GOODLETTSVILLE, TN – As the discount banner looks to bring its store count up, Dollar General has announced that its store formats may be shifting down. Dollar General plans to debut a new pilot store with a new focus on small format. 

The new concept, bearing the name DGX for now, will open its doors in early 2017 in downtown Nashville, TN. According to PYMNTS.com, the chain is building the pilot to appeal to the busy consumers of bustling metropolitan areas.

DGX will be more reminiscent of a convenience store than a standard Dollar General, and will boast a concise 3,400-square-feet of floor space. The chain is looking to offer typical convenience items, along with a supply of fresh groceries and other household, beauty, electronic, and seasonal items that Dollar General is known for. 

If the pilot is a successful one, Dollar General already stated that it will look to build another DGX in Raleigh, N.C.

This new consumer focused concept is just the latest in a string of strategic moves by the chain as it looks to move further into the competitive buy-side segment.

Dollar General is currently aiming to open 1,900 stores by the end of next year, and a total of 20,000 stores by 2020. Dollar General also scooped up 41 former Walmart locations to sell produce. To support this growth, Dollar General is laying the groundwork for new facilities, and hiring a high number of associates.

PYMNTS.com also speculated that this move towards a smaller store strategy is one that could save the chain additional costs as they move further towards its end expansion goals.

What steps will the banner take next to further its impact? Stay with AndNowUKnow as we keep an eye on all things buy-side.

Dollar General