Dollar General Warns of Worsening Low-Income Finances
Dollar General, a key indicator of low-to-middle-income consumer health, reports worsening financial conditions among its core customers (earning under $40,000 annually). Sales growth slowed to 1.2% last quarter due to reduced shopping frequency among these customers facing persistent financial pressures, including inflation and potential tariff impacts. This trend is further evidenced by a shift towards Dollar General from middle-income shoppers, highlighting broader economic strain. The situation underscores the vulnerability of lower-income consumers to economic downturns, as seen in decreased spending by working- and middle-class households compared to higher-income households.