NEW ON THE BUSINESS SCENE: FAMILY DOLLAR STORE OPENS IN CAPE GIRARDEAU

The Family Dollar Store opening here this week will be the 50th operation in Missouri for the discount store chain headquartered in Charlotte, N.C.

Nationally, the local store will be number 2,517.

Family Dollar executives and local officials will be on hand for a ribbon-cutting ceremony to open the store at 109 S. Kingshighway at 9 a.m. Wednesday.

"Family Dollar looks forward to locating in Cape Girardeau," said Phil Thompson, senor vice president of store operations.

Family Dollar carries a line of merchandise for the family and home, including clothing, shoes, domestics, health and beauty aids, housewares, small electronics, school supplies, toys, pain and auto supplies.

The company is a fast expanding company, with stores throughout 38 states.

Total sales for the 1994-95 fiscal year, which ended Aug. 31, were up 8.3 percent, to $1,546,894,565, up from the $1.4 billion during the previous fiscal year.

Family Dollars started in Charlotte in 1959, with one store. During the past decade a total of 1,496 stores have been added, and the Cape Girardeau location is one of about 200 stores expected to open during the company's fiscal year.

Corporate offices are located at Matthews, N.C., just outside of Charlotte. Distribution centers are at Matthews and West Memphis, Ark.

Family Dollar Stores is a publicly held company, with common stock traded on the New York Stock Exchange under the symbol, FDO.