DOLLAR GENERAL REPORTS INCREASED SALES FOR NOVEMBER.

NASHVILLE, Tenn.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Dec. 5, 1996--Dollar General Corporation (NYSE: DG) today reported total retail sales for the four weeks ended November 29, 1996, equaled $196.3 million compared with $184.3 million in 1995, an increase of 6.5 percent. Same store sales for the four-week period decreased 4.1 percent versus a decrease of 1.1 percent in the corresponding period a year ago.

"November sales were in-line with our expectations," said Cal Turner, Jr., Chairman and Chief Executive Officer. "Our results were impacted by two significant calendar issues. Thanksgiving was one week later in the reporting period this year, and we delayed the mailing of our Christmas circular. This year, the December reporting period will benefit entirely from our Christmas circular. Our Christmas values and strong in-stocks position us for a great December. Our stores are ready for a merry Christmas!" For the forty-three weeks ended November 29, 1996, Dollar General total retail sales increased 19.3 percent to $1,642.5 million from $1,376.3 million in the same period a year ago. Same store sales for the forty-three week period increased 6.8 percent.

For the year-to-date begun February 1, 1996, and ended November 29, 1996, Dollar General total retail sales equaled $1,652.3 million compared with $1,389.2 million in the same period a year ago, an increase of 18.9 percent. Same store sales for the period increased 6.4 percent.

Dollar General is a chain of more than 2,691 neighborhood stores in twenty-four states with distribution centers in Kentucky, Georgia and Oklahoma. The Company's stock is traded on the New York Stock Exchange.

CONTACT: Dollar General Corp., Nashville

Kiley Fleming, 615/783-2014