Dollar General operates a chain of small-format discount retail stores across the United States, selling household essentials, food and general merchandise at low price points, primarily in rural and small-town markets that many larger retailers have historically underserved. Its small store format, often located in areas without convenient access to larger supermarkets or big-box retailers, positions Dollar General as a convenient, low-cost shopping option for value-conscious consumers in the communities it serves. The company has expanded significantly through opening new store locations over the years, building one of the largest store networks in American retail even as many traditional retailers have closed locations. Dollar General's sales tend to hold up relatively well during economic downturns, since its low-price value positioning attracts budget-conscious shoppers, though the company also competes against other dollar store chains and larger retailers expanding into similar small-format concepts.