The Dollar Tree is descended from the Ben Franklin discount stores that first began operating 1953. After creating Ben Franklin's, the founders opened K&K 5&10 and K&K Toy Stores. In the mid 80's another discount chain was started called only $1.00. In the 90's it was decided that the company would only focus on the development of dollar stores and in 1993 the name was changed to Dollar Tree. The company now operates close to 15,000 stores in 48 states. The company also operates the Family Dollar chain. This Dollar Tree is in the Ocean East Mall in Stuart. In the past I have shopped Dollar Tree for inexpensive birthday decor, bags, candy, wrapping paper, tissue paper, greeting cards, and sensory items for my students. This time I was on the hunt for the new summer line that has been popping up all over Instagram. I was especially looking for the fun shaped drink containers with straps. My local Dollar Tree didn't have them but they still had a few in the watermelon and lemon shapes here but not the camera which I really wanted. I wish I had found them before school ended so I could have given them to students as end of the year presents but I did pick up a few for summer camp. The summer decorations at Dollar Tree look like they have been taken up a notch. The quality and variety seems better this year. I am really enjoying the new summer line which will enhance any summer get together. They also had cute oversized Father's Day cards for only $3 so don't forget dad! read more