Retailer offers discounts to people on front lines

GOODLETTSVILLE, Tenn. — Dollar General is offering 10% discounts to people who are on the front lines of the COVID-19 crisis, the company said Monday. The discount is being offered on qualifying purchases to all medical personnel, first responders and activated National Guardsmen.

To receive their discounts, individuals can present their employment badge or ID at any of Dollar General’s more than 16,300 stores.

“At Dollar General, we are deeply appreciative for the ongoing and brave work that our medical professionals, first responder communities and National Guard activated continue to perform during these unprecedented times,” Dollar General CEO Todd Vasos said in a statement. “To demonstrate our heartfelt gratitude for these individuals’ tireless service to their communities, we are proud to help support them with this discount. On behalf of the entire Dollar General family, we would like to thank all of the physicians, nurses, pharmacists, paramedics, police officers, fire fighters, Guardsmen and other health care and front-line professionals working to support and care for our neighbors and communities.”

Dollar General said it will offer the discount through April 30, and may extend it further depending on how the COVID-19 pandemic progresses.

The company noted that it also appreciates the efforts of its employees in this difficult time. Dollar General said it plans to invest approximately $35 million in bonuses for all eligible store, distribution center and private fleet employees who perform work during a six-week period beginning in mid-March. Dollar General is also providing all employees with an ongoing 30% digital coupon discount on its private brands through May 4.

All Dollar General stores are also dedicating the first hour each morning to senior customers with the goal providing at-risk consumers with the opportunity to shop for essential items in a less crowded environment. Stores are also closing one hour early to clean and re-stock shelves, as well as for employees’ safety and wellbeing, the company said.