Dollar general says it’s closing nearly 100 stores in 2025: What’s Happening?
Dollar General says it’s closing nearly 100 stores in 2025, and this news has surprised many shoppers who rely on the store for affordable groceries, household items, and more. For years, Dollar General has been a go-to place for people in small towns and rural areas. So, why is the company shutting down so many locations? In this article, we’ll explain the reasons behind these closures, what it means for customers and workers, and how Dollar General plans to move forward. Plus, we’ll share real-life examples, a case study, and a simple chart to make everything clear.
This topic is important because Dollar General is a big part of many communities. Therefore, understanding why these stores are closing can help shoppers prepare for changes. Let’s dive in!
Table of Contents
Why Is Dollar General Closing Nearly 100 Stores in 2025?
Dollar General, a popular discount store chain, recently announced plans to close nearly 100 stores in 2025. The company has over 19,000 stores across the United States, so 100 closures might seem small. However, for the towns and neighborhoods losing these stores, the impact can be huge. Here are the main reasons behind the decision:
- Low Sales in Some Stores
Some Dollar General stores aren’t making enough money. For example, if a store is in an area with few customers or faces competition from bigger stores like Walmart, it may struggle. As a result, the company decides to close these locations to save money. - Rising Costs
Running a store is expensive. Dollar General has to pay for rent, employee wages, and supplies. In recent years, costs for things like electricity and shipping have gone up. Therefore, closing underperforming stores helps the company focus on more profitable locations. - Shifting to Bigger Stores
Dollar General is changing how it does business. The company is opening larger stores with more products, like fresh fruits and vegetables. These new stores are often in busier areas. Consequently, smaller, older stores in less busy places are being closed. - Economic Challenges
Many people are spending less money because of higher prices for gas, food, and rent. This means fewer customers are shopping at some Dollar General stores. For this reason, the company is making tough choices to stay strong.
What Does “Dollar General Says It’s Closing Nearly 100 Stores in 2025” Mean for Shoppers?
When Dollar General says it’s closing nearly 100 stores in 2025, it affects shoppers in different ways. Let’s break it down:
- Fewer Shopping Options
For people in small towns, Dollar General is often the only store nearby. If it closes, shoppers may need to travel farther to buy things like milk, diapers, or cleaning supplies. For example, in rural Ohio, some towns are left without a store for miles when a Dollar General shuts down. - Higher Prices Elsewhere
Dollar General is known for low prices. If customers have to shop at other stores, they might pay more. For instance, a can of soup at Dollar General might cost $1, but at a grocery store, it could be $1.50. - Online Shopping as an Option
Dollar General has an online store where people can order items. However, not everyone has fast internet or can afford shipping costs. Therefore, online shopping isn’t always a good solution for rural customers.
Real-Life Example: A Town Affected by a Dollar General Closure
In 2024, a Dollar General store in Smithville, Tennessee, closed after years of serving the community. Smithville is a small town with about 5,000 people. The store was a lifeline for families who didn’t want to drive 20 miles to the nearest Walmart. When the store closed, residents like Sarah Thompson, a single mom, struggled.
Sarah said, “I used to walk to Dollar General to grab snacks and school supplies for my kids. Now, I have to borrow a car or ask a neighbor for a ride. It’s harder and costs more.” Her story shows how much a store closure can change daily life. As a result, many people in Smithville are hoping a new store opens soon.
How Are Employees Impacted When Dollar General Says It’s Closing Nearly 100 Stores in 2025?
Store closures don’t just affect shoppers—they also impact workers. Here’s what happens to employees:
- Job Losses
Each Dollar General store employs about 6–10 people. If 100 stores close, that could mean 600–1,000 workers lose their jobs. For example, a cashier in a closing store might struggle to find another job nearby, especially in a small town. - Transfer Opportunities
Dollar General sometimes offers workers a chance to move to another store. However, this only works if there’s a store close enough. For instance, if the nearest Dollar General is 30 miles away, it might not be practical for workers to commute. - Support for Workers
The company may offer help, like job training or small payments, to workers who lose their jobs. However, this depends on the company’s policies. For this reason, some workers may feel left without support.
Case Study: Dollar General’s Store Closures in Ohio
In early 2025, Dollar General announced it would close 12 stores in Ohio. One of these was in a small town called Jackson. The Jackson store had been open for 15 years but wasn’t making enough money. The company said competition from a nearby Walmart and rising rent costs were the main reasons for the closure.
