Dollar General has become an increasingly popular shopping destination as prices surge with inflation—and as it turns out, you can actually cross off a good chunk of your list while browsing the dollar store chain. The aisles have everything from groceries to toys to paper products, with options continuing to expand.
In August, the discount chain announced plans to introduce fresh produce at 3,000 stores, upping the number from 1,300, and Dollar General recently tripled the numbers of its Popshelf stores. Now, the company has announced that it will let you do something else at 19,000 of its stores, so keep an eye out on your next shopping trip. Read on to find out what Dollar General is offering through Dec. 31.
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People are still shopping at dollar stores, despite some bad press.
ShutterstockAmid ongoing expansion efforts, Dollar General has been facing its fair share of criticism recently. Earlier this month, the chain was sued by the state of Ohio for allegedly overcharging customers at dozens of stores. Dollar General was not alone, as Dollar Tree and its subsidiary Family Dollar were also flagged for charging customers more at the register than what was listed on the shelf.
Still, these stores remain a go-to destination for shoppers looking for inflation relief, and business has been booming. At Dollar General, specifically, revenue climbed 9 percent in the second fiscal quarter, when compared with the same time last year, The New York Times reported. CEO Todd Vasos attributed increased sales to the pressure on consumers and the need to "seek value."
If you've been able to look past Dollar General's apparent missteps for the sake of lower prices, you'll be happy to know that the retailer is making positive changes in one department.
You don't need to be overwhelmed by the choices in one aisle.
Colleen Michaels / ShutterstockThose looking to purchase over-the-counter (OTC) medication at a lower price often head to Dollar General. You can grab your antacids and ibuprofen along with other necessities, saving yourself a trip to the drugstore. Now, Dollar General wants to make sure that you get the right medication to suit your needs.
Alongside the Consumer Healthcare Products Association (CHPA) Educational Foundation—a nonprofit organization—Dollar General is introducing "an educational pilot" at roughly 19,000 stores, according to a Nov. 15 press release.
The quiz itself is quick and painless.
Drazen Zigic / ShutterstockYou'll be able to determine what kind and brand of pain reliever will best assist you by using your phone to scan a quick response (QR) code clearly displayed on the shelves. Per the press release, the code takes you to the foundation's OTC Pain Relief Interactive Quiz.
"The assessment (available in both English and Spanish) prompts shoppers to answer a series of short questions, taking into consideration their individual risk factors in order to provide a personalized report," the press release reads. The quiz will ask about the type of pain you have, existing health conditions, as well as your age, and any medications you're already taking. Once you've run through the quiz, you'll receive your official recommendation.
According to the press release, the introduction of QR codes is the "first-ever collaboration" that helps consumers make informed decisions while shopping. This can be particularly helpful for those living in more remote or rural areas with limited access to care.
“As people grow more proactive about their health and wellbeing, manufacturers and retailers have a critical window of opportunity to address consumers’ needs by bridging health literacy gaps in a way that enables safe use and better self-care,” Anita Brikman, executive director of CHPA Educational Foundation, said in the release.
It was developed with the consumer in mind.
shisu_ka / ShutterstockThe use of the QR code is the result of research conducted by CHPA in 2021 to advance "OTC literacy." In addition to offering the quiz in two languages, the foundation notes that the QR code allows quick and easy access to information.
“Our research showed that QR code technology is a preferred way to access information, and we believe our OTC Pain Relief Quiz is a solution to help support shoppers in the pain category, given the myriad of choices available," Brikman said.
CHPA did note in the press release that the latest campaign "reflects the Foundation's partnership with three CHPA member companies and Foundation supporters," namely Haleon (which makes Advil); Johnson & Johnson Consumer, Inc. (which makes Tylenol); and Perrigo (which makes DG Health's acetaminophen and ibuprofen medications)—so you're likely to see some of these brand names among your recommendations.
Per the release, the program will be in the pilot phase at Dollar General through Dec. 31.
