The Quiet Empire of Dollar General: How Convenience and Low Prices Have Propelled a Retail Giant

Did you know there’s a store that has more locations than Starbucks, Walmart, and McDonald’s combined? It’s Dollar General, and it’s everywhere. With over 19,000 stores spread across the US, Dollar General is quietly building an empire, especially in places most big retailers ignore small towns and rural America. But why is Dollar General so popular? The answer is simple convenience and low prices. In places where there isn’t a Walmart or target for miles, Dollar General steps in, offering just what people need groceries, toiletries, snacks without the long drive. Plus these stores are small, around 7,400 square feet on average. Tiny compared to a Walmart Supercenter. This means they can fit into almost any nook and cranny in America. And here’s the crazy part Dollar General is opening more than 1,000 new stores every year. That’s almost three new stores a day! No wonder you see them everywhere. Next time you’re driving through the middle of nowhere and spot that bright yellow sign, remember Dollar General’s plan is simple. They want to be everywhere, and they’re well on their way to doing it.