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UNITED STATES
SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION
Washington, D.C. 20549

SCHEDULE 14A

Proxy Statement Pursuant to Section 14(a) of
the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 (Amendment No.          )

Filed by the Registrantý

Filed by a Party other than the Registranto

Check the appropriate box:

o


Preliminary Proxy Statement

o


Confidential, for Use of the Commission Only (as permitted by Rule 14a-6(e)(2))

ý


Definitive Proxy Statement

o


Definitive Additional Materials

o


Soliciting Material under §240.14a-12

 

Dollar General Corporation

(Name of Registrant as Specified Inin Its Charter)

 

(Name of Person(s) Filing Proxy Statement, if other than the Registrant)

Payment of Filing Fee (Check the appropriate box):

ý


No fee required.

o


Fee computed on table below per Exchange Act Rules 14a-6(i)(1) and 0-11.
 (1)Title of each class of securities to which transaction applies:
        
 (2)Aggregate number of securities to which transaction applies:
        
 (3)Per unit price or other underlying value of transaction computed pursuant to Exchange Act Rule 0-11 (set forth the amount on which the filing fee is calculated and state how it was determined):
        
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Fee paid previously with preliminary materials.

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Check box if any part of the fee is offset as provided by Exchange Act Rule 0-11(a)(2) and identify the filing for which the offsetting fee was paid previously. Identify the previous filing by registration statement number, or the Form or Schedule and the date of its filing.

 


(1)


Amount Previously Paid:
        
 (2)Form, Schedule or Registration Statement No.:
        
 (3)Filing Party:
        
 (4)Date Filed:
        

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LOGO
 
Dollar General Corporation
100 Mission Ridge
Goodlettsville, Tennessee 37072


Dear Fellow Shareholder:

              The 20162018 Annual Meeting of Shareholders of Dollar General Corporation will be held on Wednesday, May 25, 2016,30, 2018, at 9:00 a.m., Central Time, at Goodlettsville City Hall Auditorium, 105 South Main Street, Goodlettsville, Tennessee. All shareholders of record at the close of business on March 17, 201622, 2018 are invited to attend the annual meeting. For security reasons, however, to gain admission to the meeting you may be required to present photo identification and comply with other security measures.

              At this year's meeting, you will have an opportunity to vote on the matters described in our accompanying Notice of Annual Meeting of Shareholders and Proxy Statement. Our 20152017 Annual Report and our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended January 29, 2016 also accompanyaccompanies this letter.

              Your interest in Dollar General and your vote are very important to us. We encourage you to read the Proxy Statement and vote your proxy as soon as possible so your vote can be represented at the annual meeting. You may vote your proxy via the Internet or telephone, or if you received a paper copy of the proxy materials by mail, you may vote by mail by completing and returning a proxy card.

              On behalf of the Board of Directors, thank you for your continued support of Dollar General.


 


Sincerely,

 


/s/ Michael M. Calbert

 


Michael M. Calbert
Chairman of the Board

April 8, 201612, 2018

Dollar General    |    2018 Proxy Statement    ·    Letter to Shareholders


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LOGO

Dollar General Corporation
100 Mission Ridge
Goodlettsville, Tennessee 37072



NOTICE OF ANNUAL MEETING OF SHAREHOLDERS

DATE:Wednesday, May 25, 201630, 2018


TIME:




9:00 a.m., Central Time


PLACE:




Goodlettsville City Hall Auditorium
105 South Main Street
Goodlettsville, Tennessee


ITEMS OF BUSINESS:




1)




To elect as directors the 89 nominees listed in the proxy statement

 


2)


To hold an advisory vote to approve our named executive officer compensation as disclosed in the proxy statement
3)To ratify the appointment of theour independent registered public accounting firm for fiscal 20162018

 


3)4)


To transact any other business that may properly come before the annual meeting and any adjournments of that meeting


WHO MAY VOTE:




Shareholders of record at the close of business on March 17, 201622, 2018


 




By Order of the Board of Directors,


 




/s/ Christine L. Connolly

Goodlettsville, Tennessee
April 8, 201612, 2018


Christine L. Connolly
Corporate Secretary

Please vote your proxy as soon as possible even if you expect to attend the annual meeting in person. You may vote your proxy via the Internet or by phone by following the instructions on the notice of internet availability or proxy card, or if you received a paper copy of these proxy materials by mail, you may vote by mail by completing and returning the enclosed proxy card in the enclosed reply envelope. No postage is necessary if the proxy is mailed within the United States. You may revoke your proxy by following the instructions listed on page 3 of the proxy statement.

Dollar General    |    2018 Proxy Statement    ·    Notice of Annual Meeting of Shareholders


