Prices aren’t the only thing dropping—Dollar General is too. What’s happening?

The retail landscape is ever-changing, and sometimes that means we have to say goodbye to some of our favorite local haunts.

For many Americans, particularly those in smaller towns and communities, Dollar General has been a go-to spot for affordable goods ranging from groceries to household items.

However, the latest news from the company may have some of us checking to see if our local store is on the chopping block.



Dollar General, a staple in the discount retail sector, has announced a significant shift in its store operations.

In its fourth quarter earnings report, the company revealed plans to close 96 Dollar General stores and rebrand or “re-banner” 45 Popshelf stores during the first quarter of 2025.

Additionally, six Popshelf stores are set to be converted into Dollar General stores.


Screenshot 2025-03-19 at 11.14.38.png
Dollar General has announced the closure of 96 Dollar General stores and 45 Popshelf stores in the first quarter of 2025, with six Popshelf stores to be converted into Dollar General stores. Image source: The Wall Street Journal / Youtube.



Why the closures?
The decision to close stores is never taken lightly by a retailer, and Dollar General is no exception.

“As we look to build on the substantial progress we made on our Back to Basics work in fiscal 2024, we believe this review was appropriate to further strengthen the foundation of our business,” shared Todd Vasos, Dollar General’s chief executive officer, in the earnings report.

“While the number of closings represents less than one percent of our overall store base, we believe this decision better positions us to serve our customers and communities,” he added.

The closures are the result of a “store portfolio optimization review” conducted in the fourth quarter of 2024.

This review assessed individual store performance, future projections, and operating conditions, among other factors, to determine which locations would be closed or rebranded.

Also read: Dollar General shoppers are struggling to afford basic necessities—here’s what it means for you



Understanding Popshelf
Introduced in October 2020, Popshelf is Dollar General's newer retail concept designed to offer a “fun, affordable, and stress-free shopping experience.”

The stores focus on seasonal and home decor, cleaning supplies, party goods, and other items. Popshelf quickly gained popularity, leading to an ambitious plan to open approximately 1,000 stores by the end of the 2025 fiscal year.

On Popshelf’s website, the chain is said to have more than 220 locations in 21 states. However, with the planned closures, the number of Popshelf locations will drop to around 175.



As of now, the specific locations of the 96 Dollar General and 45 Popshelf stores slated for closure have not been disclosed.

Dollar General has not yet responded to requests for comment or provided a list of the stores that will be closing.


Source: CNBC / Youtube.​


If you're concerned about your local Dollar General or Popshelf store closing, keep an eye on local news and the company's official announcements.

Read next: Shocking apology from The Dollar General–Why are the shoppers outraged?

Key Takeaways
  • Dollar General has announced the closure of 96 Dollar General stores and 45 Popshelf stores in the first quarter of 2025, with six Popshelf stores to be converted into Dollar General stores.
  • The closures are part of a “store portfolio optimization review” that evaluates store performance, future performance expectations, and operating conditions among other factors.
  • Popshelf, a retail concept launched by Dollar General in October 2020, is focused on home decor and seasonal items and aims to provide a fun, affordable shopping experience.
  • The specific locations of the stores set to close were not disclosed, and Dollar General has yet to respond to requests for a list of the affected stores.

Have you shopped at Dollar General or Popshelf? How do you feel about the potential closure of these stores? Do you have concerns about access to affordable goods in your area? Share your thoughts and experiences in the comments below!
 

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