Family Dollar Reports September Sales

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Family Dollar Reports September Sales
    MATTHEWS, N.C., Oct. 6 /PRNewswire-FirstCall/ -- Family Dollar Stores,
Inc. (NYSE: FDO) reported that net sales for the five weeks ended October 1,
2005, increased 9.3% to approximately $557.9 million from $510.6 million for
the five weeks ended October 2, 2004.  Comparable store sales for the five-
week period increased approximately 2.6%.  The comparable store sales exclude
22 stores that were effectively closed for the entire month of September due
to Hurricane Katrina. The Company had 5,908 stores as of October 1, 2005,
including 12 new stores opened in the fiscal September period and the stores
that are currently closed because of the impact of Hurricane Katrina and
Hurricane Rita.


                                        Comparable     Comparable Stores
                    Sales      Total      Store       Hardline     Softline
                  (millions)   Sales      Sales        Sales        Sales
                               Change     Change      % Change     % Change

    September       $557.9      9.3%       2.6%         4.3%       -4.1%

    The Company expects that comparable store sales in the four week period
ending October 29, 2005, will increase 1% to 3% from the similar period in the
prior fiscal year.
    With more than 5,900 stores in a 44-state area ranging as far northwest as
Idaho, northeast to Maine, southeast to Florida, and southwest to Arizona,
Family Dollar is one of the fastest growing discount store chains in the
United States. Family Dollar has provided value-conscious consumers with
competitive prices at neighborhood stores for over forty-five years. Offering
a consistent selection of name-brand and good quality merchandise in an
attractive and convenient shopping environment, the Company is focused on
continuing to meet the needs of shoppers looking for excellent value.

    Certain statements contained in this press release or in other press
releases, public filings, or other written or oral communications made by the
Company or our representatives, which are not historical facts are forward-
looking statements made pursuant to the safe harbor provisions of the Private
Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. These forward-looking statements
address the Company's plans, activities or events which the Company expects
will or may occur in the future.  These forward-looking statements may be
identified by the use of the words "plan," "estimate," "expect," "anticipate,"
"probably," "should," "project," "intend," "continue," and similar terms and
expressions.  Various risks, uncertainties and other factors could cause
actual results to differ materially from those expressed in any forward-
looking statements.  Such risks, uncertainties and other factors include, but
are not limited to:
     - competitive factors and pricing pressures, including energy prices,
     - changes in economic conditions,
     - the impact of acts of war or terrorism,
     - changes in consumer demand and product mix,
     - unusual weather or natural disasters that may impact sales and or
       operations,
     - the impact of inflation,
     - merchandise supply and pricing constraints,
     - success of merchandising and marketing programs,
     - general transportation or distribution delays or interruptions,
     - dependence on imports,
     - changes in currency exchange rates, trade restrictions, tariffs,
       quotas, and freight rates,
     - availability of real estate,
     - costs and delays associated with building, opening and operating new
       distribution facilities and stores,
     - costs, potential problems and achievement of results associated with
       the implementation of new programs, systems and technology, including
       supply chain systems, store technology, cooler installations and Urban
       Initiative programs,
     - changes in food and energy prices and their impact on consumer spending
       and the Company's costs,
     - adverse impacts associated with legal proceedings and claims,
     - changes in shrinkage,
     - changes in health care and other insurance costs,
     - changes in the Company's ability to attract and retain employees,
     - changes in state or federal legislation or regulations, including the
       effects of legislation and regulations on wage levels and entitlement
       programs.

    Consequently, all of the forward-looking statements made by the Company in
this and other documents or statements are qualified by these and other
factors, risks and uncertainties. Readers are cautioned not to place undue
reliance on these forward-looking statements, which speak only as of the date
of this release. The Company does not undertake to publicly update or revise
its forward-looking statements even if experience or future changes make it
clear that projected results expressed or implied in such statements will not
be realized.
SOURCE Family Dollar Stores, Inc.
http://www.familydollar.com
Company News On-Call:
http://www.prnewswire.com/comp/300875.html
CONTACT:
Kiley F. Rawlins, CFA, Divisional Vice
President of Family Dollar Stores, Inc., +1-704-849-7496