What is pOpshelf? Exploring Dollar General's New Upscale Shopping Concept

If you've never heard of pOpshelf, you're not alone. pOpshelf is a relatively new retail store concept by Dollar General, which opened up its first location in Nashville, Tennessee, in October 2020. With excitement from business analysts and shoppers alike, they have been opening more and more of these new concept stores each year.

Essentially, pOpshelf is Dollar General's attempt to provide a more elevated experience by remodeling select DG locations to include "fresh + fun" items, such as home decor, that cater to suburban shoppers. Ready to learn more about this exciting new store? Let's dive in.
 

The Purpose of Dollar General's pOpshelf

With pOpshelf, Dollar General is simply aiming to create a unique and fun shopping experience. They want your trip to be a time to explore everyday basics and also "unexpected finds" that other retailers can't provide at prices you can afford. 

At a pOpshelf, it's all about finding a surprise on every shelf. Many even feel the concept mimics that of the Target Dollar Spot – or the Target Bullseye’s Playground as it has recently been renamed – but on a much larger scale!

A popular appeal of pOpshelf is its price point. While a pOpshelf store will have slightly higher prices than a Dollar General, most items are still just a few dollars.
 

What Brands and Products Does pOpshelf Carry?

Like Dollar Tree and other dollar stores, Dollar General's pOpshelf will carry some store-branded essentials, such as toilet paper, paper towels, home goods, pantry items, and other merchandise at lower costs than bigger retailers, like Target.

However, to target customers in more rural or suburban areas, pOpshelf stores will mostly carry "treat yourself" seasonal items, housewares, home goods, party supplies, craft items, home decor, beauty products, cleaning supplies, snacks, toys, candy, electronics, games, and more. pOpshelf's website claims that you'll even discover "unexpected finds you never knew you wanted."

Plus, with products rotating often, you’re certain to find something new with each visit. Some of the items are so popular that they sell out fast, so you will want to be a regular shopper so as not to miss out on anything!

What Does Shopping at a pOpshelf Store Feel Like?

Anyone who has ever been to a Dollar Tree, Dollar General, or similar dollar stores knows it's chaos in there. Items are usually placed---and misplaced ---everywhere, shelves are crowded, the store feels dark, and unless you know where to look, finding anything can be challenging.

However, unlike the Dollar General stores, pOpshelf is clutter-free and neat and light. The shopping experience is said to be a night and day difference – perhaps even a more upscale experience. In fact, some folks have been shoppers of both stores and aren’t even aware they are “related."
 

Where Are Dollar General's pOpshelf Stores Located?

As mentioned, pOpshelf only came to be in late 2020 and in less than 3 years has expanded to 224 stores as of January 3, 2024. Its first store opened in Nashville, Tennessee and this exciting and differentiated concept turned out to be a big hit with business analysts and shoppers alike.

pOpshelf stores can now be found in:

• Texas
• Georgia
• North Carolina
• Louisiana
• Maryland
• Florida
• Tennessee
• Alabama
• South Carolina
• Illinois
• Virginia
• Kentucky

According to Dollar General, their goal is to have 1,000 pOpshelf locations by the end of 2025. That’s quite an expansion planned for the next two years! 

Use the pOpshelf Store Locator to find a store near you.
 

What Are Customers Saying About pOpshelf?

One of the best ways to learn about a new store is to read what others have shared about their experiences. Therefore, we collected a few recent Facebook reviews. Here's a preview of what others have said about pOpshelf:

• "great shopping, great prices. very clean and neat. employees very nice." —4/12/2023
• "The Pop Shelf in Coppell, Tx is AMAZING!!  Great selection - great prices - but even better service.  The associates are SO friendly and helpful!!" —6/6/2023
• "I absolutely love the popshelf in Killeen TX. Not only do they have cute home decor at a great price BUT what impressed me the most are all their allergy friendly snacks. Wether you have a wheat, dairy, nut allergy etc… there is something for everyone!" —6/12/2023
• "we were there yesterday for the first time! it won't be our last. it was GREAT!!!!" —12/3/2023

Is It Worth It to Shop a pOpShelf?

If you're looking for other ways to find unexpected merchandise for a lower dollar amount, shopping at a pOpshelf store is worth it. Most items, from everyday basics to seasonal products, are still around $10 or less, just like a Dollar General. However, you may also find more premium items for closer to $20 which puts pOpshelf head to head with some retailers like Target and Walmart.

Join pOpshelf Rewards for a Free Rewards Box

If you are 18 years of age or older, you’ll want to sign up for pOpshelf Rewards. Just for signing up, (you can do so online, in app, or in-person), you’ll unlock a free rewards box that you can grab on your next visit to the store.

Each of the themed reward boxes has about 3 to 5 free items inside. Usually, these items include:

• Beauty items
• Fragrance items
• Candles
• Natural cleaning items
• Chef-inspired items
• Snacks

It’s hard to pass up a free gift, so make sure you sign up for that before you go check out your local pOpshelf. No additional purchase is necessary – you can walk in and only claim your free box if that’s all you want to do.

For more freebies and savings, be sure to visit MySavings.com. 

- Vanessa