Everything for a buck
In 1986 the first five locations opened of a new retail outlet, which had a simple premise for what it would sell, and an even simpler name — "Only $1.00".
Although not the first of its kind, "Only $1.00" would grow into what today is Dollar Tree, which is a $33bn giant with more than 15,900 retail locations throughout the US, split between its two biggest brands Dollar Tree and Family Dollar.
Dollar-and-a-quarter Tree
This week Dollar Tree had some big news, announcing that most of its prices will rise from $1 to $1.25. That's a change that the company has been putting off for some time, dropping some products over the years that it could no longer afford to stock for just $1.
When the company started $1 could get you a fair amount. Today it buys you much less. In fact, $1 in 1986 is more like $2.50 in today's money once you account for inflation over those 35 years.
Dollar Tree investors liked the news — with Dollar Tree shares gaining 8% yesterday. If you were lucky enough to buy $1 worth of Dollar Tree shares, instead of spending it in their stores back in 1995, your $1 would be worth more than $125 today.
