The national discount chain Dollar General, which has aggressively moved into the fresh food sector over the past two years, will begin selling produce and similar products at its Brick Township location.
The addition of fruits, vegetables and other produce items comport with a national trend for the “small box” discount retailer, though the company has not positioned itself as a competitor to major supermarkets.
“At Dollar General, we strive to be a positive business partner and good community neighbor in Brick,” said Matthew Simonsen, Dollar General’s senior vice president of real estate and store development. “Although we are not a grocery store, we believe the addition of produce in our Brick store highlights our commitment to deliver a pleasant shopping experience that includes affordable prices on quality products in a convenient location.”
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Dollar General’s produce set offers what the company states are the top 20 items typically sold in traditional grocery stores, which includes a curated assortment of lettuce, tomatoes, onions, apples, bananas, strawberries, potatoes, sweet potatoes, lemons, limes, salad mixes and similar items. The store will also offer canned and frozen vegetables, canned fruits, proteins, grains, and dairy products.
Dollar General, a so-called “small box” discount retailer, has become one of the fastest-growing chains in the nation, though not with controversy as its growth has often been linked to increased competition for local businesses and a sign of economic distress. Still, studies completed in recent years have shown the chain’s fresh produce offerings are on par with larger retailers and bring the items into a community at a lower average price.