In another sign of the continuing vibrancy of discount retailers, Family Dollar Stores has six new locations slated for the Pasco County retail market. The first of these locations opened in December on State Road 52 at Colony Road in Hudson.

Discount chains like Dollar General, Dollar Tree and Family Dollar are making a considerable impact on commercial real estate in Pasco and the entire Tampa Bay area with their continued growth, despite the weak economy.

With lease rates for Class A locations at extremely favorable levels, many of these discount retailers are moving into top-grade locations. And in addition to new locations entering the market, many current stores are getting a facelift that is expected to appeal to a broadened demographic.

Dollar General recently announced it will add 625 new stores to grow its total to 9,800 nationwide. Dollar General has not yet released information on any expansion plans for Pasco County where the chain currently operates 17 stores.

Family Dollar Stores, meanwhile, will soon begin construction on two locations in New Port Richey, said Josh Braverman, communications director for the chain. These new stores are free-standing, unlike the three current west Pasco Family Dollar Stores located in strip malls. Bringing the total Family Dollar Stores in Pasco County to 12, here are the other locations set for construction:

· Holiday – Alt. U.S. 19 and Holiday Lake Drive

· Hudson – Little Road north of the Tower Oaks Terrace shopping center (currently under construction)

· New Port Richey – Grand Boulevard and Mile Stretch Road

· New Port Richey – Moon Lake Road, north of Ridge Road

· Zephyrhills – State Road 54 and Cobb Road