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Dollar General enhances produce with AI tech

Grocer, Shelf Engine partner to offer the freshest assortment possible

Bill Wilson, Senior editor at Supermarket News

January 30, 2024

1 Min Read
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By the end of fiscal year 2023, the AI technology will be in about 3,000 Dollar General stores.Bill Wilson

Dollar General has taken another important step toward becoming a major player in the produce department.

The discount grocer is partnering with AI technology provider Shelf Engine as the two roll out automated AI ordering technology for produce. By the end of fiscal year 2023, the AI technology will be in about 3,000 Dollar General stores.

A pilot involving more than 400 locations began in December 2022. The technology is designed to generate orders with a goal of optimizing in-stock levels that directly contribute to providing shoppers with the freshest food possible.

“Adopting Shelf Engine’s AI solutions aligns with our mission of…helping our teams enhance value and convenience for our customers,” said Allen Warch, vice president, division merchandise manager with leadership of fresh merchandise at Dollar General. “This collaboration is a strategic step towards improving our operational efficiency while serving our customers with improved in-stock levels of fresh produce.”

Back in August, Dollar General, based in Goodlettsville, Tenn., announced it was planning on building a 1.2 million-square-foot distribution center in North Little Rock, Ark.

The $140 million center is expected to open in April and will help the grocer sell fresh produce in more stores in the region.

Related:Dollar Tree, Dollar General, and others could face new restrictions in Chicago

Dollar General now offers fresh fruits and vegetables in 5,000 stores in the U.S. and ultimately wants to expand to 10,000 locations.

 

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About the Author

Bill Wilson

Senior editor at Supermarket News

Bill Wilson is the senior editor at Supermarket News, covering all things grocery and retail. He has been a journalist in the B2B industry for 25 years. He has received two Robert F. Boger awards for his work as a journalist in the infrastructure industry and has over 25 editorial awards total in his career. He graduated cum laude from Southern Illinois University at Carbondale with a major in broadcast communications.

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