Matthews, North Carolina-based Family Dollar Stores is continuing to carefully review its product mix during the economic downturn, placing greater emphasis on foodstuffs and less on riskier fashion merchandise. “We expect our strengthening of basic consumables and emphasizing quality and value will strengthen top line growth,” said Chairman and CEO Howard R. Levine.

The company has expanded the selling space for food items in 2,700 stores. “Our customer today is focused on basics and consumables,” said Levine. In the company’s second quarter conference call, Levine said that the chain is open to new store opportunities, but that his investment dollars are primarily focused on improving “our existing chain.” Family Dollar operates more than 6,500 stores across the U.S.