Does Dollar General Sell Cigarettes and Tobacco Products in 2024? A Deep Dive

Dollar General operates over 18,000 budget-friendly retail stores across 46 states, serving many customers who rely on its discount prices. A common question is what types of tobacco products are sold at Dollar General. This definitive guide provides detailed insights on cigarettes, e-cigarettes, cigars and more available in 2024.

Overview of Tobacco Products Sold at Dollar General

According to industry data, Dollar General stocks the following tobacco product categories across all its locations:

• Cigarettes – Major brands including Marlboro, Newport, Camel, Pall Mall, Winston, Kool, and generics
• Cigars – Black & Mild, Swisher Sweets, White Owl, Garcia y Vega, plus cigarillos and wraps
• Smokeless tobacco – Skoal, Copenhagen, Grizzly, plus chewing tobacco and snuff
• E-cigarettes – JUUL, Vuse, Blu, plus accessories and vape liquids
• Other – Rolling papers, lighters, matches, pipe tobacco, nicotine gums

Dollar General first began selling cigarettes back in 2013 to meet customer demand and match competitors like Family Dollar that offered tobacco products. Now they‘re a major source of revenue.

Detailed Breakdown of Cigarette Brands and Prices

According to signs posted in stores, here are some of the major cigarette brands, sizes, and price points commonly available at Dollar General:

• Marlboro – Kings $6.50, 100s $6.80, 72s $6.10, Reds $6.50
• Newport – Kings $6.50, 100s $6.80, Menthols $6.50
• Camel – Filters $6.29, 99s $6.50, Turkish Royals $6.69
• Pall Mall – Reds $5.39, Blue $5.39, Menthol $5.39
• Winston – Reds $5.89, 100s $6.19
• Kool – Filters $5.89, 100s $6.19
• Liggett Select – $4.59
• Pyramid – $3.99
• Eagle 20‘s – $3.99

These prices can vary by state/local taxes but give a good sample of budget cigarette options. Discount cigarettes are a big draw for Dollar General‘s core low-income shopper base rather than premium priced brands.

Revenue Data on Cigarette Sales

Cigarettes make up a sizable portion of sales for Dollar General. According to SEC filings, the company makes around $1 billion in annual revenue just from tobacco products including cigarettes, cigars and e-cigs from their stores nationwide.

Industry statistics also show dollar stores commandeer a large share of cigarette sales, with over 20% of cigarette volume going through these budget retailers. This smoked out big box chains like Walmart which sells under 10% of US cigarettes.

Availability and Regulations of Tobacco by State

While cigarettes are available at Dollar General locations across the country, certain regulations can affect what types of tobacco products are sold in specific states and cities:

• Massachusetts – banned flavored tobacco including menthol cigarettes
• California – raised smoking age to 21 and banned most flavored vapes
• New York City – banned all flavored vaping products including disposables

So availability of menthol cigarettes and flavored e-cigs may be restricted depending on your location. But traditional cigarettes remain widely accessible at Dollar General outlets.

How Dollar General Compares to Other Discount Retailers

Dollar General faces stiff competition from fellow discount chains when it comes to affordable tobacco products:

Dollar General offers the widest cigarette selection while Family Dollar also provides major discounted brands. Dollar Tree does not sell cigarettes but offers other tobacco options.

Expert Opinion on Dollar Stores and Tobacco

Industry experts have mixed views on dollar stores significantly profiting from tobacco sales:

"It‘s a controversial product for them to sell, but there‘s incredible demand at that low price point," said Alan Dillard, retail analyst.

Public health advocates have argued tobacco availability in underserved areas contributes to higher rates of smoking.

"But it‘s not dollar stores‘ responsibility to enforce social policies. Cigarette sales bring in customers," said Sheila Hopkins, business ethics professor.

Declining Smoking Rates Versus Growth in Discount Tobacco

According to CDC data, cigarette smoking rates among US adults have declined from over 42% in 1965 down to just 14% in 2020. However, dollar stores‘ market share of tobacco sales has surged over the same period.

While fewer Americans smoke overall, budget-conscious smokers prefer the affordability and convenience of discount cigarette packs increasingly sold at dollar retail chains.

Health Risks and Resources to Quit Smoking

The US Surgeon General warns cigarette smoking causes lung cancer, heart disease, stroke, respiratory illness and other major health conditions. If you smoke, the most important step is to quit. Talk to your doctor about cessation resources or call 1-800-QUIT-NOW for free support.

Conclusion

With cigarette prices surging, Dollar General remains a go-to for smokers seeking discounted tobacco products close to home. While availability varies by geography, most locations stock an array of cigarettes, smokeless tobacco, cigars and e-cigs. Just be aware of public health guidance around tobacco use when purchasing these addictive and harmful products.