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DOLLAR GENERAL CORPORATION

Proxy Statement for
20162018 Annual Meeting of Shareholders


TABLE OF CONTENTS

General Information

1

TABLE OF CONTENTS
Voting Matters

2

Proposal 1: Election of Directors

5

Corporate Governance

12

Director Compensation

General Information

1

Voting Matters

2

Proposal 1: Election of Directors

5

Corporate Governance

11

Director Compensation

16

Director Independence

19

Transactions with Management and Others

21

Executive Compensation

22

Compensation Discussion and Analysis

22

Compensation Committee Report

33

Summary Compensation Table

34

Grants of Plan-Based Awards in Fiscal 2015

37

Outstanding Equity Awards at 2015 Fiscal Year-End

38

Option Exercises and Stock Vested During Fiscal 2015

40

Pension Benefits Fiscal 2015

41

Nonqualified Deferred Compensation Fiscal 2015

41

Potential Payments upon Termination or Change in Control

42

Compensation Committee Interlocks and Insider Participation

50

Compensation Risk Considerations

5016

Director Independence

18

Transactions with Management and Others

20

Executive Compensation

22

Compensation Discussion and Analysis

22

Compensation Committee Report

33

Summary Compensation Table

34

Grants of Plan-Based Awards in Fiscal 2017

36

Outstanding Equity Awards at 2017 Fiscal Year-End

37

Option Exercises and Stock Vested During Fiscal 2017

38

Pension Benefits Fiscal 2017

38

Nonqualified Deferred Compensation Fiscal 2017

39

Potential Payments upon Termination or Change in Control

40

Compensation Committee Interlocks and Insider Participation

48

Compensation Risk Considerations

48

Pay Ratio Disclosure

48

Security Ownership

49

Security Ownership of Certain Beneficial Owners

49

Security Ownership of Officers and Directors

50

Proposal 2: Advisory Vote on Executive Compensation

51

Security Ownership of Certain Beneficial Owners

51

Security Ownership of Officers and Directors

52

Audit Committee Report

52

Proposal 3: Ratification of Appointment of Auditors

53

Proposal 2: Ratification of Appointment of Auditors

54

Fees Paid to Auditors

54

Section 16(a) Beneficial Ownership Reporting Compliance

55

Shareholder Proposals for 2019 Annual Meeting

55

Section 16(a) Beneficial Ownership Reporting Compliance

56

Shareholder Proposals for


IMPORTANT NOTICE REGARDING AVAILABILITY OF PROXY MATERIALS FOR THE SHAREHOLDER MEETING TO BE HELD ON MAY 30, 2018

This Proxy Statement, our 2017 Annual Meeting

56

Appendix A

57

IMPORTANT NOTICE REGARDING AVAILABILITY OF PROXY MATERIALS FOR THE SHAREHOLDER MEETING TO BE HELD ON MAY 25, 2016

This Proxy Statement, our 2015 Annual Report and a form of proxy card are available at www.proxyvote.com. You will need your Notice of Internet Availability or proxy card to access the proxy materials.

              As permitted by rules adopted by the Securities and Exchange Commission ("SEC"), we are furnishing our proxy materials over the Internet to some of our shareholders. This means that some shareholders will not receive paper copies of these documents. Instead, these shareholders will receive only a Notice of Internet Availability containing instructions on how to access the proxy materials over the Internet. The Notice of Internet Availability also contains instructions on how each of those shareholders can request a paper copy of our proxy materials, including the Proxy Statement, our 2017 Annual Report, and a proxy card. Shareholders who do not receive a Notice of Internet Availability will receive a paper copy of the proxy materials by mail, unless they have previously requested delivery of proxy materials electronically. If you received only the Notice of Internet Availability and would like to receive a paper copy of the proxy materials, the notice contains instructions on how you can request copies of these documents.

Dollar General    |    2018 Proxy Statement


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GENERAL INFORMATION


What is Dollar General Corporation and where is it located?

              Dollar General has been delivering value to shoppers for over 75 years through its mission ofServing Others. Dollar General helps shoppers Save time. Save money. Every day!® by offering products that are frequently used and replenished, such as food, snacks, health and beauty aids, cleaning supplies, basic apparel, housewares and seasonal items at everyday low prices in convenient neighborhood locations. Dollar General operates 14,609 stores in 44 states as of March 2, 2018. Our principal executive offices are located at 100 Mission Ridge, Goodlettsville, Tennessee 37072. Our telephone number is 615-855-4000.

Where is Dollar General common stock traded?

              Our stock is traded on the New York Stock Exchange ("NYSE") under the symbol "DG."

What is this document?

              This document is the proxy statement of Dollar General Corporation for the Annual Meeting of Shareholders to be held on Wednesday, May 30, 2018. We will begin mailing printed copies of this document or the Notice of Internet Availability to shareholders on or about April 12, 2018. We are providing this document to solicit your proxy to vote upon certain matters at the annual meeting.

              We refer to our company as "we," "us" or "Dollar General." Unless otherwise noted or required by context, "2018," "2017," "2016," "2015," and "2014," refer to our fiscal years ending or ended February 1, 2019, February 2, 2018, February 3, 2017, January 29, 2016, and January 30, 2015, respectively.

What is a proxy, who is asking for it, and who is paying for the cost to solicit it?

              A proxy is your legal designation of another person, called a "proxy," to vote your stock. The document that designates someone as your proxy is also called a proxy or a proxy card.

              Dollar General will pay all solicitation expenses. Our directors, officers, and employees are soliciting your proxy on behalf of our Board of Directors and will not receive additional remuneration for doing so except reimbursement for any related out-of-pocket expenses they may incur. We may reimburse custodians and nominees for their expenses in sending proxy materials to beneficial owners. Solicitation of proxies by mail may be supplemented by telephone, email and other electronic means, advertisements and personal solicitation, or otherwise.

Who may attend the annual meeting?

              Only shareholders, their proxy holders, and our invited guests may attend the meeting. If your shares are registered in the name of a broker, trust, bank, or other nominee, you will need to bring a proxy or a letter from that record holder or your most recent brokerage account statement that confirms your ownership of those shares as of March 22, 2018. For security reasons, we also may require photo identification for admission.

Where can I find directions to the annual meeting?

              Directions to Goodlettsville City Hall, where we will hold the annual meeting, are posted on the "Investor Information" section of our website located at www.dollargeneral.com.

Will the annual meeting be webcast?

              Yes. You are invited to visit the "News and Events—Events and Presentations" section of the "Investor Information" section of our website located at www.dollargeneral.com at 9:00 a.m., Central Time, on May 30, 2018 to access the live webcast of the annual meeting. An archived copy of the webcast will be available on our website for at least 60 days. The information on our website, however, is not incorporated by reference into, and does not form a part of, this proxy statement.

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VOTING MATTERS


How many votes must be present to hold the annual meeting?

              A quorum, consisting of the presence in person or by proxy of the holders of a majority of shares of our common stock outstanding on March 22, 2018, must exist to conduct any business at the meeting.

What if a quorum is not present at the annual meeting?

              If a quorum is not present at the meeting, any officer entitled to preside at or to act as Secretary of the meeting shall have power to adjourn the meeting from time to time until a quorum is present.

What am I voting on?

              You will be asked to vote on:

the election of 9 directors listed in this proxy statement;

the approval on an advisory basis of our shareholders. This means that some shareholders will not receive paper copies of these documents. Instead, these shareholders will receive only a Notice of Internet Availability containing instructions on how to access the proxy materials over the Internet. The Notice of Internet Availability also contains instructions on how each of those shareholders can request a paper copy of our proxy materials, including the Proxy Statement, our 2015 Annual Report and a proxy card. Shareholders who do not receive a Notice of Internet Availability will receive a paper copy of the proxy materials by mail, unless they have previously requested delivery of proxy materials electronically. If you received only the Notice of Internet Availability and would like to receive a paper copy of the proxy materials, the notice contains instructions on how you can request copies of these documents.


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GENERAL INFORMATION


What is this document?

