Dollar General’s first dual distribution center debuts in Nebraska
- Dollar General celebrated the grand opening of its first distribution center combining the efficiencies of traditional and DG Fresh supply chain functionalities in Blair, Nebraska.
- The Blair distribution center represents Dollar General’s strategic, multi-phased shift to self-distribution of frozen and refrigerated products.
- The 1 million-square-foot distribution center on a new 85-acre site represents an approximate $140 million investment.
Dollar General debuted its first distribution center combining the efficiencies of traditional and DG Fresh supply chain functionalities in Blair, Nebraska. As the retailer’s first ground-up dual distribution center, the Blair distribution center represents Dollar General’s strategic, multi-phased shift to self-distribution of frozen and refrigerated products. The DG Fresh network is currently delivering to more than 19,000 stores from 12 facilities.
The 1 million-square-foot distribution center on a new 85-acre site represents an approximate $140 million investment in Blair. The distribution center is expected to support more than 1,000 Dollar General stores when it reaches full capacity and employ more than 400 people.
“Today’s celebration not only marks another growth milestone for our global supply chain teams, but also reflects our continued investments in Nebraska,” said Jeff Owen, Dollar General’s CEO, in a press release. “On behalf of the entire Dollar General team, we are grateful for continued partnerships and support from state, regional and local teams, particularly from Governor Jim Pillen, the Gateway Development Corporation and the City of Blair. We are confident this project will enable us to better serve our customers, provide our employees with career opportunities and foster a longstanding, positive relationship with the Blair community.”
Earlier this month, Retail Leader reported that Dollar General plans to open a 1.2 million-square-foot distribution center in North Little Rock, Arkansas, to meet the expansion plans of itsfresh produce offering to Arkansas stores. The new $140 million distribution center is anticipated to open in April. Dollar General is also under construction on similar distribution centers in Aurora, Colorado, and Salem, Oregon. As Retail Leader previously reported, Dollar General is working to expand its supply chain in the U.S., opening new facilities in Nebraska along with Georgia, Texas, South Carolina and New York. The retailer currently operates 31 distribution centers, including traditional, DG Fresh and combination sites.
By January 2024, Dollar General plans to offer produce in more than 5,000 stores, which the retailer said will give the discount store chain more individual points of produce distribution than any other U.S. mass retailer or grocer. Dollar General offers fresh fruits and vegetables in nearly 3,900 stores and plans to offer produce in more than 10,000 total stores during the next several years as Retail Leader previously reported.
The discount retailer operates more than 19,000 Dollar General, DG Market, DGX and Pop Shelf stores across 47 states and Mi Súper Dollar General stores in Mexico. Dollar General has seen significant growth in recent years, and generated $37.8 billion in sales in fiscal year 2022. The retailer ranks No. 108 on the 2023 Fortune 500 List.