Hundreds of Family Dollar Stores Closing

Hundreds of Family Dollar stores closing will amount to 600 in the first half of this year. The news was announced today.

The struggling retailer, owned by Dollar Tree, will close an additional 370 stores over the next several years as store leases expire.

Dollar Tree purchased Family Dollar in 2015 for $8.5 billion. The hope was the combined company could reduce costs and increase its customer base to better compete with rivals like Dollar General and Walmart.

Family Dollar was hit with a whopping $41.6 million fine earlier this year for violating product safety standards.  The retailer pleaded guilty to operating a warehouse that was found to be infested with rodents, both dead and alive.  More than 1,200 rodents were exterminated, according to health officials.  The Justice Department said it was the largest-ever monetary criminal penalty in a food safety case.

The company first started receiving reports in 2020 about mice and pests in the Arkansas warehouse that had been damaged by the rodents.  That warehouse served 400 stores in six states.

In 2022, Family Dollar voluntarily recalled certain over-the-counter products after it was discovered they were being stored outside of labeled temperature requirements.  Officials said the recall was done out of an abundance of caution and no illnesses were reported.

A list of the 600 stores on the closure list has not been announced yet.

Macy's announced in late February that it plans to close 150 stores or about 30% of its locations over the next few years.

"We are making the necessary moves to reinvigorate relationships with our customers through improved shopping experiences, relevant assortments and compelling value," CEO Tony Spring said in a statement February 27.

Macy's also said it plans to invest more in its luxury brands, including Bloomingdale's and Bluemercury Luxury Beauty.

There are 22 Macy's stores in Georgia, including one at Augusta Mall.  A list of possible store closures has not been announced yet.

Have you been bargain shopping in Augusta?  We have quite a few places you can find great deals, but it all depends on who you are.  There are people who love to find a great deal on clothing, shoes, accessories, etc.  And then there are people who are bargain shoppers! These are the people who hit all of the best places on a regular basis to find a lot of great stuff.

Bargain shopping isn't for everyone.  Some people have the time to, and love to, sift through bargain bins and racks.  Others prefer to avoid that all together and just hope to occasionally find a good sale.

When it comes to bargain shopping, you never know what you might find.  Some items are a steal, without a doubt.  Other items might not be perfect, but will a little effort, you can still make it work. Again, it takes time, patience, and sometimes a really good eye!

Bargain shops are always popping up.  And the popularity of the bin stores have seemed to grow in popularity.  With rising costs of EVERYTHING, finding good stuff at a low price is a huge WIN!

While I've never been to Final Cut here in Augusta, it might be worth the trip.  Of course, it's not for everyone.  But one TikToker recently shared her Final Cut haul, and it looks like she got some great deals. She points out the many bins of clothing that are there to go through, and even shows that they have wedding dresses.  Might be an option for a bride on a budget (kind of like this bride)!

Mary Ashlee tries out some of the items she got while on her trip to Final Cut in Augusta.  Check it out!

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She highlights that they have items sold in Anthropology, Urban Outfitters and Free People.  It's not like Goodwill.  The items are often brand new with tags.  They are either surplus, sample pieces or damaged items.

She says she has saved thousands on clothes by shopping at Final Cut.  But does acknowledge that it takes time and patience.  For her it's totally worth it though.

Final Cut is located at 500 Furys Ferry Road in Martinez.  They are open Wednesday through Saturday from 10 a.m. to 6 pm. And open on Sundays from 12 p.m. to 6 p.m.

Final Cut also has furniture and home décor, but Mary Ashlee says they are usually a little pricey, and often damaged pieces, so she doesn't buy those items.  For clothing though, most items range from $15 to $20.

They are actually listed as a furniture store, and showcase their furniture items on their social pages.  But in case you're like me, and have never been... at least now you have a bit more insight on what to expect.  And then you can decide whether you're down to dig through all the bins to find the goods!