              This document is the Proxy Statement of Dollar General Corporation for the Annual Meeting of Shareholders to be held on Wednesday, May 25, 2016. We will begin mailing printed copies of this document or the Notice of Internet Availability to shareholders on or about April 8, 2016. We are providing this document to solicit your proxy to vote upon certain matters at the annual meeting.

              We refer to our companynamed executive officer compensation as "we," "us" or "Dollar General." Unless otherwise noted or required by context, "2016," "2015," "2014," "2013," and "2012" refer to our fiscal years ending or ended February 3, 2017, January 29, 2016, January 30, 2015, January 31, 2014, and February 1, 2013, respectively.

What is a proxy, who is asking for it, and who is paying for the cost to solicit it?

              A proxy is your legal designation of another person, called a "proxy," to vote your stock. The document that designates someone as your proxy is also called a proxy or a proxy card.

              Our directors, officers and employees are soliciting your proxy on behalf of our Board of Directors. Dollar General will pay all solicitation expenses. We will not additionally compensate these persons to solicit your proxy but will reimburse them for any out-of-pocket expenses they incur. We also may reimburse custodians and nominees for their expensesdisclosed in sending proxy materials to beneficial owners.

Who may attend the annual meeting?

              Only shareholders, their proxy holders and our invited guests may attend the meeting. If your shares are registered in the name of a broker, trust, bank or other nominee, you will need to bring a proxy or a letter from that record holder or your most recent brokerage account statement that confirms your ownership of those shares as of March 17, 2016. For security reasons, we also may require photo identification for admission.

Where can I find directions to the annual meeting?

              Directions to Goodlettsville City Hall, where we will hold the annual meeting, are posted on the "Investor Information" section of our website located at www.dollargeneral.com.

Will the annual meeting be webcast?

              Yes. You are invited to visit the "Conference Calls and Investor Events" section of the "Investor Information" section of our website located at www.dollargeneral.com at 9:00 a.m., Central Time, on May 25, 2016 to access the live webcast of the annual meeting. An archived copy of the webcast will be available on our website for at least 60 days. The information on our website, however, is not incorporated by reference into, and does not form a part of, this proxy statement.

What is Dollar General Corporationstatement; and where is it located?

              Dollar General has been delivering value to shoppers for over 75 years. Dollar General helps shoppers Save time. Save money. Every day!® by offering products that are frequently used and replenished, such as food, snacks, health and beauty aids, cleaning supplies, clothing for the family, housewares and seasonal items at low everyday prices in convenient neighborhood locations. Dollar General operates 12,575 stores in 43 states as of February 26, 2016. Our principal executive offices are located at 100 Mission Ridge, Goodlettsville, Tennessee 37072. Our telephone number is 615-855-4000.

Where is Dollar General common stock traded?

              Our stock is traded on the New York Stock Exchange ("NYSE") under the symbol "DG."


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VOTING MATTERS


How many votes must be present to hold the annual meeting?

              A quorum, consisting of the presence in person or by proxy of the holders of a majority of shares of our common stock outstanding on March 17, 2016, must exist to conduct any business at the meeting.

What if a quorum is not present at the annual meeting?

              If a quorum is not present at the meeting, any officer entitled to preside at or to act as Secretary of the meeting shall have power to adjourn the meeting from time to time until a quorum is present.

What am I voting on?

              You will be asked to vote on:

the election of 8 directors; and

the ratification of the appointment of our independent registered public accounting firm (the "independent auditor") for 2016.

May other matters be raised at the annual meeting?

              We are unaware of other matters to be acted upon at the meeting. Under Tennessee law and our governing documents, no other non-procedural business may be raised at the meeting unless proper notice has been given to shareholders. If other business is properly raised, your proxies have authority to vote as they think best, including to adjourn the meeting.

Who is entitled to vote at the annual meeting?

              You may vote if you owned shares of Dollar General common stock at the close of business on March 17, 2016. As of that date, there were 286,669,916 shares of Dollar General common stock outstanding and entitled to vote. Each share is entitled to one vote on each matter.

What is the difference between a "shareholder of record" and a "street name" holder?

              You are a "shareholder of record" if your shares are registered directly in your name with Wells Fargo Shareowner Services, our transfer agent. You are a "street name" holder if your shares are held in the name of a brokerage firm, bank, trust or other nominee as custodian.

How do I vote?

              If you are a shareholder of record, you may vote your proxy over the telephone or Internet or, if you received printed proxy materials, by marking, signing, dating and returning the printed proxy card in the enclosed envelope. Please refer to the instructions on the Notice of Internet Availability or proxy card, as applicable. Alternatively, you may vote in person at the meeting.

              If you are a street name holder, your broker, bank, or other nominee will provide materials and instructions for voting your shares. You may vote in person at the meeting if you obtain and bring to the meeting a legal proxy from your broker, banker, trustee or other nominee giving you the right to vote the shares.


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What if I receive more than one Notice of Internet Availability or proxy card?

              You will receive multiple Notices of Internet Availability or proxy cards if you hold shares in different ways (e.g., joint tenancy, trusts, custodial accounts, etc.) or in multiple accounts. Street name holders will receive the Notice of Internet Availability or proxy card or other voting information, along with voting instructions, from their brokers. Please vote the shares represented by each Notice of Internet Availability or proxy card you receive to ensure that all your shares are voted.

How will my proxy be voted?

              The persons named on the proxy card will vote your proxy as you direct or, if you return a signed proxy card or complete the Internet or telephone voting procedures but do not specify how you want to vote your shares: "FOR" all directors nominated and "FOR" ratification of Ernst & Young LLP as our independent auditor for 2016.

Can I change my mind and revoke my proxy?

              Yes. A shareholder of record may revoke a proxy given pursuant to this solicitation by:

signing a valid, later-dated proxy card and submitting it so that it is received before the annual meeting in accordance with the instructions included in the proxy card;

at or before the annual meeting, submitting to our Corporate Secretary a written notice of revocation dated later than the date of the proxy;

submitting a later-dated vote by telephone or Internet no later than 11:59 p.m., Eastern time, on May 24, 2016; or

attending the annual meeting and voting in person.

              Your attendance at the annual meeting, by itself, will not revoke your proxy.

              A street name holder may revoke a proxy given pursuant to this solicitation by following the instructions of the bank, broker, trustee or other nominee who holds his or her shares.

