Operating small store locations, Matthews-based Family Dollar is one of the fastest growing discount retail chains in the United States. It offers a core assortment of name-brand and quality consumable merchandise supplemented by fashion and seasonal merchandise at everyday low prices.

In 1959, a young Leon Levine opened the first Family Dollar store in Charlotte. Growing up with his own family's retail store, Leon believed he could offer his customers value and quality for under $2.

With the first store opened in Charlotte, Family Dollar soon expanded into South Carolina, Georgia and Virginia. The retail chain currently operates more than 6,600 stores in 44 states.

The company went public in 1970 and opened its headquarters in Matthews in 1974.

In the 1990's, Family Dollar made the move to everyday low pricing and began to build the infrastructure to support a national chain of neighborhood discount stores. In 2004, Family Dollar's annual sales exceeded $5 billion.

Family Dollar celebrated its 50th anniversary in 2009.

In 2007, Family Dollar created its own charity, Family Hope, to assist employees that have been affected by natural disasters.