Fast-growing Dollar General hires three new VPs

Dollar General, which last week revealed plans to open more than 1,000 stores next year, has hired three new vice presidents, the discounter announced this week.

New leaders at the Goodlettsville, Tennessee-based retailer are:

Divisional Vice President of Store Operations Ariel dela Cruz has more than 20 years of experience, including continuous improvement and P&L management. In the new role, he will work on employee-focused initiatives across the company’s store operations network.

VP of Construction Tim Jagneaux will lead field construction teams as they build new stores and work on relocations and remodels. He has more than two decades of experience across multiple construction industries, the company said.

Vice President of Digital Engagement Megan Kokoska will work to build customer relationships online. Kokoska has more than 20 years of digital marketing and communications experience, including leadership of digital customer engagement, digital advertising, e-commerce, content marketing, digital product management, user experience and integrated marketing campaigns.

Last week, Dollar General reported more than 12% growth in its food and beverage sales year over year, outpacing its overall same-store sales growth of 6.8%.

Dollar General now sells fresh produce in more than 3,000 stores and plans to add fruit and vegetables to approximately 2,000 locations next year, the retailer said.

During the third quarter, Dollar General added more than 17,000 cooler doors across its store base, and the retailer is on track to install a total of more than 65,000 cooler doors in 2022.

Dollar General opened 268 new stores during the third quarter, with plans to open a total of 1,025 for the year. In 2023, the retailer said it plans to undertake 3,170 real estate projects in the U.S., including more than 1,000 new stores, 2,000 remodels and 120 locations.

The retailer ended the third quarter with 18,818 total stores in 47 states.