How many votes are needed to elect directors?

              To be elected at the annual meeting, a nominee must receive the affirmative vote of a majority of votes cast by holders of shares entitled to vote at the meeting. Under our Amended and Restated Charter, the "affirmative vote of a majority of votes cast" means that the number of votes cast in favor of a nominee's election exceeds the number of votes cast against his or her election. You may vote in favor of or against the election of each nominee, or you may elect to abstain from voting your shares.

What happens if a director fails to receive the required vote for election?

              An incumbent director who does not receive the required vote for election at the annual meeting must promptly tender a resignation as a director for the Board's consideration pursuant to our Board-approved director resignation policy outlined in our Corporate Governance Guidelines. Each director standing for re-election at the annual meeting has agreed to resign, effective upon the Board's acceptance of such resignation, if he or she does not receive a majority vote. If the Board rejects the offered resignation, the director will continue to serve until the next annual shareholders' meeting and until his or her successor is duly elected or his or her earlier resignation or removal in accordance with our Amended and Restated Bylaws ("Bylaws"). If the Board accepts the offered resignation, the Board, in its sole discretion, may fill the resulting vacancy or decrease the size of the Board.


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How many votes are needed to approve other matters?

              The proposal to ratify the appointment of our independent auditor for 2016 will be approved if the votes cast in favor of such proposal exceed the votes cast against it.

              With respect to this proposal, and any other matter properly brought before the annual meeting, you may vote in favor of or against the proposal, or you may elect to abstain from voting your shares.

What are broker non-votes?

              Although your broker is the record holder of any shares that you hold in street name, it must vote those shares pursuant to your instructions. If you do not provide instructions, your broker may exercise discretionary voting power over your shares for "routine" items but not for "non-routine" items. The election of directors is considered to be a non-routine item, while the ratification of the appointment of our independent registered public accounting firm (the "independent auditor") for 2018.

May other matters be raised at the annual meeting?

              We are unaware of other matters to be acted upon at the meeting. Under Tennessee law and our governing documents, no other non-procedural business may be raised at the meeting unless proper notice has been given to shareholders. If other business is properly raised, your proxies have authority to vote as they think best, including to adjourn the meeting.

Who is entitled to vote at the annual meeting?

              You may vote if you owned shares of Dollar General common stock at the close of business on March 22, 2018. As of that date, there were 268,547,203 shares of Dollar General common stock outstanding and entitled to vote. Each share is entitled to one vote on each matter.

What is the difference between a "shareholder of record" and a "street name" holder?

              You are a "shareholder of record" if your shares are registered directly in your name with EQ Shareowner Services, our transfer agent. You are a "street name" holder if your shares are held in the name of a brokerage firm, bank, trust, or other nominee as custodian.

How do I vote?

              If you are a shareholder of record, you may vote your proxy over the telephone or Internet or, if you received printed proxy materials, by marking, signing, dating, and returning the printed proxy card in the enclosed envelope. Please refer to the instructions on the Notice of Internet Availability or proxy card, as applicable. Alternatively, you may vote in person at the meeting.

              If you are a street name holder, your broker, bank, or other nominee will provide materials and instructions for voting your shares. You may vote in person at the meeting if you obtain and bring

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to the meeting a legal proxy from your broker, banker, trustee, or other nominee giving you the right to vote the shares.

What if I receive more than one Notice of Internet Availability or proxy card?

              You will receive multiple Notices of Internet Availability or proxy cards if you hold shares in different ways (e.g., joint tenancy, trusts, custodial accounts, etc.) or in multiple accounts. Street name holders will receive the Notice of Internet Availability or proxy card or other voting information, along with voting instructions, from their brokers. Please vote the shares represented by each Notice of Internet Availability or proxy card you receive to ensure that all your shares are voted.

How will my proxy be voted?

              The persons named on the proxy card will vote your proxy as you direct or, if you return a signed proxy card or complete the Internet or telephone voting procedures but do not specify how you want to vote your shares: "FOR" all directors nominated in this proxy statement; "FOR" approval, on an advisory basis, of the compensation of our named executive officers as disclosed in this proxy statement pursuant to the SEC's compensation disclosure rules; and "FOR" ratification of Ernst & Young LLP as our independent auditor for 2018.

Can I change my mind and revoke my proxy?

              Yes. A shareholder of record may revoke a proxy given pursuant to this solicitation by:

signing a valid, later-dated proxy card and submitting it so that it is consideredreceived before the annual meeting in accordance with the instructions included in the proxy card;

at or before the annual meeting, submitting to beour Corporate Secretary a routine matter.

              "Broker non-votes" occur when shares heldwritten notice of record by a broker are not voted on a matter becauserevocation dated later than the broker has not received voting instructions fromdate of the beneficial owner and either lacks or declines to exercise the authority to vote the shares in its discretion.proxy;

How will abstentions and broker non-votes be treated?

              Abstentions and broker non-votes, if any, will be treated as shares that are present and entitled to

submitting a later-dated vote for purposes of determining whether a quorum is present but will not be counted as votes cast either in favor ofby telephone or against a particular proposal and will haveInternet no effectlater than 11:59 p.m., Eastern time, on the outcome of a particular proposal.May 29, 2018; or

Will my vote be confidential?

              Proxy instructions, ballots

attending the annual meeting and voting tabulations that identify individual shareholders are handled in a manner that is intended to protect your voting privacy. Your vote will not be intentionally disclosed either within Dollar General or to third parties, except (1) as necessary to meet applicable legal requirements; (2) in a dispute regarding authenticity of proxies and ballots; (3) in the case of a contested proxy solicitation, if the other party soliciting proxies does not agree to comply with the confidential voting policy; (4) to allow for the tabulation of votes and certification of the vote; (5) to facilitate a successful proxy solicitation; or (6) when a shareholder makes a written comment on the proxy card or otherwise communicates the vote to management.person.


              Your attendance at the annual meeting, by itself, will not revoke your proxy.

              A street name holder may revoke a proxy given pursuant to this solicitation by following the instructions of the bank, broker, trustee, or other nominee who holds his or her shares.

How many votes are needed to elect directors?

              To be elected at the annual meeting, a nominee must receive the affirmative vote of a majority of votes cast by holders of shares entitled to vote at the meeting. Under our Amended and Restated Charter, the "affirmative vote of a majority of votes cast" means that the number of votes cast in favor of a nominee's election exceeds the number of votes cast against his or her election. You may vote in favor of or against the election of each nominee, or you may elect to abstain from voting your shares.

