Dollar General opens store in Rivers Edge Center

STANHOPE-Most will remember Shelby's, and some will remember the Economy store, but a new store has recently opened as part of the Rivers Edge Village Center on Route 183 in Stanhope. A new façade and an updated interior now house Dollar General, a variety store comprising 6,500 square feet, approximately one-half of the upper floor of the complex. The new store is part of the largest nationwide chain in the U.S., according to Rich Faas, manager of the local operation. The company, which was started by an entrepreneur who originally sold only socks at $1 a pair, expects to open 600 additional stores within the year. Dollar General, with headquarters in Tennessee, has more than 8.000 stores in the U.S., said Faas, adding that the company expects to position itself throughout New Jersey. Because the founder had only a third-grade education, the company espouses the cause of literacy and has established a literacy fund, he explained. Faas' goal is to maintain low-cost, quality merchandise, stocking "essentials" and a variety of items from clothes to seasonal products. He pointed to many grocery-type items that he said are priced below that of area supermarkets. "Our prices are very good," said Faas, "but we carry lines that may not be familiar to consumers in this area." The company tests it products and guarantees that anything that carries the Dollar General label has been tested. The store also carries a number of recognizable brands, including clothes by Bobbie Brooks and toys from Barbie to Bratz. Faas said that in some cases, the prices are so low, the company labels and prices are imprinted on the packaging to guard against a vendor making a bulk purchase to sell at a higher price elsewhere. Faas emphasized the company's liberal return policy, particular on merchandise carrying the store label. "My goal is to develop a familiarity with our service and our product lines," he continued. "It's a simple plan: A big company that operates little stores. You can find what you're looking for, get in and out with little trouble, and do it affordably. There are no sales, just affordable pricing." Dollar General is located on Route 183 South. Hours: Mon.-Sat., 9 a.m.-8 p.m.; Sun., 10 a.m.-8 p.m.