The first Family Dollar store was opened in Charlotte, NC, in 1959. It was a relatively small, self-service operation located in a neighborhood convenient to low and middle income consumers. The merchandise assortment featured basic goods for family and home needs. The no frills, low overhead, cash-and-carry environment provided good value at the lowest price points. As the company opened more stores, it became clear that this merchandising concept filled a niche in the marketplace and held great promise for supporting a chain of much larger size.