Matthews, NC — Net sales for Family Dollar Stores, Inc. reached $2.09 billion for the second quarter ended February 27, up 4.9 percent from $1.99 billion for the same period in 2009.

Comparable store sales for the quarter increased 3.6 percent. Consumable, seasonal and home categories showed strong sales during the period, according to the company, which opened 43 new locations in the second quarter for a total of 6,689 stores.

Family Dollar says it expects earnings for the second quarter to be between 75 and 80 cents per diluted share.