Family Dollar 2003 Annual Report Download - page 11

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Even as we focus attention on improving our softlines merchandise, we continue to expand our offerings of popular, nation-
ally advertised name brand products in such hardlines departments as household chemicals, health and beauty aids, paper
goods and food. The growing assortment of name brand products, which now represents about 35% of sales, also enhances
our quality image.
Low prices and shopping convenience continue to be the foundation of Family Dollar’s merchandising concept. At the same
time, expanding the assortment of preferred name brands and improving quality standards throughout the stores bring even
greater value to our shoppers. With quality merchandise at highly competitive prices in a convenient format, Family Dollar
is attracting a growing base of satisfied customers.
Family Dollar’s
Team Approach
to Merchandising
Family Dollar’s Merchandising Teams are
successful because they understand our
customers’ needs. To meet these needs,
they offer the best basic and seasonal
merchandise incorporating quality, time-
liness and durability, all while being
mindful that many of our customers have
limited disposable incomes. By taking a
collaborative approach to merchandising,
teaming a Buyer, Planner and Logistical
Specialist, they seamlessly move the right
goods into our stores at the right time.
The process begins with analysis of our
customers’ needs through surveys, focus
groups and studies of their buying patterns.
This information combined with a study
of market trends prepares our Buyers for
their global quest for ever-increasing values.
Once an item is located, our Buyers depend
on our supply chain to move the goods
to our customers in the most cost-efficient
way. Our team method of merchandising
provides quality goods to our customers
at prices they can afford.