Dollar General launches high-tech distribution center in ArkansasDollar General launches high-tech distribution center in Arkansas

Dollar General opened its first distribution center in Arkansas on Saturday, expanding its DG Fresh network for perishable products, as well as its traditional supply chain.

Located in North Little Rock, the 1 million-square-foot distribution center cost about $160 million and is expected to create 300 jobs in Pulaski County. 

“This facility looks to better support our store teams and customers by combining the functionalities of our traditional DG Fresh and Private Fleet distribution channels,” Rod West, Dollar General’s executive vice president of global supply chain, said in a press release. 

The Goodlettsville, Tennessee-based discount chain has been rapidly expanding throughout the nation over the last few years and began growing its distribution network in 2022. 

It became apparent that the retailer was facing growing pains in late 2022, when Dollar General reported a $40 million hit on supply-chain costs, due to seasonal goods arriving earlier than expected for the holiday shopping season and leaving the company with no place to store them. 

In early 2023, Dollar General opened its first ground-up, dual distribution center in Blair, Nebraska. That center followed the opening of other distribution centers in Newnan, Georgia, and Fort Worth, Texas. In late 2024, the no-frill retailer launched its Aurora, Colorado, distribution center.  

The discount retailer said in 2024 that its new Colorado and Arkansas distribution centers feature an automated system that uses technology to more efficiently store and retrieve products. 

“We believe automation in these facilities … can drive even greater inventory and order accuracy to further enhance the way we serve our stores,” Dollar General CEO Todd Vasos said during the company’s Q3 earnings call in early December.

Dollar General, which opened its first Arkansas location in 1975, is donating $20,000 to the Arkansas Food Bank, the company said. 

The discount chain operates 20,523 stores across the U.S. under the Dollar General, DG Market, DGX, and pOpshelf banners. 

“Central Arkansas is where America’s road, river, and rail come together, and with my administration’s investments in education and workforce training, companies from across the country and world are deciding to put down roots,” Arkansas Gov. Sarah Sanders said in the press release.