11:00-11:45 AM
A planning guide for dollar store suppliers in a new reality
Simon Johnstone, Director 

Begin the day with an overview of the main trends impacting the dollar channel.  

• Review dollar store wins and losses during COVID-19.
• Discover the US dollar channel’s size of prize in a post-COVID-19 world.
• Navigate the channel’s changing financial and operational priorities.
• Uncover the evolving competitive set in the battle for the low-income shopper.

11:45 AM -12:35 PM
Breaking down Dollar General’s strategy
Simon Johnstone, Director 

Fresh, private label, new formats, and digital are at the center of how Dollar General is striving to offer better choice, value, and relevancy.

• Learn the status and drivers of Dollar General’s performance and financial trends.
• Evaluate key merchandising priorities and what Dollar General is doing to build credibility in fresh, private label, and service.
• Examine format innovation and how the retailer is accelerating its digital strategy.
• Pack, price, promo, and placement: What works well and what doesn’t?

12:55-1:35 PM
Health, wealth, and trips: The Dollar General shopper
Mary Brett Whitfield, Senior Vice President  

The economic downturn is hitting low-income/cash pay-dependent consumers hard, sending them into a prolonged savings mode.

• Explore the key mindsets and shopping approaches defining shoppers across the income spectrum.
• Discuss unique trips and occasions.
• Define the profile of Dollar General’s most loyal shoppers.
• Examine their interest in and the relevance of holistic health.

1:35 - 2:25 PM
Breaking down the Dollar Tree/Family Dollar strategy
Simon Johnstone, Director 

This session goes deep into the Dollar Tree/Family Dollar strategy for a new era of growth.

• Learn the status and drivers of the company’s performance and financial trends.
• Understand the importance of its evolving pricing strategy.
• Evaluate range rationalization and new merchandising priorities.
• Map changes in format expansion and refurbishments.
• Pack, price, promo and placement: What works well and what doesn’t?

2:40-3:20 PM
Health, wealth, and trips: The Dollar Tree/Family Dollar shopper
Mary Brett Whitfield , Senior Vice President 

The economic downturn is hitting low-income/cash pay-dependent consumers hard, sending them into a prolonged savings mode.

• Explore the key mindsets and shopping approaches defining shoppers across the income spectrum.
• Discuss unique trips and occasions.
• Define the profile of the most loyal Dollar Tree/Family Dollar shoppers.
• Examine their interest in and the relevance of holistic health.

3:20-4:00 PM
Buying and selling: New expectations for retailer relations
Simon Johnstone, Director  

Suppliers will need to rethink their merchandising and activation calendars to inspire distracted shoppers and retailer customers changing how they interact with suppliers.

• Identify omnichannel tactics to engage with shoppers across income segments.
• Understand the conundrum of price versus value and how to win with smart shoppers.
• Differentiate your value proposition.
• Drive a new and differentiated promotional calendar.
• Define the action steps needed to accelerate category and brand growth with dollar store retailers.