The Founding Story of Dollar General- Discovering the Roots of America’s Popular Discount Store Chain

Who started Dollar General? The story begins with a man named Sol Price, who revolutionized the retail industry with his innovative concept of a discount store. In 1939, Sol Price founded the first Dollar General store in Knoxville, Tennessee, marking the beginning of a retail empire that would grow to become one of the largest discount retailers in the United States.

Sol Price was born on April 23, 1916, in Los Angeles, California. After serving in the military during World War II, he returned to California and began working in the retail industry. It was during this time that he noticed a gap in the market for a store that offered low-priced goods to the general public. Inspired by this observation, he decided to open his own discount store.

The first Dollar General store was a small, 1,200-square-foot space located in a shopping center. Sol Price stocked the store with a variety of items, including groceries, household goods, and personal care products, all priced at $1 or less. The store’s unique concept quickly caught on, and it became a hit with customers looking for affordable shopping options.

As the success of the first Dollar General store grew, Sol Price expanded his business. He opened more stores in Tennessee and later began to expand into other states. The company’s growth was fueled by its commitment to offering a wide range of quality products at unbeatable prices, making it a favorite among budget-conscious shoppers.

In 1968, Sol Price renamed the company Dollar General Corporation, reflecting its focus on providing goods at a dollar or less. Under his leadership, the company continued to grow and evolve, adapting to changing consumer needs and preferences. Today, Dollar General operates more than 17,000 stores across the United States, making it one of the most recognizable discount retailers in the country.

Sol Price passed away on February 27, 2009, but his legacy lives on through Dollar General. The company has continued to thrive under the leadership of his son, David Price, who now serves as the company’s CEO. The story of Dollar General is a testament to Sol Price’s vision and dedication to providing affordable shopping options for the general public.