase up to $150 with the proper identification forms and other approvals.

Q: Do you accept debit cards or credit cards?

A: Family Dollar accepts PIN-based debit cards in most stores, but does not accept credit cards at this time.

Q: Does Family Dollar offer franchises?

A: Family Dollar does not offer franchises. If you have property you would like to lease or sell to Family Dollar, please visit our Real Estate site or Contact Us.

Q: Are there employment opportunities at Family Dollar?

A: Visit our Careers site for opportunities at our Stores, Distribution Centers or Corporate Headquarters. If you are interested in employment in one of our stores, you also may contact your nearest Family Dollar store.

Back to Top

Employment:

Q. I am a returning candidate to the Career Section. How do I access my existing candidate file?

A: The Career Section uses your e-mail address (not your name) as your unique identifier. You must always type the same e-mail address when accessing your information. It is important that your e-mail address is spelled correctly, and please note that it is case sensitive. If you do not have an email address, you may obtain one at no expense to you by clicking on the 'Yahoo Mail' link on the Candidate Login Screen.

Q. I am a returning candidate to the Career Section and I have forgotten my password. How can I log in now?

A: If you have forgotten your password, click the "Forgot Password" hyperlink that appears in the login screen. A Change Password Request screen will appear. To request a password change, enter your e-mail address and click the Send Request button. A security code, a Web address, and instructions on how to proceed will arrive by e-mail a few minutes after having requested the password. Note your security code and click the Web link address. Enter your e-mail address, the security code, and your new password. Then re-enter your password and click the Change Password Now button. This will display a screen indicating that the password has been successfully changed. Now you can click the Jobs hyperlink to continue searching for jobs or click the Candidate Profiler hyperlink in order to continue to update your profile.

Q. I do not have a prepared resume. Can I still apply for a position with Family Dollar?

A: Yes, our web-based hiring management system utilizes an automated skills-based recruiting methodology, instead of the more traditional resume-based method of recruiting. To apply for a specific job that is posted, simply click on a specific job title and answer specific questions relating to the job application.

Q. I have a prepared resume and would like to attach it to my candidate file. Can I attach a Word document to my online application?

A: Yes, our system enables candidates to attach files, such as a resume, a letter, or other information, while filling in a job-specific application or a profile. You can actually forward a copy of your resume along with the application in one of four ways:

• Cut and paste an existing file
• Select and attach a file
• Create a link to your web page
• Use the Resume Builder feature included in the application

Q. How do I know if the positions currently posted on the website are still available?

A: The Family Dollar Recruiter responsible for handling the recruiting of the particular opportunity posts the open position directly to the website. Since positions are posted in real time, and not by a third party, our team of Recruiters at Family Dollar ensure that all posted positions are current.

Q. When I apply online to a company, I always wonder if a real person ever sees my information. Wouldn't it be better for me to e-mail or fax my resume to Human Resources so that I can be sure they have it?

A: Actually, the best way to ensure that the Recruiters at Family Dollar see your information is to apply online. When you apply online for a specific position, your completed online application is received in real time immediately by the Recruiter who posted the position. Faxed and mailed paper resumes may experience delivery difficulties and therefore, are not the most efficient way to submit your qualifications for review.

Q. I have applied online and also faxed my resume to Human Resources. When will someone in Human Resources call me?

A: We genuinely appreciate your interest in exploring employment opportunities with Family Dollar. We are also excited that over the past year, thousands of candidates have applied online through our website. In addition, we still receive numerous faxed and mailed resumes as well as walk-in applications each year. Due to volume, we regret that we are unable to personally contact each and every candidate who applies with Family Dollar. Please be assured, however, that a member of the Recruiting team reviews every online application, faxed resume, mailed resume, and paper application. A Recruiter will then contact those candidates whose qualifications most closely match the requirements of the particular position. If a Recruiter for a particular position does not contact you, your qualifications may still be considered as other opportunities become available. Thank you again for interest in Family Dollar.

Q. I have read all of the above but I still have questions. What is the best way for me to contact someone in Human Resources?

