Getting the Goods

Family Dollar, with more than 6,000 stores in 44 states, and The NPD Group Inc., a Port, Washington, N.Y., company that tracks consumer and retail trends, have formed a three-year alliance to share information. Family Dollar will provide its sales information in return for access to NPD’s information services for apparel, housewares and small domestic appliances. Family Dollar executive Robert George said the agreement will help the retailer anticipate customers’ wants and needs.