GOODLETTSVILLE, Tenn. — Dollar General Corp. said this month it plans to hire up to 50,000 workers by Labor Day.

The company is recruiting people to work in its 17,400 stores, its 27 distribution centers and in store operations, a category that includes roles as regional directors, district managers, store managers and sales associates. The company is also hiring drivers for its in-house trucking fleet, which has been expanding as Dollar General seeks to contain a pandemic-related rise in distribution costs while opening about 1,000 stores a year and expanding DG Fresh, its strategic shift to self-distribution of frozen and refrigerated goods.

Last spring, Dollar General announced plans to bring on more than 20,000 employees during its nationwide hiring event. Kathy Reardon, Dollar General’s executive vice president and chief people officer, said the new hiring spree will build on the success of that effort.

“At Dollar General, we are uniquely positioned as the nation’s largest retailer by store count to serve customers through our expansive network and provide access to careers in the communities we call home,” said Reardon, who helps lead the company’s recruitment, worker training and employee diversity programs.

The July 14 announcement of its latest hiring spree emphasized the retailer’s diversity and inclusion efforts. “Dollar General continuously strives to integrate diversity, inclusion and equity into all areas of business because the company believes a diverse workforce and an inclusive, equitable environment not only contributes to and helps sustain positive business results and growth, but also is key to future success. Throughout the organization, Dollar General strives to create an environment where all employees feel respected, safe to speak up and empowered to grow. This commitment is further elevated through one of the company’s key operating priorities — to invest in our diverse teams through development, empowerment and inclusion.”