Dollar General Expanding As Primary Rival Shrinks

Family Dollar will close 370 stores nationwide, including one in Clarksville. Credit: Family Dollar

Goodlettsville-based Dollar General already has more than 11,000 stores in 40 states. In 2015, the discount retailer will open stores in Oregon, Rhode Island and Maine for the first time. The company hasn’t said exactly how many stores will be in those states.

The news comes as rival Family Dollar has announced it will close 370 locations.

On an earnings call Tuesday, Dollar General CEO Rick Dreiling said those closings could help as his company continues to expand.

I actually think the slowing down of growth at our competitor will lead to better real estate values for us, because there will be less people fighting for a site.

Dollar General has been on a relentless growth streak the past few years, and is launching 700 new stores in 2014. Meanwhile, the retailer is facing new competition from Walmart, which is opening smaller “Express” locations nationwide.