Noting that it now offers fresh produce at more than 5,000 stores across the country, Dollar General said it has more individual points of produce distribution than any other U.S. mass retailer or grocer.
First announced in the company’s fourth-quarter 2022 earnings in March, more than 5,000 stores now carry the top 20 items typically sold in traditional grocery stores, which cover about 80 percent of the produce categories.
“We are constantly looking for ways to better serve our customers and one of our top priorities is to ensure the communities we call home have access to fresh, affordable, and convenient food options,” said Emily Taylor, EVP and CMO.
“We have exceeded our goal of having 5,000 total stores with fresh produce by January 2024. We’re proud to leverage our footprint to meet the need for healthy food options in more communities than any other retailer across the U.S.”
Shelf Engine partnership
The company also recently partnered with Shelf Engine, an AI company that provides retailers with technology to improve perishable food forecasting and ordering.
The partnership will evolve Dollar General’s process to optimize in-stock produce levels, helping automate the ordering process. As the tool continues to roll out, it will improve operational efficiency.
This national expansion follows a two-phased pilot of Shelf Engine’s technology that began in December 2022 at more than 400 Dollar General stores.
“The partnership between Dollar General and Shelf Engine highlights a shared commitment to fresh food access in a way that positively impacts the customer experience and Dollar General’s business,” said Stefan Kalb, co-founder and CEO of Shelf Engine.
“We believe this partnership will continue to revolutionize and streamline order management across the enterprise.”
About Dollar General
Based in Goodlettsville, Tennessee, the company operates 19,726 Dollar General, DG Market, DGX and pOpshelf stores across the United States and Mi Súper Dollar General stores in Mexico. About 80 percent of the stores serve communities of 20,000 or fewer people.
In 2023, the company announced its “Food First” initiative, which includes the customer feedback-driven expansion of its private label brand, Clover Valley, adding more than 100 items ranging from entrees and sides to sauces, condiments and snacks.
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