Dollar General Opens 20,000th Store

On Feb. 24, Dollar General celebrated the opening of its 20,000th store at the DG Market location in Alice, Texas.

“Today marks an incredible milestone in Dollar General’s history,” Steve Deckard, Dollar General’s executive vice president of store operations and development, said in a media release. “From our first general store to today’s 20,000th store opening, our mission to serve others and help customers stretch their budget remains strong. We believe each store provides a positive impact in our hometowns through convenient access to affordable essentials, career growth opportunities for employees and the ability for local nonprofits, schools and libraries to advance through Dollar General Literacy Foundation grants.”

The celebration kicked off in the morning with senior leaders and vendors gathering for the official ribbon cutting. Shoppers were then welcomed inside the store and received a complimentary tote bag with product samples from numerous vendors, as well as refreshments from DG private label Clover Valley.

[Also Read: Dollar General Steps Up Focus on Produce]

Dollar General also announced $20,000 worth of donations to support educational and tutoring programs at Alicia Salinas Public Library and to the Boys & Girls Club of Alice. It also donated new books to a local elementary school.

Dollar General originated as a wholesale venture by James Luther (J.L.) Turner and his son, Cal Turner, Senior. The first store opened nearly 70 years ago in Springfield, Kentucky, in 1955.

In addition to its traditional format, Dollar General operates multiple store banners, including:

• DG Market: focuses on fresh groceries, such as produce, meat and other foods that aren't typically found in dollar stores in the U.S. (View store tour below.)
• DGX: a smaller format that focuses on urban shoppers and instant consumption items, such as a coffee station and a soda fountain in the U.S.
• Popshelf: caters more to suburban shoppers and those who want a more upscale shopping experience in the U.S.
• Mi Super Dollar General: a new, growing discount footprint in Mexico.

P2PI members can learn more about Dollar General’s store formats and growth in our dedicated Retailer Profile section.