Dollar General 2004 Annual Report Download - page 4

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Store Growth Dollar General’s mission is to serve the underserved customer regardless of geography.
Since the opening of the first Dollar General store in Springfield, Kentucky, in 1955, the Company’s strategy
has been to seek out locations convenient to these customers. We have grown rapidly, but we still have sig-
nificant opportunity for expansion in the U.S. As of January 28, 2005, Dollar General operated 7,320 retail
stores, including 15 Dollar General Markets, a new concept with an expanded food section. During 2004, we
opened 722 new stores and moved into three new states—Arizona, New Mexico and Wisconsin. In 2005, we
expect to open an additional 730 stores and to continue introducing our great value proposition farther west-
ward. While the majority of our stores are located in small towns and rural communities, which continue to be
the primary locations for new stores, we are also growing our store base in more suburban and metropolitan
areas. The typical Dollar General store has just over 6,800 square feet of selling space and is located within
a five-mile radius of its customers. To support store operations and growth, Dollar General currently operates
seven merchandise distribution centers and expects to open an eighth by mid-year 2005. Also in 2005, the
Company plans to select the location for its ninth distribution center expected to open sometime in 2006.
Serving More.
Company Stores
’00
’01
’02
’03
’04
Fiscal years
5,000
5,540
6,113
6,700
7,320
0
1000
2000
3000
4000
5000
6000
7000
8000