Family Dollar Stores Inc (NYSE: FDO) has entered into a strategic partnership with McLane, the provider of grocery and foodservice supply chain systems. Beginning in September, this partnership will enable Family Dollar to offer customers a broader selection of merchandise, including refrigerated and frozen food, across the retailer’s more than 7,200 locations in 45 states.
“We are broadening our assortment and increasing our relevancy to our customers. McLane’s national footprint and broad distribution network make them a great partner to support our growth initiatives,” said Howard R Levine, chairman and chief executive officer of Family Dollar Stores.
“This is a significant opportunity for McLane,” said Mike Youngblood, president of McLane Grocery. “Servicing all of the Family Dollar Stores will involve 19 of our distribution centers across the country. Our nationwide reach combined with our industry-leading cold chain solution and vast SKU offerings makes this an ideal fit for both of our companies.”
Besides the ability to tailor the assortment to local markets, Family Dollar, through its partnership with McLane, will establish a national supply chain for refrigerated and frozen merchandise that will provide both the scale and consistent service to propel this growing segment of the business.
Family Dollar Stores currently operates more than 7,200 stores in 45 states. A Fortune 300 company, it is based in Matthews NC just outside of Charlotte and is a publicly held company. For more details, visit www.familydollar.com.
A Berkshire Hathaway company, McLane provides supply chain services for US grocery and foodservice customers. With 38 modern distribution centers and one of the nation’s largest private fleets, the firm optimizes the purchase, flow, and sale of products from thousands of suppliers to more than 50,000 locations.
