X0202 4 2004-10-05 0 0000034408 FAMILY DOLLAR STORES INC FDO 0001222821 BARKUS BRUCE E P.O. BOX 1017 CHARLOTTE NC 28201-1017 0 1 0 0 Executive Vice President Employee Stock Option (Right to Buy) 27.00 2004-10-05 4 A 0 60000 0 A 2009-10-04 Common Stock 60000 60000 D This option was granted on October 5, 2004, under the 1989 Non-Qualified Stock Option Plan, and no portion of the option may be exercised prior to October 5, 2006. Thereafter, the option is exercisable in cumulative installments of not more than 40% of the number of shares subject to the option after October 4, 2006, 70% after October 4, 2007, and 100% after October 4, 2008. /s/ Bruce E. Barkus 2004-10-07