Family Dollar Slated to Open in Early 2013; Business Owners Unfazed

The message at the top of the "No Family Dollar" in Seminole Heights Facebook fan page is bold and clear:

"We want bungalows, not box stores. No "Family Dollar" in Seminole Heights."

The group's sentiment about the North Carolina-based chain is shared among local business owners, community leaders and residents who say Family Dollar's plans to open early next year at 5100 N. Florida Avenue takes away from the small business, locally-owned feel that Seminole Heights has become known for.

Despite local concerns, a white, 7,500 square foot storefront has emerged at the new location's address, complete with a finished parking lot and construction signs.

Let Patch save you time. Get great local stories like this delivered right to your inbox or smartphone everyday with our free newsletter. Simple, fast sign-up here.

It's slated to open in the first half of 2013, sometime during the first quarter, said Bryn Winburn, a Family Dollar spokeswoman.

"We met with two folks from the community this summer, and I know that they, after learning more about Family Dollar, and the fact that we hope to be a positive addition to the community, were speaking to additional community leaders," she said.

When plans were announced earlier this year, residents met in groups and talked about the store. Some wondered why another Family Dollar - a handful of other stores are within a few miles of the soon-to-be opened store on N. Florida Avenue - was coming to their neighborhood.

Others say they made up their minds to make silent declarations.

"Basically, people say they aren't going to shop there," said Kendra Bailey, owner of Health Mutt and president of the Business Guild of Seminole Heights. "I think people will shop locally."

While the anti-Family Dollar movement may seem universal, some business owners say they aren't concerned about the store opening another location.

"We have multiple (Family Dollar) stores, but we have those stores because they have a need," said Michelle Brooks of Brooksies Market. "I don't think they compete with locally-owned small businesses. Their presence doesn't take away from anything me and my friends are doing up and down the street."

What do you think about Family Dollar coming to Seminole Heights? Tell us in the comments.