GOODLETTSVILLE, Tenn. — The relentless expansion of Dollar General’s retail footprint has taken the discount chain into its 47th state, with the recent opening of its first store in Idaho.

And with expansion comes new jobs — the company said that it expects to create 10,000 career opportunities in fiscal 2022, increasing its workforce by 6% in the process. Dollar General anticipates opening 1,100 new stores this year.

“We continue to make meaningful and positive investments in our hometowns through new store and distribution center growth, which allows us to remain dedicated to supporting our diverse employees with training, development, advancement and education opportunities,” Kathy Reardon, a Dollar General executive vice president who serves as its chief people officer, said in announcing the company’s recruitment and expansion targets.

Executives emphasize Dollar General’s commitment to helping employees develop their careers and find opportunities for advancement within the company, as exemplified by its award-winning training and development programs. In addition, employees have access to paid parental leave, adoption assistance, telemedicine, health insurance coverage options, a 401(k) retirement savings plans and tuition reimbursement, among other benefits.

Dollar General expects to provide more than 3 million training hours in fiscal 2022. Dollar General was inducted into Training magazine’s Hall of Fame last year, after two consecutive years as the magazine’s top training and development program and 10 straight years among the list of top companies.

Dollar General said it proudly invests in its diverse teams through development, empowerment and inclusion. Its commitment to career advancement is evidenced by the fact that approximately 75% of current lead store associates and above are internally placed.

The company’s real estate team is scouting additional locations in Idaho and elsewhere as it aims to hit targets for new store growth as well as remodels and store ­relocations.

Among the 1,100 new stores planned this year are about 100 pOpshelf stores, representing expansion of a suburban store concept introduced in late 2020 and designed to engage customers by offering a fun, affordable and differentiated treasure hunt experience, delivered through continually refreshed merchandise, with about 95% of the items priced at $5 or less.

POpshelf stores were envisioned as a way to serve female shoppers living in households with annual incomes ranging from $50,000 to $125,000. Store shelves carry a highly curated crossover assortment of Dollar General’s private brands, Shoppers can expect to find on-trend seasonal and home decor, health and beauty items, home supplies, and party goods.