What happens if a director fails to receive the required vote for election?

              An incumbent director who does not receive the required vote for election at the annual meeting must promptly tender a resignation as a director for the Board's consideration pursuant to our Board-approved director resignation policy outlined in our Corporate Governance Guidelines. Each director standing for re-election at the annual meeting has agreed to resign, effective upon the Board's acceptance of such resignation, if he or she does not receive a majority vote. If the Board rejects the offered resignation, the director will continue to serve until the next annual shareholders' meeting and

Dollar General    |    2018 Proxy Statement    ·    Voting Matters     3


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until his or her successor is duly elected or his or her earlier resignation or removal in accordance with our Bylaws. If the Board accepts the offered resignation, the Board, in its sole discretion, may fill the resulting vacancy or decrease the size of the Board.

How many votes are needed to approve other matters?

              The proposal to approve on an advisory basis the compensation of our named executive officers and the proposal to ratify the appointment of our independent auditor for 2018 will be approved if the votes cast in favor of the applicable proposal exceed the votes cast against it. The vote on the compensation of our named executive officers is advisory and, therefore, not binding on Dollar General, our Board of Directors, or its Compensation Committee. With respect to these proposals, and any other matter properly brought before the annual meeting, you may vote in favor of or against the proposal, or you may elect to abstain from voting your shares.

What are broker non-votes?

              Although your broker is the record holder of any shares that you hold in street name, it must vote those shares pursuant to your instructions. If you do not provide instructions, your broker may exercise discretionary voting power over your shares for "routine" items but not for "non-routine" items. All matters described in this proxy statement, except for the ratification of the appointment of our independent auditor, are considered to be non-routine matters.

              "Broker non-votes" occur when shares held of record by a broker are not voted on a matter because the broker has not received voting instructions from the beneficial owner and either lacks or declines to exercise the authority to vote the shares in its discretion.

How will abstentions and broker non-votes be treated?

              Abstentions and broker non-votes, if any, will be treated as shares that are present and entitled to vote for purposes of determining whether a quorum is present but will not be counted as votes cast either in favor of or against a particular proposal and will have no effect on the outcome of a particular proposal.

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PROPOSAL 1:
ELECTION OF DIRECTORS



What is the structure of the Board of Directors?

              Our Board of Directors must consist of 1 to 15 directors, with the exact number set by the Board. The Board size is currently fixed at 10 but is reducing to 9 effective at the time of the 2018 annual meeting of shareholders. All directors are elected annually by our shareholders.

Who are the nominees this year?

              All nominees for election as directors at the annual meeting were nominated by the Board for election by shareholders at the annual meeting upon the recommendation of the Nominating and Governance Committee (the "Nominating Committee"). The nominees include 7 incumbent directors who were elected at the 2017 annual meeting of shareholders and 2 incumbent directors who were appointed by the Board in February 2018. Mr. David B. Rickard, 71, who has served on our Board since 2010, is retiring from our Board effective at the 2018 annual meeting of shareholders and is not standing for re-election.

              If elected, each nominee would hold office until the 2019 annual meeting of shareholders and until his or her successor is elected and qualified, subject to any earlier resignation or removal. These nominees, their ages at the date of this proxy statement, and the calendar year in which they first became a director are listed in the table below.

 
NameAgeDirector Since 

Warren F. Bryant

722009 

Michael M. Calbert

552007 

Sandra B. Cochran

592012 

Patricia D. Fili-Krushel

642012 

Timothy I. McGuire

572018 

Paula A. Price

562014 

William C. Rhodes, III

522009 

Ralph E. Santana

502018 

Todd J. Vasos

562015 

What are the backgrounds of this year's nominees?

Mr. Bryant served as the President and Chief Executive Officer of Longs Drug Stores Corporation, a retail drugstore chain on the West Coast and in Hawaii, from 2002 through 2008 and as its Chairman of the Board from 2003 through his retirement in 2008. Prior to joining Longs Drug Stores, he served as a Senior Vice President of The Kroger Co., a retail grocery chain, from 1999 to 2002. Mr. Bryant has served as a director of Loblaw Companies Limited of Canada since May 2013 and served as a director of OfficeMax Incorporated from 2004 to 2013 and Office Depot, Inc. from November 2013 to July 2017.

Mr. Calbert has served as our Chairman of the Board since January 2016. He joined KKR & Co. L.P. ("KKR") in January 2000 and was directly involved with several KKR portfolio companies until his retirement in January 2014. Mr. Calbert led the Retail industry team within KKR's Private Equity platform prior to his retirement and served as a consultant to KKR from his retirement until June 2015. Mr. Calbert joined Randall's Food Markets beginning in 1994 and served as the Chief Financial Officer from 1997 until it was sold in September 1999. Mr. Calbert also previously worked as a certified public accountant and consultant with Arthur Andersen Worldwide from 1985 to 1994,

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              Our Board of Directors must consist of 1 to 15 directors, with the exact number, currently fixed at 8, set by the Board. All directors are elected annually by our shareholders.

Who are the nominees this year?

              The nominees for the Board of Directors consist of the 8 current directors. If elected, each nominee would hold office until the 2017 annual meeting of shareholders and until his or her successor is elected and qualified, subject to any earlier resignation or removal. These nominees, their ages at the date of this proxy statement and the calendar year in which they first became a director are listed in the table below.

NameAgeDirector Since

Warren F. Bryant

702009

Michael M. Calbert

532007

Sandra B. Cochran

572012

Patricia D. Fili-Krushel

622012

Paula A. Price

542014

William C. Rhodes, III

502009

David B. Rickard

692010

Todd J. Vasos

542015

What are the backgrounds of this year's nominees?

Mr. Bryant served as the President and Chief Executive Officer of Longs Drug Stores Corporation, a retail drugstore chain on the West Coast and in Hawaii, from 2002 through 2008 and as its Chairman of the Board from 2003 through his retirement in 2008. Prior to joining Longs Drug Stores, he served as a Senior Vice President of The Kroger Co., a retail grocery chain, from 1999 to 2002. Mr. Bryant is a director of Office Depot, Inc. and Loblaw Companies Limited of Canada and served as a director of OfficeMax Incorporated from 2004 to 2013.

