Ellington

Miss Doodle Mae: "Greetings, fellow dollar store owners! Welcome to the National Dollar Store Cooperative's Annual Budget Conference. Normally, JoJo would provide a report on the state of the discount dollar-store industry. This year he decided to go on a well-deserved vacation. Now, that's a good thing—a small business owner taking a break. So he asked me to take his place.

"While common folk lose their jobs, tornadoes destroy cities, and presidential candidates make promises, I'm proud to announce that discount dollar stores are booming. Usually, the typical dollar store appeals to financially challenged consumers. Now, middle class and rich people spend their money at stores like JoJo's Discount Dollar Store. I've also noticed a dramatic increase in Asian, Hispanic and African customers. Is it safe to say that the recession has triggered an economic boom for dollar stores? Maybe!

"Nevertheless, JoJo urges his fellow dollar store owners to ride the wave of new customers and continue to provide great products and good service.

"Due to the increase of credit-card customers, the board of directors of the National Dollar Store Cooperative wants to accept credit-card and debit-card purchases. Also, limited purchases by check will be accepted. And remember to remind your customers who are struggling in a recessive economy that everything is a dollar. The people need as much help as they can get."