Dollar General, formerly known as J.L. Turner and Son, has a rich history that dates back to 1939. Founded by James Luther Turner and his son Cal Turner Sr., the company started as a small variety store in Scottsville, Kentucky. Today, Dollar General is a leading discount retailer with over 19,000 stores across 47 states.

James and Cal Turner played pivotal roles in the early years of Dollar General. James, with his visionary mindset, pioneered the concept of the modern dollar store. Cal, on the other hand, spearheaded the company’s growth and expansion, ensuring its success in the retail industry.

Key Takeaways:

• General Dollar (now known as Dollar General) was founded in 1939 by James Luther Turner and Cal Turner Sr.
• The company started as a small variety store in Scottsville, Kentucky and grew to become a leading discount retailer in rural America.
• James Luther Turner’s concept of offering affordable merchandise proved successful.
• Cal Turner Sr. played a crucial role in Dollar General’s rapid growth and its transition to a publicly listed company in 1968.
• Dollar General is currently led by CEO Jeffrey Owen and has T.Rowe Price as its largest stakeholder.

The Journey from Wholesale to Retail

The history of General Dollar is rooted in the journey of its founder, James Luther Turner. After two unsuccessful attempts at retailing, Turner became a traveling dry goods salesman. It was during the challenging times of the Great Depression that he gained valuable business knowledge and skills. Turner started buying and liquidating bankrupt general stores, acquiring first-hand experience in the industry.

In 1939, Turner, along with his son Cal, opened J.L. Turner and Son Wholesale. Initially focused on wholesale operations, they soon recognized the potential of retailing and decided to venture into this domain. This visionary decision led to the establishment of the first Dollar General store in 1955. The concept of offering merchandise at affordable prices resonated with customers and proved to be a resounding success.

The switch from wholesale to retail marked a significant turning point in the history of General Dollar, setting the stage for its rapid expansion as a leading discount retailer in the United States.

Year	Key Milestones
1939	James Luther Turner and Cal Turner Sr. open J.L. Turner and Son Wholesale
1955	First Dollar General store opens, transitioning from wholesale to retail
Year of Expansion	General Dollar rapidly expands its retail operations

Rapid Growth and Public Listing

Under the leadership of Cal Turner Sr., Dollar General experienced rapid growth and became a publicly listed company in 1968. The company’s annual sales exceeded $40 million, and it continued to expand its retail footprint across the southeastern United States. Cal Turner Jr. succeeded his father as the president of Dollar General in 1977 and under his leadership, the company grew to more than 6,000 stores and $6 billion in sales.

During this period of rapid growth, Dollar General solidified its position as a leading discount retailer, capturing the attention of investors and consumers alike. The company’s commitment to offering affordable products in convenient locations resonated with customers, driving its success and expansion.

With the public listing, Dollar General gained access to capital markets, allowing it to further fuel its growth strategies and fund a widespread store expansion plan. This marked a significant milestone in the company’s history, paving the way for its continued success as a key player in the retail industry.

Expansion Strategy and Regional Dominance

Following its public listing, Dollar General intensified its expansion efforts, strategically opening new stores in both rural and suburban areas. The company’s focus on serving underserved markets and catering to the needs of rural and small-town communities propelled its growth and established it as a dominant player in these regions.

Retail Locations:

Year	Number of Stores	Sales
1968	255	$40 million+
1977	6,000+	$6 billion+

Table: Dollar General’s Store Growth and Sales

As illustrated in the table above, Dollar General’s store count grew exponentially from its initial public listing in 1968 to over 6,000 stores by 1977. This rapid expansion was accompanied by impressive sales figures, reaching over $6 billion in just under a decade.

Throughout this period, Dollar General’s commitment to providing affordable products and everyday low prices remained unwavering. The company’s success in capturing the attention of consumers and investors alike can be attributed to its ability to adapt and grow in response to changing market demands.

In the next section, we will explore Dollar General’s evolution and its continued growth in the retail industry.

Dollar General Today

Dollar General, the leading discount retailer, has established itself as a go-to destination with over 19,000 stores spread across 47 states. The company’s unwavering commitment to offering everyday low prices and serving customers in rural and small-town America has made it a favorite among budget-conscious shoppers.

