Dollar General’s Consumers Are Hurting

By George Anderson


Dollar General chief executive officer David Perdue told attendees at Johnson Rice & Company’s Fourth Annual Consumer Conference held in New Orleans yesterday that the retailer’s core low-income customer is having a tough time in the current economic and political environment.


Mr. Perdue said gas prices have cut into consumers’ wallets and, now that winter approaches, the cost of paying for heating fuel will also become a factor. He also said the jobs picture for those at the lower end has not yet fully recovered and is a concern for the retailer coming up on the holiday shopping season. Dollar General’s chief also said the war in Iraq is having a negative impact on stores serving military communities.


Moderator’s Comments: Executives such as David Perdue have mentioned that the Presidential election has introduced
an element of uncertainty into consumer spending. Do you believe that consumers at the low, middle or high end of the income ladder have altered their shopping habits in the run
up to next week’s vote?

George Anderson – Moderator

BrainTrust

Discussion Questions

Poll

0 Comments
Inline Feedbacks
View all comments