Dollar General Corp. is a company in the services sector, categorized within the retail industry (Department & Discount), founded by J.L. Turner and Cal Turner. The initial motivation for creating Dollar General was to offer affordable products to rural communities during a period of economic hardship in the United States.

Since then, the company has positioned itself as one of the leaders in the discount retail segment, serving both urban and rural areas with a value and convenience-driven business model. Its main products and services include grocery items, cleaning supplies, personal care products, basic apparel, household goods, and seasonal items.

Dollar General also offers private-label brands that compete directly with major national brands, ensuring even more competitive prices. All stores are company-owned, with no franchise model.

With an international presence, the company operates primarily in the United States, where it has more than 19,000 stores across all 50 states, serving millions of customers daily. Its operations are focused on local communities and low-population-density regions, as well as urban areas seeking low-cost retail alternatives.

The company also invests in social responsibility initiatives such as educational programs and support for underserved communities, and continues to modernize its stores and expand its national footprint.

Dollar General employs approximately 163,000 workers, making it one of the largest retail companies in the United States. Its structure includes a vast network of stores, distribution centers, and efficient logistics operations that ensure rapid product replenishment.

Dollar General its shares are listed on the NYSE under the ticker DG.

History and when Dollar General Corp. was founded

Dollar General Corp. was founded in 1939 in Scottsville, Kentucky, as a family-owned business offering affordable products during the Great Depression, meeting the needs of rural and low-income communities.

In its early years, the company faced challenges related to logistics and market acceptance of its business model within a competitive retail environment. However, the introduction of the “everything for one dollar” concept in 1955 became a turning point, allowing the company to solidify its position in the discount retail sector.

This strategy drove customer loyalty and rapid expansion. Starting in the 1960s, Dollar General began a phase of accelerated growth, opening dozens of new stores across multiple U.S. states.

Over the years, the company diversified its product portfolio and invested in modernizing its operations, improving efficiency and reach. In 1968, Dollar General launched its initial public offering (IPO), marking its entry into the capital markets and strengthening its industry position.

In the following decades, the company expanded to more than 19,000 stores in the United States, introduced private-label products, and implemented technologies to optimize inventory management.

Dollar General also made strategic acquisitions and launched initiatives focused on sustainability and social impact, reinforcing its commitment to the communities it serves. Between 2020 and 2024, the company expanded further into urban areas, invested in smaller-format stores, and strengthened its line of essential products.

Additional Information

Dollar General Corp. (United States) is listed on the NYSE and has a market capitalization of $27.57 billion, with shareholders equity totaling $8.84 billion.

The company employs approximately 163.000 people and operates in the Services sector, within the Retail (Department & Discount) industry.

Over the past 12 months, Dollar General Corp. reported $43.08 billion in revenue, generating net income of $1.56 billion.

Key financial metrics include a P/E ratio of 17.62, a price-to-book (P/B) ratio of 3.12, and a trailing twelve-month dividend yield of 1.88%.

The company trades under the ticker DG.