EXHIBIT 99.2

              DOLLAR TREE TO PRESENT AT MERRILL LYNCH CONFERENCE,
                   COMPANY ALSO CONSOLIDATES SYNTHETIC LEASE


CHESAPEAKE, Va - March 18, 2003 - Dollar Tree Stores, Inc. (Nasdaq: DLTR) has
consolidated its synthetic lease facility on its financial statements. The lease
comprises approximately $140 million of distribution center assets, including
the Company's new Marietta, Oklahoma facility. The financial details of this
decision, as well as the Company's fiscal fourth quarter results, are presented
in an 8-K, filed today with the SEC. The effect of the consolidation will be to
increase non-cash expenses, primarily depreciation, by approximately $8.6
million ($5.3 million, net of tax) annually.

"This decision enhances the transparency of our financial reporting while
enabling us to retain very favorable borrowing rates," Chief Financial Officer
Eric Coble said. "Our cash flow will be unaffected by this transaction, and will
remain at industry-leading levels. Dollar Tree continues to be one of the most
profitable retailers, generating more than enough cash to fund all our expansion
needs."

In other news, Dollar Tree will participate in the Merrill Lynch Retailing
Leaders Conference being held on March 19-20, 2003 at the Pierre Hotel in New
York City. Dollar Tree's presentation is scheduled for Thursday, March 20, 2003,
at approximately 1:20 pm ET. Management will discuss Dollar Tree's business and
growth plans. The Company believes it is on-track to achieve fiscal first
quarter sales in the low-to-middle portion of its $590-$610 million forecast.

A live audio-only web cast of the Company's presentation at the Merrill Lynch
conference will be available on Dollar Tree's web site, www.DollarTree.com. A
replay will be available within 24 hours of the presentation and can be accessed
at the same location. This replay will be available until midnight Tuesday,
March 25, 2003.

Additionally, on February 2, 2003, Dollar Tree's Marietta, Oklahoma distribution
center began serving stores in the central and southwestern portions of the
United States. This 603,000 square foot, fully automated distribution center is
the seventh in Dollar Tree's nationwide network, and was completed on-time and
under-budget.

Dollar Tree Stores, Inc. is the nation's leading $1.00 discount variety store
chain. As of February 1, 2003, Dollar Tree operates 2,272 stores in 40 states.

A WARNING ABOUT FORWARD-LOOKING STATEMENTS: This press release contains
"forward-looking statements" as that term is used in the Private Securities
Litigation Reform Act of 1995. Forward-looking statements address future events,
developments or results and typically use words such as believe, anticipate,
expect, intend, plan or estimate. For example, our forward-looking statements
include statements regarding the financial effects of consolidating our
synthetic lease facility, future levels of cash flow, and fiscal first-quarter
sales.

For a discussion of the risks, uncertainties and assumptions that could affect
our future events, developments or results, you should carefully review the
"Risk Factors," "Business," and "Management's Discussion and Analysis of
Financial Condition and Results of Operations" sections in our Annual Report on
Form 10-K filed March 14, 2002 and in our Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q filed
November 14, 2002. Also, carefully review "Risk Factors" in our most recent
prospectuses filed November 15, 2000 and August 3, 2000. In light of these risks
and uncertainties, the future events, developments or results described by our
forward-looking statements in this document could turn out to be materially and
adversely different from those we discuss or imply.

We are not obligated to release publicly any revisions to any forward-looking
statements contained in this press release to reflect events or circumstances
occurring after the date of this report and you should not expect us to do so.

CONTACT:              Dollar Tree Stores, Inc., Chesapeake
                      Erica Robb or Adam Bergman, 757/321-5000
                      www.DollarTree.com