Key Stats
- Dollar Tree operates 16,590 stores across 48 states and five Canadian provinces
- Annual revenue for fiscal year 2025 reached $17.6 billion with 4.7% growth
- Market capitalization stands at approximately $20.4 billion as of November 2025
- Company employs over 200,000 associates across Dollar Tree and Family Dollar banners
- Same-store sales increased 1.8% driven by 1.6% increase in traffic
Dollar Tree stands as one of America’s leading discount variety retailers. Founded in 1986, the company transformed the retail landscape with its fixed-price model.
The business began with five stores selling items at one dollar. Today it operates thousands of locations offering affordable merchandise to budget-conscious shoppers.
The company serves millions of customers seeking value across consumables, variety products, and seasonal items. Dollar Tree competes with major retailers including Dollar General and Target in the discount retail space.
Dollar Tree History
K. R. Perry opened a Ben Franklin variety store in Norfolk, Virginia, later renamed K&K 5&10.
Macon Brock, Doug Perry, and K.R. Perry started K&K Toys in Norfolk. The mall concept toy store expanded to over 130 stores on the East coast.
Macon Brock, Doug Perry, and Ray Compton launched Only $1.00 with five stores across Georgia, Tennessee, and Virginia.
K&K Toys was sold to KB Toys. All assets were applied to expand the dollar stores.
The company changed its name from Only $1.00 to Dollar Tree Stores. Part equity interest was sold to SKM partners.
Dollar Tree went public on the NASDAQ exchange at $15 per share with a market cap of $225 million.
Dollar Tree acquired Dollar Bill$, a Chicago-based chain of 136 stores.
The company acquired 98-Cent Clearance Centers in California on December 10.
Dollar Tree acquired Dollar Express, a Philadelphia-based company, adding over 100 stores.
The company acquired Greenbacks in Salt Lake City, becoming the first dollar store chain with national reach.
Bob Sasser was promoted to President and CEO. Dollar Tree opened its first store in North Dakota, operating in all 48 contiguous states.
Dollar Tree celebrated 20 years of $1.00 retailing and opened its 3,000th store. The company acquired 138 Deal$ stores from SUPERVALU.
Dollar Tree earned a place in the Fortune 500 with the number-one performing stock for the year.
Dollar Tree opened its 4,000th store and acquired 86 Canadian Dollar Giant Stores in British Columbia.
Dollar Tree acquired Family Dollar, creating a major force in discount retail.
Michael C. Creedon Jr. was appointed CEO in December following Rick Dreiling’s departure.
Dollar Tree Co-founders
Macon Brock co-founded Dollar Tree in 1986 and served as CEO from 1993. He brought retail expertise from K&K Toys and guided the company’s early expansion strategy.
Doug Perry co-founded Dollar Tree alongside Brock. Son of K.R. Perry, he brought family retail experience and helped establish the one-dollar price point concept.
Ray Compton joined as the third co-founder in 1986. He contributed to developing the business model that transformed discount retailing.
Dollar Tree Revenue
Dollar Tree reported annual revenue of $17.6 billion for fiscal year 2025. This represents a 4.7% increase from the previous year.
The company has shown consistent growth over the past decade. Revenue streams come primarily from consumable merchandise including food, health products, and household items.
Dollar Tree Competitors
Dollar Tree faces competition from several major discount retailers. The discount retail sector remains highly competitive with players fighting for market share.
| Competitor | Market Position |
|---|---|
| Dollar General | Primary competitor with 20,500+ stores in rural areas |
| Family Dollar | Owned by Dollar Tree, under strategic review for sale |
| Five Below | Targets younger demographic with $5 price point |
| Walmart | Largest retailer with extensive product selection |
| Target | Mid-tier discount retailer focusing on quality and style |
| Big Lots | Closeout retailer offering discounted merchandise |
| Costco | Warehouse club with membership-based model |
| 99 Cents Only Stores | West Coast discount chain with similar pricing |
| Ollie’s Bargain Outlet | Discount retailer with treasure hunt shopping experience |
| Amazon | E-commerce giant competing in discount retail space |
Dollar Tree Acquisitions
Dollar Tree built its national presence through strategic acquisitions. The company’s first major acquisition came in 1996 when it purchased Dollar Bill$ for $52.6 million.
This Chicago-based chain of 136 stores gave Dollar Tree access to urban markets and three new states. The acquisition included a modern distribution center and wholesale division.
In 1998, Dollar Tree acquired 98-Cent Clearance Centers from Step Ahead Investments. This purchase expanded operations into California and Nevada. The company entered Oklahoma, Connecticut, and Massachusetts through this deal.
The 1999 acquisition of Only $One Stores brought New York locations into the fold. Dollar Tree acquired Dollar Express in 2000 for $306.8 million. This Philadelphia-based company added over 100 stores across six mid-Atlantic states.
The 2003 purchase of Greenbacks proved significant for national expansion. Based in Salt Lake City, Greenbacks gave Dollar Tree presence in Colorado, Arizona, Montana, New Mexico, Utah, and Wyoming. This acquisition made Dollar Tree the first dollar store chain with true national reach.
In 2006, Dollar Tree acquired 138 Deal$ stores from SUPERVALU. The company made its international debut in 2010 by acquiring 86 Dollar Giant stores in Canada for approximately $52 million.
These stores operated in British Columbia, Alberta, Saskatchewan, and Ontario. The Family Dollar acquisition in 2015 marked Dollar Tree’s largest deal. The $9.2 billion purchase added thousands of stores and created a retail powerhouse. However, Family Dollar has faced challenges and is currently under strategic review for potential sale.
Dollar Tree Market Cap
Dollar Tree maintains a market capitalization of approximately $20.4 billion as of November 2025. The company’s market value fluctuates based on retail performance and economic conditions.
The retailer trades on the NASDAQ exchange under ticker symbol DLTR. Stock performance reflects broader trends in discount retail and consumer spending patterns.
FAQs
Who owns Dollar Tree?
Dollar Tree operates as a publicly traded company on NASDAQ. Institutional investors including Vanguard Group and BlackRock hold the largest ownership stakes. No single entity owns a majority of shares.
When was Dollar Tree founded?
Dollar Tree was founded in 1986 by Macon Brock, Doug Perry, and Ray Compton. The company started with five stores under the name Only $1.00 before changing to Dollar Tree in 1993.
How many stores does Dollar Tree operate?
Dollar Tree operates 16,590 stores as of November 2024. The stores span 48 states and five Canadian provinces under Dollar Tree, Family Dollar, and Dollar Tree Canada brands.
Who is Dollar Tree CEO?
Michael C. Creedon Jr. serves as CEO of Dollar Tree. He joined the company in 2022 as Chief Operating Officer and was appointed permanent CEO in December 2024.
What happened to Family Dollar?
Dollar Tree acquired Family Dollar in 2015 for $9.2 billion. The company announced plans to sell Family Dollar to Brigade and Macellum for $1.007 billion in March 2025.
