GOODLETTSVILLE, Tenn. — Dollar General is betting that rock-bottom prices and added convenience will win over budget-conscious families and teachers as the back-to-school season ramps up, the discount retailer announced this week.
The chain said it is stocking more than 70 back-to-school items priced at $1 or less, part of a broader push to help shoppers manage the seasonal squeeze on household and classroom budgets.
"The back-to-school season can put pressure on household and classroom budgets, especially when everything is needed at once," said Steve O'Brien, vice president, division merchandise manager. "Our focus is on offering the essentials customers rely on at affordable prices, including a wide assortment of items at $1 or less, while also making shopping as easy as possible through quick in-store trips and fast, same-day delivery."
With more than 21,000 stores spread across 48 states, Dollar General is positioning its footprint as a competitive edge, pitching itself to shoppers as a nearby, no-frills alternative for last-minute list items. The retailer said pairing that convenience with low prices on well-known brands should help families and educators check items off their lists quickly.
Discounts for Teachers
Dollar General is also courting teachers directly. Through September 7, verified educators can get 30% off stationery products. According to the company, the discount coupon should appear in a shopper's DG Digital Coupon account within 24 to 48 hours of verification, with usage capped at once every 24 hours and up to ten times over the promotional period.
The company is also running a "Teacher Social Media Sweepstakes" from July 15 through August 15 on its Instagram account, offering 20 educators a $250 Dollar General gift card. No purchase is necessary to enter, and winners will be announced August 22.
Prices Held at Last Year's Levels
Dollar General said every item in its back-to-school section is priced at last year's everyday low levels, spanning national brands such as Crayola, Elmer's, Sharpie, Expo and BIC, alongside its private-label lines iMagine, OfficeHub and Crafter's Closet.
Beyond the sub-$1 assortment of folders, pencils and composition books, the retailer is offering backpacks for $5 each in several colors. Other seasonal deals, running from June 21 through September 8, include 24-count Crayola crayons for 50 cents, 12-count Crayola coloring pencils for $1, 10-count Crayola markers for $1.50, and iMagine school glue for 50 cents.
The chain is also targeting lunchbox staples with its "Build the Lunchbox" promotion, discounting snack brands including Gushers, Fruit by the Foot and Fruit Roll-Ups at two for $5, Betty Crocker Fruit Snacks at buy-two-get-one-free, Welch's and Peter Pan peanut butter and jelly items at two for $5, Cheez-It crackers at three for $6, and Lance Crackers at four for $5. The company noted exclusions apply and specific dates vary by item.
Added Convenience
To help shoppers navigate specific classroom requirements, Dollar General has partnered with TeacherLists, letting customers search by zip code for local school supply lists on the company's website.
The retailer is also pushing its myDG loyalty program, which unlocks digital coupons, a recurring $5-off-$25 promotion every Saturday, additional savings throughout July, and a free-delivery offer on one myDG Delivery order — a bid to capture shoppers who want to skip the store trip altogether.
