Dollar stores are winning. That's a warning for the economy

Alongside Walmart and Dollar Tree, value-oriented chain Dollar General just posted one of its strongest quarters in years. And just as with those other retailers, the results point to a consumer economy under significant strain. The discount giant on Thursday reported almost 5% sales growth to almost $11 billion, with same-store sales up 2.5%. This kind of trade-down activity, which sees shoppers moving from middle-of-the-price-point chains to more value-oriented stores, is often associated with economic ...