American dollar-store chain at scale, facing scrutiny over business practices
The Bureau of Labor Statistics has reported that U.S. consumer prices rose 4.2% in the 12 months through May, the fastest annual pace since April 2023, driven largely by a surge in energy and gasoline costs. Core inflation has remained cooler at 2.9%, while producers’ prices and oil-driven wholesale gains have also accelerated ahead of the Federal Reserve’s June meeting.
The CPI has climbed 4.2% year over year in May, driven by energy costs amid the Iran conflict. Officials say inflation remains a pressure point for households while policy makers weigh rate moves; Trump has touted inflation as a sign the economy will improve after the conflict.
Dollar General reports a quarterly rise in comparable-store sales of 3.5% and higher traffic, driven by a value-focused strategy and the expansion of its $1 Value Valley assortment to attract budget-conscious shoppers amid inflation.