Dollar General, one of the most expansive discount retail chains in the United States, now operates more than 20,000 stores nationwide—a milestone that underscores its remarkable growth trajectory. According to its Chief Executive Officer, Todd Vasos, the company still perceives substantial room for additional expansion. Over the long term, Dollar General envisions the potential to introduce thousands of new locations, further solidifying its already dominant presence across small towns and suburban communities.
In its most recent strategic update, the company disclosed plans to inaugurate approximately 450 new stores in 2026. This number represents a deliberate slowdown compared to the 575 openings that had been scheduled for 2025, suggesting a more measured approach that prioritizes profitability and stability rather than sheer scale. The company emphasized this adjustment during its Thursday announcement, noting that the change reflects thoughtful pacing rather than a retreat in ambition.
During the same discussion, CEO Todd Vasos elaborated on Dollar General’s long-term real estate vision, revealing that analytical studies have pinpointed roughly 11,000 additional sites across the continental United States that could potentially accommodate a new Dollar General store. These locations, distributed across both established markets and underpenetrated regions, represent theoretical opportunities rather than fixed commitments.
When asked on the company’s third-quarter earnings call about whether the ongoing wave of store closures among competing chains — including rival discount retailer Family Dollar as well as major drugstores such as Rite Aid — might present new expansion avenues, executives confirmed that such dynamics could indeed prove advantageous. As competitors downsize or exit certain markets, Dollar General anticipates the ability to step into vacated spaces, often reactivating retail real estate in communities that rely heavily on essential, low-cost goods.
However, Vasos cautioned that the company does not intend to occupy every one of the 11,000 identified sites. Instead, these locations signify the outer perimeter of what might be possible under favorable economic and demographic conditions. “We won’t claim all of those,” Vasos explained, acknowledging that while not every identified spot will materialize into a functioning store, the competitive landscape makes Dollar General increasingly optimistic. He credited the question itself for capturing the essence of the company’s confidence, remarking that the slow expansion pace among industry peers is precisely what fuels their bullish outlook.
Further emphasizing prudence over haste, Vasos stated that Dollar General does not feel pressured to pursue rapid growth merely to keep pace with others. On the contrary, he noted that most of their competitors are not currently investing heavily in new store openings, giving Dollar General the freedom to expand selectively and strategically rather than reactively. Yet, executives remain decidedly optimistic about the company’s trajectory. According to Vasos, the leadership team feels “very bullish about what the future looks like,” largely because of the abundance of available retail sites and favorable conditions for continued expansion.
The retailer marked a major milestone when it celebrated the opening of its 20,000th store early last year, further illustrating the magnitude of its reach. Beyond its traditional small-format stores that focus on everyday essentials and household goods, Dollar General has diversified into specialized formats that cater to evolving consumer preferences. Some of its newer locations offer fresh produce and perishable groceries, while others appeal to suburban shoppers by emphasizing decorative home goods and lifestyle products. This diversification demonstrates the chain’s adaptability and awareness of shifting retail trends.
Financially, Dollar General continues to outperform expectations. Its latest third-quarter earnings report exceeded analysts’ forecasts, reflecting robust operational efficiency and sustained consumer demand. In response, the company raised its profit outlook for fiscal year 2025, signaling confidence in its continued growth momentum. The market has responded favorably as well: Dollar General’s stock price has risen approximately 49% since the beginning of the year, underscoring investor faith in the company’s long-term strategic vision.
For individuals interested in sharing insights or firsthand experiences about Dollar General’s expansion efforts, Business Insider’s Alex Bitter invites correspondence at abitter@businessinsider.com, offering an avenue for additional perspectives on this steadily evolving retail powerhouse.
Sourse: https://www.businessinsider.com/dollar-general-sees-11-000-empty-stores-it-could-open-2025-12
