Earlier this year Dollar General reported that it now offers fresh fruits and vegetables at more than 5,000 locations. The company operates more than 19,000 stores in 48 states with plans for continued expansion.
Former Dollar General CEO Jeffrey Owen announced the company’s intention to offer fresh produce in at least 5,000 stores by the end of 2023 during an earnings call last March, just a few months before he was dismissed from his position.
In a press release about its produce expansion, Dollar General cited its role in providing access to grocery staples. The company said that about 80% of its stores serve communities where people often depend on Dollar General for essentials like milk, eggs, cheese, and frozen and canned vegetables.
The discount retailer added that it now distributes produce at more individual locations than any other grocer or mass retailer in the U.S., although it offers consumers a much smaller selection of perishables than its competitors.
