Need to boost your spending power? The dollar stores are providing more Americans with a hand-up during a down economy.

Dollar General's sales are up almost 10% since last quarter and they're opening 450 new stores, according to The New York Times. Dollar Tree is opening 235 new stores this year. Meanwhile, Family Dollar's sales are up 6.5% year over year.

Even within the world of the dollar stores, there are some important distinctions to note.

Both Dollar General and Family Dollar price a majority of their items at $1, but also offer some merchandise at higher price points. Dollar Tree and the 99-Cent Only chain are both true dollar stores where everything is $1, no exceptions.

Recently at a Durham, N.C. appearance, someone asked Clark if he thinks people will go back to shopping like they once did when the recession ends.

The consumer champ doesn't think so. He believes that we've moved beyond the "shop 'til you drop" mentality and really turned a corner in the financial life of our nation.