Impact on the Community:
- Shoppers now drive 25 minutes to the nearest store.
- Five employees lost their jobs, and only two were offered jobs at another Dollar General 40 miles away.
- The town’s mayor said the closure hurt local businesses because fewer people were coming to the area to shop.
What Dollar General Did:
- The company offered a 10% discount at nearby stores for six months to help customers.
- They also donated unsold items, like snacks and cleaning supplies, to a local food bank.
This case study shows how a single closure can ripple through a community. Therefore, Dollar General’s decision to close nearly 100 stores in 2025 will likely have similar effects in many places.
Dollar General’s Plans After Closing Nearly 100 Stores in 2025
Even though Dollar General says it’s closing nearly 100 stores in 2025, the company isn’t slowing down. Instead, it’s focusing on growth and changes. Here’s what’s next:
- Opening New Stores
Dollar General plans to open about 800 new stores in 2025. These will be bigger and offer more products, like fresh food. For example, some new stores will have a section for fruits and vegetables, which older stores don’t have. - Improving Online Shopping
The company is working on its website and app to make online shopping easier. For instance, customers can now order online and pick up items at a store. This helps people who live far from a Dollar General. - Upgrading Existing Stores
Dollar General is spending money to fix up thousands of its current stores. This includes adding better lighting and more shelves for products. As a result, shopping will feel more comfortable for customers.
Chart: Dollar General’s Store Changes in 2025
Here’s a simple chart to show Dollar General’s plans for 2025:
| Action | Number | Details |
|---|---|---|
| Stores Closing | ~100 | Mostly small, low-sales stores |
| New Stores Opening | ~800 | Larger stores with more products |
| Stores Being Upgraded | ~2,000 | Better lighting, more shelves, etc. |
This chart makes it easy to see that Dollar General is closing some stores but growing in other ways. Therefore, the company is trying to balance saving money with serving more customers.
How Can Shoppers Prepare for Dollar General’s Store Closures?
If Dollar General says it’s closing nearly 100 stores in 2025, and one is near you, here are some tips to prepare:
- Find Other Stores
Look for nearby stores like Walmart, Aldi, or local shops. For example, if your Dollar General closes, check if there’s a Family Dollar nearby. - Stock Up on Essentials
Before a store closes, buy extra items you use a lot, like toilet paper or canned food. However, don’t buy too much if you don’t have space to store it. - Try Online Shopping
Visit Dollar General’s website to order items. You can have them delivered or pick them up at another store. For instance, ordering snacks online can save you a trip. - Ask About Discounts
Closing stores often have sales to clear out items. For example, a Dollar General in Texas had 50% off everything before it closed in 2024.
External Resources for More Information
To learn more about Dollar General’s plans, check out these trusted sources:
- CNN Business – Covers news about store closures and retail trends.
- Retail Dive – Offers details on Dollar General’s business decisions.
- Dollar General’s Official Newsroom – Shares updates straight from the company.
These websites can help you stay updated on Dollar General’s changes. For this reason, they’re great places to look for the latest news.
Dollar general says it’s closing nearly 100 stores in 2025: What’s Happening?
FAQs About dollar general says it’s closing nearly 100 stores in 2025
Q: Why is Dollar General closing stores in 2025?
A: Dollar General is closing nearly 100 stores because some aren’t making enough money, costs are rising, and they’re focusing on bigger, newer stores.
Q: Will Dollar General close all its stores?
A: No, only about 100 out of over 19,000 stores are closing. The company is also opening 800 new stores in 2025.
Q: How will I know if my local Dollar General is closing?
A: Check Dollar General’s website or ask at your store. The company usually announces closures a few months ahead.
Q: Can employees find new jobs if a store closes?
A: Some workers may transfer to other Dollar General stores, but it depends on how close another store is.
Q: Will prices go up because of the closures?
A: Prices at other Dollar General stores should stay the same, but shopping at different stores might cost more.
Conclusion
Dollar General says it’s closing nearly 100 stores in 2025, but this is just one part of the company’s bigger plan. While some shoppers and workers will face challenges, Dollar General is opening new stores, improving others, and growing its online shopping options. For example, small towns like Smithville and Jackson show how closures can hurt, but the company’s new stores might bring fresh opportunities. Therefore, by preparing for changes and exploring other shopping options, customers can adapt.
This news reminds us how businesses make tough choices to stay strong. As a result, staying informed helps us handle changes better. Have you been affected by a Dollar General closure? Share your story in the comments, and let’s talk about it!