At the helm of Dollar General, we have Jeffrey Owen, who serves as the CEO. Under his leadership, the company continues to thrive and expand its operations to meet the evolving needs of its diverse customer base.

When it comes to ownership, T.Rowe Price holds the largest stake in Dollar General. This strategic partnership fuels the company’s growth and reinforces its position as a powerhouse in the discount retail industry.

With its extensive network of stores and customer-centric approach, Dollar General remains dedicated to delivering value and convenience to communities across America.

Dollar General’s Mission and Focus

Dollar General is committed to its mission of “Serving Others” by providing high-quality, affordable products and a convenient shopping experience. The company has a strong focus on meeting the needs of rural and small-town communities, where access to affordable goods and groceries may be limited. With its extensive network of stores, Dollar General ensures that customers can find essential items close to home.

One of the ways Dollar General delivers on its mission is through its private label brands. These brands, such as DG Home and DG Health, offer customers a wide range of quality products at competitive prices. By developing its own brands, Dollar General can control the quality and affordability of its offerings, further enhancing its commitment to serving customers.

Dollar General understands the importance of convenience for its customers, especially those living in rural areas. The company strategically locates its stores to ensure easy access for customers, saving them time and effort. This customer-centric approach allows Dollar General to cater to the unique needs of its target market.

Dollar General Private Label Brands

Dollar General offers several private label brands that provide customers with cost-effective solutions for their everyday needs. These brands include:

• DG Home: Offers a wide range of household products, from cleaning supplies to kitchen essentials.
• DG Health: Provides customers with a variety of healthcare products, including over-the-counter medications and personal care items.
• DG Baby: Offers affordable baby products such as diapers, wipes, and baby food, ensuring that parents can provide for their little ones without breaking the bank.
• DG Pet: Provides pet owners with quality pet care products, including food, treats, and accessories, so they can give their furry friends the care they deserve.

Dollar General’s private label brands are designed to meet the specific needs of its customers while offering competitive prices. By offering a diverse range of products under these brands, Dollar General ensures that customers can find what they need at affordable prices during every visit to their local store.

Dollar General’s Commitment to Community

Aside from its mission to provide affordable products, Dollar General is dedicated to giving back to the communities it serves. Through various charitable initiatives and partnerships, the company focuses on supporting education, literacy, and local organizations.

The Dollar General Literacy Foundation is a key part of the company’s commitment to education. The foundation provides funding to nonprofit organizations and schools to support literacy programs and initiatives. Over the years, the foundation has awarded millions of dollars in grants, helping individuals in need to gain essential literacy skills.

Community Initiatives	Impact
Dollar General Literacy Foundation	Millions of dollars in grants awarded to support literacy programs and initiatives.
Local Partnerships	Collaboration with community organizations to address specific needs and make a positive impact.
Education Support	Funding provided to schools and educators to enhance educational opportunities for students.

Through these efforts, Dollar General strives to make a difference in the lives of individuals and communities, ensuring that everyone has access to educational resources and opportunities.

Dollar General’s Commitment to Education and Literacy

Dollar General understands the importance of education and literacy in empowering individuals and communities. To further this cause, the company established the Dollar General Literacy Foundation in 1993. The foundation has been instrumental in supporting literacy programs and initiatives across the United States.

Through the Dollar General Literacy Foundation, valuable funding is provided to nonprofit organizations and schools that are dedicated to promoting literacy. These grants have a significant impact, enabling recipients to offer educational resources, learning materials, and support programs that enhance reading and writing skills.

The foundation’s commitment to education and literacy has made a tangible difference in countless communities. By investing in programs that foster reading proficiency and academic excellence, Dollar General is empowering individuals to reach their full potential and improving overall literacy rates.

The Evolution of Dollar General

Dollar General has continually evolved to meet the needs of its customers. The company’s commitment to innovation and adaptation has allowed it to thrive in the ever-changing retail landscape.

Expansion into the Grocery Market

In an effort to provide customers with a one-stop shopping experience, Dollar General entered the grocery market with its Dollar General Market stores. These stores offer a wide range of grocery items, including fresh produce, meats, and household essentials. By diversifying its product offerings, Dollar General has become a convenient destination for both household items and groceries.