Mr. Calbert has served as our Chairman of the Board since January 30, 2016. He joined KKR & Co. L.P. ("KKR") in January 2000 and was directly involved with several KKR portfolio companies until his retirement in January 2014. Mr. Calbert led the Retail industry team within KKR's Private Equity platform prior to his retirement and served as a consultant to KKR from his retirement until June 2015. Mr. Calbert joined Randall's Food Markets beginning in 1994 and served as the Chief Financial Officer from 1997 until it was sold in September 1999. Mr. Calbert also previously worked as a certified public accountant and consultant with Arthur Andersen Worldwide from 1985 to 1994, where his primary focus was the retail and consumer industry. He previously served as our Chairman of the Board from July 2007 until December 2008 and as our lead director from March 2013 until his re-appointment as our Chairman of the Board in January 2016.

              Ms. Cochran has served as a director and as President and Chief Executive Officer of Cracker Barrel Old Country Store, Inc. since September 2011. She joined Cracker Barrel in April 2009 as Executive Vice President and Chief Financial Officer, and was named President and Chief Operating Officer in November 2010. She was previously Chief Executive Officer at book retailer Books-A-Million, Inc. from February 2004 to April 2009. She also served as that company's President (August 1999—February 2004), Chief Financial Officer (September 1993—August 1999) and Vice President of Finance (August 1992—September 1993). Ms. Cochran has over 20 years of experience in the retail industry. Ms. Cochran has served as a director of Lowe's Companies, Inc. since January 2016.


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              Ms. Fili-Krushel is the former Executive Vice President for NBCUniversal where she served as a strategist and key advisor to the CEO of NBCUniversal from April 2015 to November 2015. She served as Chairman of NBCUniversal News Group, a division of NBCUniversal Media, LLC, composed of NBC News, CNBC, MSNBC and the Weather Channel, from July 2012 until April 2015. She previously served as Executive Vice President of NBCUniversal (January 2011—July 2012) with a broad portfolio of functions reporting to her, including operations and technical services, business strategy, human resources and legal. Prior to NBCUniversal, Ms. Fili-Krushel was Executive Vice President of Administration at Time Warner Inc. (July 2001—December 2010) where her responsibilities included oversight of philanthropy, corporate social responsibility, human resources, worldwide recruitment, employee development and growth, compensation and benefits, and security. Before joining Time Warner in July 2001, Ms. Fili-Krushel had been Chief Executive Officer of WebMD Health Corp. since April 2000. From July 1998 to April 2000, Ms. Fili-Krushel was President of the ABC Television Network, and from 1993 to 1998 she served as President of ABC Daytime. Before joining ABC, she had been with Lifetime Television since 1988. Prior to Lifetime, Ms. Fili-Krushel held several positions with Home Box Office. Before joining HBO, Ms. Fili-Krushel worked for ABC Sports in various positions.

Mr. McGuire has served as Chairman of the Board of Mobile Service Center Canada, Ltd. (d/b/a Mobile Klinik), a chain of professional smartphone repair stores specializing in professional "while you wait" repair and care of smartphones and tablets, since June 2017. He retired from McKinsey & Company, a worldwide management consulting firm, in August 2017 after serving as a leader of its global retail and consumer practice for almost 28 years, including leading the Americas retail practice for five years. While at McKinsey, Mr. McGuire led consulting efforts with major retail, telecommunications, consumer service, and marketing organizations in Canada, the United States, Latin America, Europe, and Australia. He also co-founded McKinsey Analytics, a global group of consultants bringing advanced analytics capabilities to clients to help make better business decisions. Mr. McGuire began his career with Procter & Gamble in 1983 where he served in various positions until October 1989, with his final role being Marketing Director for the Canadian Food & Beverage division.

              Ms. Price has been Senior Lecturer at Harvard Business School in the Accounting and Management Unit since July 2014. She was Executive Vice President and Chief Financial Officer of Ahold USA from May 2009 until January 2014. At Ahold, which operates more than 700 supermarkets under the Stop & Shop, Giant and Martin's names as well as the Peapod online grocery delivery service, Ms. Price was responsible for finance, accounting and shared services, strategic planning, real estate development, store format and construction, and information technology. Before joining Ahold, she was the Senior Vice President, Controller and Chief Accounting Officer at CVS Health Corporation (formerly CVS Caremark Corporation) from July 2006 until August 2008. Earlier in her career, Ms. Price served as the Chief Financial Officer for the Institutional Trust Services division of JPMorgan Chase (from August 2002 until September 2005) and held several other senior management positions in the U.S. and the U.K. in the financial services and consumer packaged goods industries. A

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certified public accountant, she began her career at Arthur Andersen & Co. Ms. Price also has served as a director of Accenture plc since May 2014 and Western Digital Corporation since July 2014 and served as a director of Charming Shoppes, Inc. (Lane Bryant, Catherine's, Fashion Bug, Cacique and Figi's brands) from March 2011 until it was sold in June 2012.

Mr. Rhodes was elected Chairman of AutoZone, Inc., a specialty retailer and distributor of automotive replacement parts and accessories, in June 2007. He has served as President and Chief Executive Officer and as a director of AutoZone since 2005. Prior to his appointment as President and Chief Executive Officer, Mr. Rhodes was Executive Vice President—Store Operations and Commercial. Prior to 2004, he had been Senior Vice President—Supply Chain and Information Technology since 2002, and prior thereto had been Senior Vice President—Supply Chain since 2001. Prior to that time, he served in various capacities with AutoZone since 1994, including Vice President—Stores in 2000, Senior Vice President—Finance and Vice President—Finance in 1999, and Vice President—Operations Analysis and Support from 1997 to 1999. Prior to 1994, Mr. Rhodes was a manager with Ernst & Young LLP.

Mr. Santana has served as Executive Vice President and Chief Marketing Officer of Harman International Industries, a wholly-owned subsidiary of Samsung Electronics Co., Ltd., since April 2013, with responsibility for all aspects of Harman's worldwide marketing strategy. Before joining Harman, Mr. Santana served as Senior Vice President and Chief Marketing Officer, North America, for Samsung Electronics Co., Ltd. from June 2010 to September 2012. In that role, he was responsible for launching Samsung's U.S. e-commerce business and building out branding strategies to drive visibility. Mr. Santana also served 16 years at PepsiCo Inc. from June 1994 to May 2010, that spanned multiple international and domestic leadership roles in marketing. In his last assignment at PepsiCo, Mr. Santana served as Vice President of Marketing, North American Beverages, Pepsi-Cola, where he spearheaded a creative overhaul and re-launch of Pepsi-Cola. He also held positions while at PepsiCo, Inc. with its Frito-Lay's international and North America operations. Mr. Santana began his career as a Senior Marketing Associate at Beverage Marketing Corporation (July 1989—June 1992).

