Dollar General, a popular discount retailer, is undergoing significant changes, marking the end of an era. The executive vice president, Steve Sunderland, is stepping down, and Steve Deckard will take over. Sunderland’s contributions to Dollar General’s growth from 11,000 to nearly 20,000 stores are acknowledged by CEO Todd Vasos. Deckard, with almost two decades of experience at the company, will oversee retail locations domestically and internationally, including stores in Mexico and pOpshelf. His expanded responsibilities include leading real estate, asset protection, and the well-being of the company.
Dollar General Undergoes Leadership Shift and Strategy Changes
Deckard’s journey at Dollar General began in 2006 as a regional director of stores, and he gradually climbed the corporate ladder, serving in various roles, such as strategy financial planning, and asset protection. His most recent position was senior vice president of emerging markets, overseeing the retailer’s expansion into Mexico. Vasos expresses confidence in Deckard’s leadership and ability to drive the company’s success.
This change follows a series of shifts in Dollar General’s leadership. In October, Todd Vasos replaced Jeff Owen as CEO. The board of directors cited the need for a change in leadership to restore stability and confidence in the company.
Dollar General has been implementing policy changes, such as expanding promotional markdowns and seeking more diverse suppliers to diversify its product offerings.
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Dollar General Shifts Away from Self-Checkout, Prioritizing Customer Service and Security
In late 2023, Dollar General announced plans to boost staffing and enhance in-store services, removing heavy reliance on self-checkout. The decision was driven by concerns about rising retail theft, shrinkage, and falling profits. The company emphasized the importance of friendly and helpful employees in the checkout process, though self-checkouts would not be removed entirely. CEO Vasos mentioned allocating $150,000 for additional labor hours, funded by reallocating $50 million from the “smart teams” department, responsible for managing stock in stores.
These developments highlight Dollar General’s proactive approach to adapting to market dynamics, strengthening operational excellence, and catering to customer needs. The company’s commitment to serving a diverse customer base and addressing challenges like retail theft and excess inventory reflects its ongoing efforts to evolve and thrive in the retail landscape.
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