Analysts cite a number of reasons for Family Dollar’s difficulties, including low-income shoppers who are wrestling with inflation, competition with other retailers, and issues including poorly maintained stores.

Assuming its new owner will actually fix what's actually ailing it, a new-and-improved Family Dollar will rattle the rest of the retailing industry.

Dollar Tree is selling off its Family Dollar stores for about $1 billion in a move the company says strengthens both companies.