Santas say they plan to spend "about the same" as last year and are looking for ways to make their gift budget go farther to bring the most joy! Family Dollar's $5 toys and gifts and hot-priced brand name favorites help families (and Santa!) make the most out of their holiday spending CHARLOTTE, N.C., Dec. 10 /PRNewswire/ -- When it comes to gift giving, Santa Claus reigns supreme. So, when leading value retailer Family Dollar wanted to check in with this holiday season's gift-givers to see how they are adjusting shopping habits in the new economy, they went straight to the source -- Santa Claus! Timed right to the festive season, Family Dollar recently interviewed 10 Santa Clauses and found that half of them were exploring ways to save money this Christmas, including clipping coupons and seeking out sales. "I'm definitely actively looking for ways to save money," commented Santa. "I'm scouring the internet looking for coupons and checking the mail for all the circulars that come in." Savvy Santas know that value retailers, such as Family Dollar, can help stretch a family's holiday budget the farthest. For years, Family Dollar has been assisting Kris Kringle and millions of holiday shoppers across the country by offering an extensive selection of brand-name toys and gifts, value-priced at $5 or less, which are particularly helpful to the families trying to spread joy, while sticking to a budget! "Family Dollar stores offer gift-givers a wide selection of brand-name toys and gifts, including favorites like Disney and Hot Wheels, that will fit virtually every budget," said Howard Levine, Chairman and CEO of Family Dollar. "Whether you are shopping for one child, or, in Santa's case, have lots of kids on your gift list, Family Dollar is committed to making sure there is something for everyone." Beyond $5 toys and gifts, Family Dollar also offers a festive variety of value-priced electronics, home accents and stocking stuffers for all the children (and adults!) who have worked so hard in 2009 to earn their spot on Santa's Nice List. While six in 10 of the Santas interviewed said they planned to spend "about the same" as last year on gifts, they also plan to implement a number of recessionary coping strategies throughout the holiday shopping season -- some Santas will give a fewer number of gifts in favor of bigger, more expensive items, while others were opting for less expensive gifts all around. Despite differing approaches to fulfilling holiday wishes this year, one thing remained constant -- value is high on Santa's personal wish list this year. Santa also knows he can stock up on all his holiday staples like wrapping paper, tape and bows at Family Dollar to save time and money. Craftier Santas told Family Dollar that the stores can be a tremendous asset to help already overworked elves. "You can definitely help your budget by shopping there," commented Santa, when asked about his trips to Family Dollar. "They have a wide variety of materials that can be used to make other gifts or things to add into gift baskets." Family Dollar's $5 Toys and Gifts will be available in more than 6,600 stores in 44 states across the country, and are now featured in the retailer's national shopping circulars. For more information on Family Dollar's holiday variety and great gift ideas, please visit http://www.familydollar.com/. Family Dollar commissioned M/A/R/C Research to conduct in-depth interviews among 10 Santas in the New York Metro area. These Santas were interviewed between November 18 and November 24, 2009. About Family Dollar: Operating small store locations nationwide, Family Dollar is one of the fastest-growing discount retail chains in the United States. Family Dollar offers a core assortment of name-brand and quality consumable merchandise supplemented by fashion and seasonal merchandise at everyday low prices. Beginning with one store in 1959 in Charlotte, North Carolina, the Company currently operates more than 6,600 stores in 44 states. Family Dollar Stores, Inc., a Fortune 500 company, is based in Matthews, North Carolina, just outside of Charlotte and is a publicly held company with common stock traded on the New York Stock Exchange under the symbol FDO. For more information, please visit http://www.familydollar.com/. DATASOURCE: Family Dollar CONTACT: Joshua Braverman, Family Dollar, +1-704-814-3447, ; or Dena Martini, MS&L, +1-212-468-3070, Web Site: http://www.familydollar.com/

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