Dollar General has issued a call for diverse suppliers as it seeks to remove barriers and increase minority groups’ representation in the communities the retailer serves. Online applications are open through Aug. 7, 2023, and virtual meetings with Dollar General’s supplier diversity team will be held Sept. 25-29, 2023.
Eligible diversity certifications include those from the:
- National Minority Supplier Development Council;
- Women’s Business Enterprise National Council;
- National Gay and Lesbian Chamber of Commerce; and
- National Veteran Owned Business Association.
“We’re excited to seek new vendors to help ensure the unique customers and communities we serve have relevant product they depend on us to carry,” said Emily Taylor, EVP and Chief Merchandising Officer at Dollar General in a statement. “An intentional investment in supplier diversity reflects Dollar General’s mission of serving others and core values that include ‘respecting the dignity and differences of others.’”
Dollar General’s motives also likely include getting credit for positive moves after criticisms of its treatment of workers. Activist investors called for greater worker safety and higher wages at Dollar General in May 2023 and reportedly its shareholders voted for the creation of an independent audit into worker safety in June. These actions followed Dollar General being hit with $1 million in OSHA fines for workplace safety violations in April.
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