Dollar General opens store

STANHOPE n Most will remember Shelby's, and some will remember the Economy store, but a new store has recently opened as part of the Rivers Edge Village Center on Route 183 in Stanhope. A new façade and an updated interior now house Dollar General, a variety store comprising 6,500 square feet . The new store is part of the largest nationwide chain in the U.S., according to Rich Faas, manager of the local operation. The company, which was started by an entrepreneur who originally sold only socks at $1 a pair, expects to open 600 additional stores within the year. Dollar General, with headquarters in Tennessee, has more than 8.000 stores in the U.S., said Faas, adding that the company expects to position itself throughout New Jersey. Because the founder had only a third-grade education, the company espouses the cause of literacy and has established a literacy fund, he explained. Faas' goal is to maintain low-cost, quality merchandise, stocking "essentials" and a variety of items from clothes to seasonal products. He pointed to many grocery-type items that he said are priced below that of area supermarkets. "Our prices are very good," said Faas, "but we carry lines that may not be familiar to consumers in this area." The store also carries a number of recognizable brands, including clothes by Bobbie Brooks and toys from Barbie to Bratz. Faas said that in some cases, the prices are so low, the company labels and prices are imprinted on the packaging to guard against a vendor making a bulk purchase to sell at a higher price elsewhere. Faas said the company has a liberal return policy, particular on merchandise carrying the store label. "It's a simple plan: A big company that operates little stores," he said. "You can find what you're looking for, get in and out with little trouble, and do it affordably. There are no sales, just affordable pricing." Dollar General is located on Route 183 South. Hours: Mon.-Sat., 9 a.m.-8 p.m.; Sun., 10 a.m.-8 p.m.