Mr. Vasos has served as Chief Executive Officer and a member of our Board since June 2015. He joined Dollar General in December 2008 as Executive Vice President, Division President and Chief Merchandising Officer. He was promoted to Chief Operating Officer in November 2013. Prior to joining Dollar General, Mr. Vasos served in executive positions with Longs Drug Stores Corporation for seven years, including Executive Vice President and Chief Operating Officer (February 2008 through November 2008) and Senior Vice President and Chief Merchandising Officer (2001—2008), where he was responsible for all pharmacy and front-end marketing, merchandising, procurement, supply chain, advertising, store development, store layout and space allocation, and the operation of three distribution centers. He also previously served in leadership positions at Phar-Mor Food and Drug Inc. and Eckerd Corporation.

How are directors identified and nominated?

              The Nominating Committee is responsible for identifying, evaluating, and recommending director candidates to our Board, while our Board is responsible for nominating the director slate for election by shareholders at the annual meeting. The Nominating Committee may use a variety of methods to identify potential director candidates, such as recommendations by our directors, management, shareholders or third-party search firms (see "Can shareholders nominate or recommend directors?" below). Our Nominating Committee retained a third-party search firm to assist in identifying potential Board candidates who meet our qualification and experience requirements and, for any such candidate identified by such search firm, to compile and evaluate information regarding the candidate's qualifications, experience, and potential conflicts of interest, and to verify the candidate's education. Mr. Santana was identified as a candidate by the third party search firm, and such search firm's engagement terminated upon Mr. Santana's appointment to our Board. Mr. McGuire was

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recommended as a candidate by a non-management director. Each of Messrs. Santana and McGuire was fully vetted by our Nominating Committee and our Board.

              Our employment agreement with Mr. Vasos requires that we nominate him to serve as a member of our Board each year that he is slated for re-election by our shareholders. Our failure to do so could give rise to a claim for breach of contract and may constitute good reason for employment termination by Mr. Vasos under the employment agreement.

How are nominees evaluated; what are the minimum qualifications?

              Subject to Mr. Vasos's employment agreement discussed above, the Nominating Committee is charged with recommending to the Board of Directors only those candidates that it believes are qualified to serve as Board members consistent with the criteria for selection of new directors adopted from time to time by the Board and who have not achieved the age of 76, unless the Board has approved an exception to this limit on a case by case basis. If a waiver is granted, it will be reviewed annually.

              The Nominating Committee assesses a candidate's independence, background, and experience, as well as the current Board's skill needs and diversity. With respect to incumbent directors considered for re-election, the Committee also assesses each director's meeting attendance record and suitability for continued service. In addition, the Committee determines that all nominees are in a position to devote an adequate amount of time to the effective performance of director duties and possess the following characteristics: integrity and accountability, informed judgment, financial literacy, a cooperative approach, a record of achievement, loyalty, and the ability to consult with and advise management. The Committee recommends candidates, including those submitted by shareholders, only if it believes the candidate's knowledge, experience, and expertise would strengthen the Board and that the candidate is committed to representing the long-term interests of all Dollar General shareholders.

              We have a written policy to endeavor to achieve a mix of Board members that represent a diversity of background and experience in areas that are relevant to our business. To implement this policy, the Committee assesses diversity by evaluating each candidate's individual qualifications in the context of how that candidate would relate to the Board as a whole and also considers more traditional concepts of diversity. The Committee periodically assesses the effectiveness of this policy by considering whether the Board as a whole represents such diverse experience and composition and by recommending to the Board changes to the criteria for selection of new directors as appropriate.

What particular experience, qualifications, attributes, or skills led the Board of Directors to conclude that each nominee should serve as a director of Dollar General?

              Our Board of Directors believes that each of the nominees can devote an adequate amount of time to the effective performance of director duties and possesses the minimum qualifications identified above. The Board has determined that the nominees, as a whole, complement each other, meet the Board's skill needs, and represent diverse experience at policy-making levels in areas relevant to our business. The Board also considered the following in determining that the nominees should serve as directors of Dollar General:

Mr. Bryant has over 40 years of retail experience, including experience in marketing, merchandising, operations, and finance. His substantial experience in leadership and policy-making roles at other retail companies, together with his current and former experience as a board member for certain other retailers, provides him with an extensive understanding of our industry, as well as with valuable executive management skills and the ability to effectively advise our CEO.

Mr. Calbert has considerable experience in managing private equity portfolio companies and is familiar with corporate finance and strategic business planning activities. As the former head of KKR's

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Retail industry team, Mr. Calbert has a strong background and extensive experience in advising and managing companies in the retail industry, including evaluating business strategies, financial plans and structures, and management teams. His former service on various private company boards in the retail industry further strengthens his knowledge and experience within our industry. Mr. Calbert also has a significant financial and accounting background evidenced by his prior experience as the chief financial officer of a retail company and his 10 years of practice as a certified public accountant.

Ms. Cochran brings over 25 years of retail experience to Dollar General as a result of her current and former roles at Cracker Barrel Old Country Store and her former roles at Books-A-Million. This experience allows her to provide additional support and perspective to our CEO and our Board. In addition, Ms. Cochran's industry and executive experience provides leadership, consensus-building, strategic planning, risk management, and budgeting skills. Ms. Cochran also has significant financial experience, having served as the chief financial officer of two public companies and as vice president, corporate finance of SunTrust Securities, Inc., and our Board has determined that she qualifies as an audit committee financial expert.

Ms. Fili-Krushel's background increases the breadth of experience of our Board as a result of her extensive executive experience overseeing the business strategy, philanthropy, corporate social responsibility, human resources, recruitment, employee growth and development, compensation and benefits, and legal functions at large public companies in the media industry. In addition, her understanding of consumer behavior based on her knowledge of viewership patterns and preferences provides additional perspective to our Board in understanding our customer base.