A: Email employment@familydollar.com with your questions. Please note that you should not e-mail your resume to this address. Complete the online candidate profiler under Careers and/or apply for a specific position under Careers to submit your resume. You may alternately call the Recruiting Department at 704-847-6961, extension 5865; however, if you do not have an answering machine, we recommend you contact us via e-mail.

Q: I am an Associate/Former Associate looking to apply for public assistance, childcare, social security, housing, other employment, a small loan, a mortgage loan or a car loan. How can an agency verify current or past employment with Family Dollar?

A: The Work Number, a nationally recognized leader in automated verification (VOE) is a helpful tool to use. This FREE service offers instant access to your Family Dollar employment information by the lenders or agencies that you authorize. Using this service will ensure that you get faster service by eliminating the need to mail your request into the Corporate Office for processing. The Work Number can process verification requests over the phone, Internet or fax 24 hours a day, 7 days a week and in a fraction of the time normally required. If you or an agency has any questions on how to use this benefit for verification, or if you need to have your personal pin number reset to the default pin number, please contact The Work Number customer service center Monday-Friday, 7:00 a.m. – 8:00 p.m. CST at (800) 996-7566. To access The Work Number, click on the provided link http://www.theworknumber.com

Back to Top

Investor Relations:

Q: How can I get more information on Family Dollar?

A: Visit our Investor Relations site for annual reports, proxy statements, SEC filings, etc. Visit the News area of our site to read recent and archived news releases. If you wish to contact Family Dollar, visit our Contact Us page.

Q: What is the Common Stock trading at today?

A: Click here for Family Dollar's Current Stock Quote or click here for Family Dollar's Historical Stock Information.

Q: When will the Common Stock split again?

A: The decision to declare a stock split is made by the Board of Directors of Family Dollar Stores, Inc. Click on Stock Split History for a listing of all stock splits. Prior decisions do not necessarily reflect future actions.

Q: Has Family Dollar been paying a cash dividend on its Common Stock?

A: Family Dollar initiated the payment of quarterly cash dividends on its Common Stock in 1976 and the dividend has been increased in each subsequent year. The decision to declare a cash dividend is made by the Board of Directors of Family Dollar Stores, Inc. Prior decisions do not necessarily reflect future actions.

Q: Does Family Dollar offer a Direct Stock Purchase Plan or a Dividend Reinvestment Plan?

A: Family Dollar does not offer a Direct Stock Purchase Plan. The Common Stock is traded on the New York Stock Exchange (Ticker Symbol FDO), and shares may be purchased through a broker of your choice. Family Dollar does not offer a Dividend Reinvestment Plan at this time.

Q: When will Family Dollar release monthly same store sales? Quarterly results?

A: Visit our Events Calendar to learn of any upcoming announcements from Family Dollar.

Q: How can I listen to Family Dollar's quarterly earnings release conference calls?

A: You can listen to a live conference call webcast by clicking on "Investors" and then on the webcast icon. A replay of the indexed webcast will be available by clicking on "Investors" and then on "Audio Archives". Archived webcasts will be available approximately two hours after the end of the call and will remain in the archive for about 2 weeks.

Q: I hold Family Dollar stock certificates myself, not through a broker. Who do I contact to change my name or address, reregister a certificate with a different name or replace a lost certificate?

A: Any such inquiries should be directed to Family Dollar's transfer agent, Mellon Investor Services. The address is 85 Challenger Road, Ridgefield Park, New Jersey 07660. You can also contact the transfer agent at 800-851-9677 or visit their Web site at www.melloninvestor.com.

Back to Top

Real Estate:

Q: What demographics does Family Dollar look for?

A: Family Dollar serves low to middle income customers. We look for a minimum of 8,000 people in our trade area.

Q: How big is Family Dollar's trade area?

A: Family Dollar's trade areas typically range from a one (1) mile radius in densely populated urban areas to a ten (10) mile radius in rural towns.

Q: How much rent does Family Dollar pay?

A: Rents are determined by market conditions and sales projections. Family Dollar expects to pay less than market rent because we are a credit tenant, and we have a proven track record as a successful retailer.

Back to Top

Contractors:

Q: How do I go about getting on the bidder list?

A: Click here to view Family Dollar Contractor's Qualification Requirements and Senior Project Manager Contact information. Send the completed Qualified Requirements forms to the Construction contact listed for your state.