Expanding to Low-Cost Asian Markets

In its quest to provide affordable products to its customers, Dollar General expanded its operations to low-cost Asian markets. To streamline its sourcing process, the company opened a sourcing office in Hong Kong. This move allowed Dollar General to take advantage of cost-effective manufacturing and supply chain networks in the region, ultimately helping to keep prices low for its customers.

Innovative Initiatives

To stay ahead of changing consumer preferences, Dollar General has introduced innovative initiatives aimed at enhancing the shopping experience. One such initiative is the DG Mobile app, which allows customers to easily browse products, locate stores, and access exclusive deals and discounts. Additionally, Dollar General has opened concept stores called DGX, which cater to urban shoppers by offering a curated selection of products in a smaller format store.

Table: Dollar General’s Evolution

Year	Milestone
1955	Opening of the first Dollar General store
–	Expansion into the grocery market with Dollar General Market stores
–	Establishment of a sourcing office in Hong Kong
–	Introduction of the DG Mobile app
–	Opening of DGX concept stores

Dollar General’s Expansion and Growth

Throughout its history, Dollar General has experienced significant expansion and growth, solidifying its position as a leading discount retailer. The company has consistently opened new stores and established numerous distribution centers across the United States, effectively reaching customers in diverse communities. One notable milestone came in 2019 when Dollar General celebrated the opening of its 16,000th store, a testament to its persistent expansion efforts.

With a commitment to providing everyday low prices and convenience, Dollar General continues to expand its retail footprint, striving to serve even more customers in both rural and urban areas. The company’s expansion initiatives have also led to the creation of new job opportunities, contributing positively to the local economies of the communities it serves.

While Dollar General has reached impressive store counts and expanded its operations, its growth trajectory remains strong. The company plans to continue its expansion efforts, opening more stores and further strengthening its presence in the retail industry. By continually adapting to meet the changing demands of its customers, Dollar General ensures that it remains a trusted and convenient retailer for a wide range of shoppers across the country.

Year	Number of Stores
2015	12,719
2016	13,205
2017	14,534
2018	15,227
2019	16,278

Dollar General’s Legacy in Rural America

Dollar General has established itself as a beloved retailer in rural America, leaving behind a powerful legacy that resonates with communities across the nation. With their widespread network of conveniently located stores, Dollar General has become an essential hub, offering accessibility to everyday necessities at affordable prices.

From its modest beginnings as a small variety store in Scottsville, Kentucky, Dollar General has relentlessly pursued its mission to serve customers in rural and small-town America. As a result, the brand has solidified its place as a trusted and reliable resource for both essential and additional items that enhance the lives of its valued customers.

What sets Dollar General apart is its unwavering commitment to hard work and friendly customer service. From the early years, the company’s founders, James Luther Turner and his son Cal Turner Sr., ingrained a culture of dedication and attentiveness to meeting the unique needs of rural communities. Today, that same spirit still permeates through the company as it continues to provide exceptional service and value to its customers.

Through its enduring presence, Dollar General has become an integral part of rural America’s fabric, empowering individuals and families to live more conveniently and economically. With its rich history, Dollar General’s legacy in rural America continues to thrive, embodying a company that genuinely cares and remains dedicated to helping customers lead better lives.

FAQ

Who owns General Dollar?

While Dollar General is a publicly traded company, the largest stake in the company is held by investment firm T.Rowe Price.

Who founded the General Dollar brand?

General Dollar, formerly known as J.L. Turner and Son, was founded in 1939 by James Luther Turner and his son Cal Turner Sr.

What is the history of the General Dollar company?

The journey of the General Dollar company began in 1939 when James and Cal Turner opened the first Dollar General store. It started as a small variety store in Scottsville, Kentucky, and quickly grew into a leading discount retailer in rural America.

Who is the owner of the General Dollar company?

Currently, T.Rowe Price holds the largest stake in the General Dollar company.

What is the role of the founder of the General Dollar company?

James Luther Turner, along with his son Cal Turner Sr., played key roles in the early years of the General Dollar company. James pioneered the concept of the modern dollar store, while Cal oversaw the company’s growth and expansion.