The very first Dollar General store opened in Springfield, Kentucky, on June 1, 1955, launching the chain’s $1-price-point retail concept.
How did Dollar General get started?
Dollar General began in 1955 when Cal Turner converted his family’s Turner’s Department Store in Springfield, Kentucky, into the first Dollar General store, selling all items for $1.
Cal Turner took his father J.L. Turner’s rural “Dollar Days” promotions—where goods got marked down to a single price point—and turned them into a full business model. By 1968, the chain had exploded to 500 stores across 24 states. The company went public the next year, setting the stage for massive growth.
What state has the most dollar generals?
Texas has the most Dollar General locations as of 2026, with more than 1,900 stores, followed by Georgia, Florida, North Carolina, and Ohio.
Those five states alone make up about a third of Dollar General’s 19,000+ stores nationwide. The chain’s expansion has been strongest in the Southeast and Midwest, especially in smaller towns where big-box retailers often don’t bother setting up shop.
Is Walmart and Dollar General owned by the same company?
No, Walmart and Dollar General are not owned by the same company; they’re separate businesses, with Walmart publicly traded and Dollar General operating under a mix of public and private investment.
Dollar General’s biggest backers include private equity giants Kohlberg Kravis Roberts and Citigroup Venture Capital. Walmart, on the other hand, stays under the control of the Walton family through their holding company and personal stock holdings.
What states do not have a Dollar General?
As of 2026, Dollar General is not located in Alaska, Hawaii, Idaho, Montana, Washington, or Wyoming.
These six states haven’t seen a Dollar General yet, mostly because of tough terrain, low population density, or strong competition from other discount chains already in those areas.
Is Dollar General owned by China?
No, Dollar General is not owned by China; the company is headquartered in Goodlettsville, Tennessee, and owned entirely by U.S. investors.
That said, about 40% of Dollar General’s products come from overseas, and a big chunk of that comes from China. The company doesn’t hide that fact—it’s part of their supply chain strategy.
Is Dollar General owned by Dollar Tree?
No, Dollar General and Dollar Tree are separate companies with distinct ownership and store formats; Dollar Tree owns Family Dollar instead.
Dollar Tree and Family Dollar share a corporate umbrella, while Dollar General stays independent and trades publicly under the ticker DG. They’re competitors, not one big family.
Is there a Dollar General in every state?
No, Dollar General is not in every U.S. state as of 2026; it’s missing from Alaska, Hawaii, Idaho, Montana, Washington, and Wyoming.
The chain keeps growing, but those six states remain out of reach for now, thanks to regulatory hurdles, shipping challenges, or just not enough demand to justify the hassle.
Can you buy a dollar general franchise?
You cannot buy a Dollar General franchise; all stores are company-owned. If you want to run your own dollar store, you’ll need to look at other brands like Dollar Tree.
Franchising opportunities outside Dollar General usually come with fees between $20,000 and $50,000. Expect to invest anywhere from $75,000 to $150,000 upfront, plus have at least $200,000 in liquid capital ready to go.
Is Target owned by Walmart?
No, Target is not owned by Walmart; both are independent, publicly traded companies slugging it out in the discount retail space.
Target operates under Target Corporation—formerly Dayton-Hudson—and trades on the NYSE under the symbol TGT. It’s a separate beast from Walmart, even if they sometimes feel like rivals.
Who really owns Walmart?
The Walton family controls Walmart through their holding company Walton Enterprises and individual shareholdings, giving them over 50% of the voting power.
This family-run structure goes back to founder Sam Walton himself. It’s been the backbone of Walmart’s strategy for decades, keeping control firmly in the family’s hands.
Who has more stores Dollar General or Walmart?
Walmart operates far more stores than Dollar General; as of 2026, Walmart has about 4,700 U.S. stores while Dollar General has roughly 19,000.
Walmart wins in total store count, but Dollar General has Walmart beat in density and reach, especially in rural areas where Walmart’s Supercenters don’t always bother showing up.
Is Walmart buying Dollar General?
As of 2026, Walmart has not purchased Dollar General, and there’s no publicly confirmed plan to do so.
Even if Walmart wanted to, regulators would likely block it. The two already overlap too much in discount retail, and combining them would raise serious antitrust red flags.
Where does Dollar General get their products?
Dollar General sources most of its merchandise from U.S. manufacturers and importers, with about 40% of goods coming from China.
The company leans on suppliers that can deliver quality at scale, including its own private-label brands like DG Home and DG Health. Keeping costs low is their specialty.
How many Walmarts are in America?
As of 2026, Walmart operates approximately 4,700 stores in the United States, including Supercenters, Discount Stores, and Neighborhood Markets.
Texas leads the pack with over 600 locations, followed by Florida and California. Walmart’s strategy? Stay dense where it matters most.
What type of store is Dollar General considered to be?
Dollar General is classified as a discount retail chain offering consumables, seasonal goods, home products, apparel, and private-label brands at low price points.
They cater to budget shoppers in small towns and rural areas, keeping nearly everything under $15. Honestly, this is the best model for squeezing value out of every dollar.