Q: Does Family Dollar only use large national contractors?

A: Most of our contractors are medium to large size contractors, many of which have worked for us for more than ten years.

Q: How many projects is Family Dollar planning this year?

A: We are planning to add approximately 2% to 4% new stores in the year ending August 30, 2008, plus a number of relocations and expansions.

Q: Will all of these stores be located in new buildings?

A: A large number of our new locations will be located in existing neighborhood shopping centers, where we renovate an existing space to meet our current specifications. We also build freestanding stores from the ground up.

Q: Does Family Dollar ever contract directly with subcontractors?

A: Because of the number of projects, we only work directly with general contractors.

Q: How busy can I expect to be, if I become a Family Dollar approved contractor?

A: If you have a construction crew that is willing to travel, we have many medium to large size contractors that stay busy the majority of the year working for Family Dollar.

Q: Do I need to be bondable?

A: While we do not bond every project, we are looking for contractors that are bondable. The bonding company must be an A- bonding company.

Q: Will Family Dollar advance funds to help a contractor get a project started?

A: Family Dollar does not advance funds, but since we are a multi-billion dollar company with limited long-term debt most contractors working for us have been able to secure a line of credit with their local financial institution.

Q: What is the size of the average project?

A: The projects can range from $40,000 for a minor renovation, up to $800,000 for a ground up project including site work.

Q: Do you work only with national providers?

A: The majority of the vendors we work with are local and regional vendors. However, we prefer to work with national pest control companies, fire extinguisher service providers, glaziers and door repair companies.

Q: Do you work with brokers or third parties?

A: We prefer not to.

Q: How can I get onto your approved vendor list?

A: From the Real Estate Store Maintenance screen, click to view and print a copy of the Maintenance Documentation and Bid Package. You will be able to print out the required forms and letter of instruction. Follow the instructions provided.

Q: How can I get a listing of store locations within my service coverage area?

A: To access stores in your area by zip code or by city, visit our Store Locator. Or you may Contact Us to request a listing of the stores that fall within particular zip codes.

Q: What can I expect after submitting a completed vendor package?

A: You should expect to receive a written reply within 90 days of receipt of your package.

Back to Top

Associate/Former Associate Questions:

Current and Former Associates: Your W2 information is now online! Click here to view.

Q: When will my W-2 be mailed, and when should I expect to receive it?

A: The law states that W-2s must be post marked by January 31st. However, this doesn't guarantee delivery to you on the 31st. Please allow 10 working days for delivery.

Q: It is mid-February, and I have not received my W-2. What should I do?

A: The most common reason for failure to receive your W-2 is that Family Dollar does not have a current address for you. When you move, you must provide Family Dollar with your new address. Family Dollar mails W-2's to the last address the Corporate Office has on record. If you believe Family Dollar may have an incorrect address, please contact the W-2 Hotline (1-800-547-0359, Option #3, then Option #1) with the current address. Your address will be updated, and a duplicate W-2 will be printed and mailed. Please include a current phone number where you can be contacted if there are additional questions in processing the W-2.

Q: I have not received my W-2. Can you fax or overnight me a copy?

A: We cannot fax or overnight any W-2s. We can request that a duplicate be printed and mailed.

Q: What should I do if my W-2 displays an incorrect name?

A: Current Associate - Your Manager must complete a Name Change PAF and then forward to PDP for processing. You will receive a corrected duplicate in the mail. Former Associate - Call the HR Service Center at 1-800-547-0359 ext. 5863 to receive instructions on how to update that information.

Q: What should I do if my W-2 has the incorrect Social Security Number (SSN) on it?

A: Current Associate - You may file with the incorrect W-2 form. Cross out the incorrect Social Security Number and write in the correct number above it. Request that your Manager submit a PAF to correct your Social Security Number. Once the correction is made, the Tax Department will complete a W-2C form and forward it to you, the IRS and the Social Security Administration. Former Associate - You may file with the incorrect W-2. Cross out the incorrect Social Security Number and write in the correct number above it. We must receive an email, fax or a letter stating both the correct SSN and the incorrect SSN. Family Dollar will complete a W-2C form and forward it to you, the IRS and the Social Security Administration. Contact the Human Resources Service Center by phone, fax, email or mail: Phone, 1-800-547-0359, Ext. 5863; Fax, 704-845-0852; Email, hrservicecenter@familydollar.com; Mailing Address, Family Dollar, PO Box 1017, Charlotte, NC 28201.

