Family Dollar Background Checks: Hiring Guide & FAQs

Founded in 1959 by Leon Levine in Charlotte, North Carolina, Family Dollar began as a self-service retail concept with merchandise priced at or near one dollar. Expansion came quickly: the first South Carolina location opened in 1961, followed by Georgia in 1962 and Virginia in 1965. By 1969, the chain operated 27 stores across four states, with annual sales exceeding $5 million.

The company went public in 1970, listing on the American Stock Exchange. By 1989, more than 1,500 Family Dollar stores were in operation, and in 1995 the company joined the Fortune 500 list. In 2015, Dollar Tree acquired Family Dollar for $8.5 billion. In March 2025, Dollar Tree announced the sale of Family Dollar to Brigade Capital Management and Macellum Capital Management for $1 billion, with the transaction completing in July 2025.

Family Dollar operates discount stores across the United States, offering household essentials, food, health products, beauty items, and seasonal merchandise. The company employs tens of thousands of people in retail, distribution, and corporate roles.

Family Dollar operates as a neighborhood retailer. Store associates work in customer-facing roles including stocking shelves, operating registers, and maintaining store presentation. The company offers employee benefits that may include health coverage for eligible full-time staff, paid time off, and employee assistance programs. Career pathways exist from entry-level positions to assistant store manager, store manager, and district leadership roles.

Yes. After a contingent offer, Family Dollar and similar retailers may request a background check from a third-party consumer reporting agency (CRA). Screening can help the company validate information and support workplace safety.

Most employment background checks can be completed in three to five business days, but timing varies with the screenings ordered and the accessibility of records. Database searches can close in minutes, while searches that require manual courthouse retrieval or follow-up paperwork may take longer than a week. See Checkr's guide to background check turnaround times for more general information about typical timelines.

A background check report from Family Dollar and similar retailers may include:

Lookback periods vary by state law, position, and the employer’s policies. Many employers focus on the past seven years for most convictions, but certain roles (for example, DOT-regulated driving) can require a deeper review. Candidates should review state fair chance or Ban the Box laws to understand local limits.

The Fair Credit Reporting Act (FCRA) requires employers to obtain written consent before ordering a background report. They must also provide a copy of the report, along with a pre-adverse action notice if they may take negative action, and allow time for the candidate to dispute errors.

Guidance from the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission also recommends an individualized assessment that considers the nature of the offense, the time elapsed since the offense, and its relevance to the job.

Running a background check on yourself with Checkr lets you preview what Family Dollar and other employers may see and help you identify potential inaccuracies. In one report you can review:

Create your report in minutes with Checkr’s personal background checks. To showcase verified credentials proactively, build a free Checkr Profile you can share with recruiters, hiring managers, or families.

Check your report status in the Candidate Portal or visit the Checkr Help Center for FAQs, dispute steps, and contact information for the support team.

The resources and information provided here are for educational and informational purposes only and do not constitute legal advice. Always consult your own counsel for up-to-date legal advice and guidance related to your practices, needs, and compliance with applicable laws.