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Dollar General

Flagged · Avoid

One of the largest retailers in the U.S. by store count, with more locations than McDonald's, deliberately targeting low-income rural communities where grocery alternatives are thin, making it both indispensable to those communities and a driver of their economic stagnation.

Last updated May 7, 2026

Reasons to avoid

Issues span:OtherLabor
  1. Predatory expansion in low-income communities, driving out local grocers and creating food deserts.anderson-review.ucla.edu2025-11-22
  2. Chronic understaffing leading to unsafe working conditions and employee burnout.sk.sagepub.com2025-11-22
  3. Thousands of OSHA violations for workplace safety hazards.independent.co.uk2025-11-22
  4. Low wages and minimal benefits for workers.stepuplouisiana.org2025-11-22
  5. Anti-union activities and retaliation against organizing workers.burnaway.org2025-11-22

Ethical alternatives

Retail
Local Grocery Stores
Support independent grocers and markets that provide fresh food and fair wages.
📍 Local Business
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Farmers Markets
Buy directly from local farmers - fresher food, support local economy.
📍 Local Business👩‍🌾 Farmer Direct
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Thrive Market
Online membership market for organic and healthy products at discount prices.
✅ B-Corp🌿 Organic
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Costco
Warehouse retailer known for better wages, benefits, and treatment of workers.
🤝 Fair Trade
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Food Co-ops
Member-owned grocery cooperatives focused on community benefit and quality food.
✊ Worker Owned📍 Local Business