Q: My exemptions are incorrect on my W-2. What should I do?

A: You will not see your exemptions stated on your W-2 Form. They are only stated on your pay stub. It is your responsibility to check your paycheck stub each time you receive one. We cannot address issues concerning 2005 wages. If you are a current Associate, we can make corrections for 2006 wages. You will need to submit a Manager Transmit Exemption Change PAF and mail the new tax forms to the Corporate Office, attn: Human Resources.

Q: My W-2 shows there were no federal and/or state taxes taken out of my paycheck for the year. How is that possible?

A: Your tax deductions are based on the exemptions that you claimed. It is possible that you did not make enough each pay period for the State and/or Federal Government to deduct taxes out of your paycheck. Family Dollar does not determine the amount of taxes taken out of your check.

Q: Why did I not receive a refund, or why do I owe taxes?

A: Please review the number of exemptions you have listed on your paycheck. Your tax deductions are based on the exemptions that you claimed. Contact a tax advisor to help you avoid any confusion. If you would like to change your withholdings for 2007, you will need to submit a Manager Transmit Exemption Change PAF and mail new tax forms to the Home Office, attn: Human Resources.

Q: Why is the wrong store number printed on my W-2?

A: The store number does not appear on the W-2.

Q: I made a lot more money than what is listed on my W-2. What could be wrong?

A: Look at block 13 on your W-2. If it states "J" or "sick", this is not your Federal W-2. This is a "Disability" or "Sick" W-2. You should receive your Federal W-2 within 10 business days. If you do not receive it, call the Human Resources Service Center at 1-800-547-0359, Ext. 5863 to request a duplicate copy.

Q: I haven’t received my W-2 yet and I’m trying to file taxes from my most recent paycheck stub. It’s missing my Employer Identification Number (EIN). Where can I find it?

A: Our company policy does not allow us to provide an EIN number. You will need to obtain the EIN from your W-2 once it arrives.

Q: What do the numbers/totals in Boxes 12 and 14 represent on my W-2?

A: Box 12 displays your 401k deductions and Box 14 displays your pre-tax deductions.

Q: I worked for Family Dollar in the spring, left, then came back in the fall. How many W-2's will I receive?

A: You will receive a W-2 for each time you are terminated and rehired. Example: If you are rehired three times in one year, you will get three W-2s.

Q: I transferred between multiple states in one year. How many W-2's will I receive?

A: You will receive a W-2 for each state or different tax jurisdiction in which you worked.

Q: I transferred from the Corporate Office to a Distribution Center. How many W-2's will I receive?

A: You will receive two W-2's if there is a change in GRE (Government Reporting Entity.)

Q: I transferred from one store to another in the same state. How many W-2's will I receive?

A: You will receive only one W-2. You do not get multiple W-2s from transferring stores within the same state, as long as the State does not have different tax jurisdictions.

Q: How can I contact Family Dollar with questions about my W-2 or to change my address?

A: Family Dollar Human Resources may be contacted as follows: For Duplicate Requests Only, call Family Dollar's W-2 Hotline at 1-800-547-0359 and select option #3, then select option 1. You may also email your request to W2@familydollar.com. For all other inquiries, you may contact the HR Service Center at 1-800-547-0359, ext.5863. You may also email your questions to our Human Resources department using the following address: HRServiceCenter@familydollar.com. Current Family Dollar Associates may email Human Resources from a Family Dollar Store. Enter "hr" as the first name and "servicecenter" as the last name on your email message.

Q: May a friend or relative contact Family Dollar on my behalf for W-2 information?

A: All inquires must be made by the Family Dollar Associate or former Associate. If there is an extenuating circumstance, please contact the HR Service Center at 1-800-547-0359, ext. 5863 or by email at hrservicecenter@familydollar.com.

Back to Top

Distribution Center Questions:

Q: What are the hours for Family Dollar's Distribution Centers?

A: The hours of operation for all Distribution Centers are located in the Family Dollar Routing, Shipping and Packaging Instructions.

