Dollar stores were once looked upon as second-class citizens in the retail world. Well, that is far from the case nowadays.

Since the recession, consumers have been more discerning in their shopping choices, and looking for deals at various outlets instead of just going to a single store to do their purchasing.

Dollar stores are at the forefront of this consumer pattern now, in part due to enhancements in their merchandise mix, offering a wider array of food, health products and over-the-counter healthcare products at inexpensive prices.

We are going to examine the country’s two largest dollar chains, Dollar General, …