A new report from Colliers International says the U.S. now has more dollar stores than drugstores. The four big national dollar store chains – Dollar General, Dollar Tree, Family Dollar and 99 Cents Only – have approximately 21,500 locations. The three big drugstore chains – Walgreens, CVS and Rite Aid – have approximately 19,700 locations.
According to the report, the recession led consumers to dollar stores instead of drugstores and supermarkets. In addition, dollar stores are often willing to go in small markets, where a big supermarket or drug store (which often has “onerous real estate requirements”) may not be willing to go.
The Colliers report says all four dollar store chains are expected to continue adding stores throughout 2012.