Q: Where can I find directions to Family Dollar Distribution Centers?

A: All Family Dollar Distribution Center locations have an automated phone system for directions. Call the number listed below, and follow the instructions. Or, follow the links below to visit the corresponding Distribution Center's homepage, which contains printable directions.

Q: Do the Distribution Centers close for holidays?

A: Family Dollar observes the following Holidays: New Year's Day, Memorial Day, Independence Day, Labor Day, Thanksgiving, 1/2 day Christmas Eve and Christmas Day.

Back to Top

Carrier Questions:

Q: Can any carrier drop their trailer?

A: No. In order to maintain adequate space on our yards, only approved carriers are authorized to drop trailers.

Q: How early can approved drop carriers drop their trailers prior to their appointment?

A: Up to 48 hours prior to the scheduled delivery appointment.

Q: After a trailer is dropped, when can a carrier expect the trailer to be empty?

A: Family Dollar has 72 hours from the original delivery appointment to unload a dropped trailer.

Q: What are the receiving hours for Family Dollar's Distribution Centers?

A: Hours of operation for all the Distribution Centers can be found in the Routing, Shipping and Packaging Instructions.
NOTE: This document is in PDF format. To read it, you'll need Adobe's free Acrobat Reader. If you don't have it, download it here.

Q: If I miss my appointment can I still deliver?

A: Prepaid Carriers can call the receiving department to ask to be worked in. If the carrier is extremely late or cannot be worked in, the driver must contact his dispatch office to be rescheduled. Collect Carriers must call their dispatch office for instructions.

Q: If I arrive early for an appointment at the Morehead, KY facility is there a place where I can park?

A: No. Parking on Industrial Road is prohibited.

Truck stops in the area are as follows:

Q: How does a carrier bid to become a carrier for Family Dollar?

A: Contact the Corporate Transportation Manager at the corporate offices at the address and phone number listed:

Corporate Transportation Manager
Family Dollar Stores Inc.
P.O. Box 1017
Charlotte, NC 28201-1017
Phone: 704-814-3237 Fax: 704-845-5909

Back to Top

Fleet Questions:

Q: How do I report if a Family Dollar truck is being driven in an unsafe manner?

A: Call Family Dollar Trucking - 704-847-6961, ext. #3391 or ext. #4589.

Q: If I am pulling a Family Dollar Trailer and I have a maintenance problem what do I do?

A: Immediately contact the vehicle maintenance department or truck shop at the Distribution Center that you pulled the trailer from if you experience any maintenance issues. Give specific details of the problem and the maintenance associates will call a vendor to make the necessary repairs or advise you what to do. Also, ask the dispatcher to notify any stores with deliveries that could be affected.

Q: What are the requirements to be a Family Dollar driver?

A: Applicant must be 21 years of age and possess a valid commercial driver's license or operator's license with hazardous materials endorsement. A minimum of 2 years driving experience is preferred with no more than 2 moving violations during the previous three years. Candidates must also pass a physical examination as well as a drug and alcohol test. For more details contact the Human Resources Department.

Q: How does an owner-operator sign up to deliver for Family Dollar stores?

A: Family Dollar Trucking does not utilize owner-operators, although some of our dedicated carriers may.

Back to Top

Vendor/Routing Questions:

Q: Can a vendor ship multiple LTL shipments to all Family Dollar Distribution Centers at one time on the same carrier?

A: Vendors shipping Collect must use the GLog Vendor Tender Notification to know what purchase orders and quantities to ship per shipment. Vendors shipping Prepaid will ship according to the buyer’s instructions on the purchase order and will utilize the Routing, Shipping and Packaging Instructions for more information.

Q: Can a vendor break down a pallet and stack loose cases on the floor or on top of pallets, in order to fit a complete shipment on one trailer?

A: Yes, as long as each loose case is individually labeled.

Q: What should I do to confirm an appointment for a routing?

A: Vendors shipping Collect will contact the Corporate Transportation Department at 704-847-6961, Option 8, for any routing questions. Vendors shipping Prepaid will follow the instructions in the Routing, Shipping and Packaging Instructions, Part IV – Prepaid Vendor Instructions.

Back to Top