Mr. McGuire brings valuable experience to our company after having served as a leader of McKinsey's global retail and consumer practice for almost 28 years. He has expertise in strategy, new store/concept development, marketing and sales, operations, international expansion, big data and advanced analytics. In addition, Mr. McGuire's focus while at McKinsey on use of advanced analytics in retail, developing and implementing growth strategies for consumer services, food, general-merchandise and multi-channel retailers, developing new retail formats, the application of lean operations techniques, the redesign of merchandise flows, supply-chain optimization efforts, and the redesign of purchasing and supplier-management approaches, will bring new and extensive relevant perspectives to our Board as it seeks to consult and advise our CEO and to shape our corporate strategy.

Ms. Price brings broad experience across finance, general management, and strategy gained from her service in senior executive and management positions at major corporations across several industries, including as Chief Financial Officer of Ahold USA before her retirement in 2014. Ms. Price's numerous years of experience as a certified public accountant, former chief financial officer and former chief accounting officer provide our Board with valuable experience and insight into accounting and finance matters, and consequently, our Board has determined that Ms. Price qualifies as an audit committee financial expert. She also brings to our Board a valuable perspective as a member of the faculty at the Harvard Business School and from her service as a board member of several public companies.

Mr. Rhodes has over 20 years of experience in the retail industry, including extensive experience in operations, supply chain, and finance, among other areas. This background serves as a strong foundation for offering invaluable perspective and expertise to our CEO and our Board. In addition, his experience as a board chairman and chief executive officer of a public retail company provides leadership, consensus-building, strategic planning, and budgeting skills, as well as extensive understanding of both short- and long-term issues confronting the retail industry. Mr. Rhodes also has a strong financial background, and our Board has determined that he qualifies as an audit committee financial expert.

Mr. Santana has 18 years of marketing experience spanning multiple technology and food and beverage consumer packaged goods categories. His deep understanding of digital marketing and retail

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shopper marketing, particularly in the area of consumer packaged goods, and his extensive experience in shaping multi-cultural strategy, executing marketing programs, and making brands culturally relevant will further enhance our Board's ability to provide oversight and thoughtful counsel to management in these important and evolving areas of our business.

Mr. Vasos has extensive retail experience, including over nine years with Dollar General. His experience overseeing the merchandising, operations, marketing, advertising, procurement, supply chain, store development, store layout, and space allocation functions of other retail companies bolsters Mr. Vasos's thorough understanding of all key areas of our business. In addition, Mr. Vasos's service in leadership and policy-making positions of other retail companies has provided him with the necessary leadership skills to effectively guide and oversee the direction of Dollar General and with the consensus-building skills required to lead our management team.

              Acting upon the Nominating Committee's recommendation, and after concluding that these nominees possess the appropriate experience, qualifications, attributes, and skills, our Board has unanimously nominated these individuals to be elected by our shareholders at our annual meeting.

Can shareholders nominate or recommend directors?

              Yes. Shareholders can nominate directors by following the advance notice procedures outlined in our Bylaws and summarized below. In addition, shareholders can recommend candidates for consideration by our Nominating Committee by submitting such recommendations within the same deadlines and providing the same information that is required for nominating candidates pursuant to the advance notice provisions in our Bylaws; the Nominating Committee's charter and our Corporate Governance Guidelines require the Nominating Committee to consider candidates recommended by our shareholders in this manner and to apply the same criteria to the evaluation of those shareholder-recommended candidates as it applies to other director candidates.

              In short, to nominate a director or to recommend candidates for consideration by our Nominating Committee, the shareholder must deliver a written notice to our Corporate Secretary at 100 Mission Ridge, Goodlettsville, Tennessee 37072 for receipt no earlier than the close of business on the 120th day and not later than the close of business on the 90th day prior to the first anniversary of the prior year's annual meeting. However, if the meeting is held more than 30 days before or more than 60 days after such anniversary date, the notice must be received no earlier than the close of business on the 120th day and not later than the close of business on the 90th day prior to the date of such annual meeting. If the first public announcement of the annual meeting date is less than 100 days prior to the date of such annual meeting, the notice must be received by the 10th day following the public announcement date.

              The notice must contain all information required by our Bylaws about the shareholder proposing the nominee and about the nominee, which generally includes:

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              In addition, we have a "proxy access" provision in our Bylaws that permits eligible shareholders to nominate candidates for election to our Board. Proxy access candidates will be included in our proxy statement and ballot subject to the terms and conditions set forth in Article I, Section 12 of our Bylaws. The proxy access provision in our Bylaws provides that holders of at least 3% of our outstanding shares, held by up to 20 shareholders, holding the shares continuously for at least 3 years, can nominate up to 20% of our Board for election at an annual shareholders' meeting. A shareholder who wishes to formally nominate a proxy access candidate must follow the procedures and comply with the deadlines described in Article I, Section 12 of our Bylaws. For more specific information regarding these deadlines in respect of the 2019 annual meeting of shareholders, see "Shareholder Proposals for 2019 Annual Meeting" below.

              You should consult our Bylaws, posted on the "Investor Information—Corporate Governance" section of our website located at www.dollargeneral.com, for more detailed information regarding the processes described above by which shareholders may nominate directors, as the information above is a summary only. No shareholder nominees have been submitted for this year's annual meeting.

What if a nominee is unwilling or unable to serve?

              That is not expected to occur. If it does, the persons designated as proxies on the proxy card are authorized to vote your proxy for a substitute designated by our Board of Directors.

Are there any familial relationships between any of the nominees?

              There are no familial relationships between any of the nominees or between any of the nominees and any of our executive officers.

What does the Board of Directors recommend?

              Our Board unanimously recommends that you voteFOR the election of each of the director nominees.

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CORPORATE GOVERNANCE


Does the Board of Directors have standing Audit, Compensation, and Nominating Committees?

              Yes. Our Board of Directors has a standing Audit Committee, Compensation Committee, and Nominating Committee. The Board has adopted a written charter for each of these committees, which are available on the "Investor Information—Corporate Governance" section of our website located at www.dollargeneral.com. Current information regarding these committees is set forth below. The Board also has established a subcommittee of our Compensation Committee consisting of Mr. Bryant and Ms. Fili-Krushel for purposes of approving any compensation that may otherwise be subject to Section 162(m) of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended, or Section 16 of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended. In addition to the functions outlined below, each such committee performs an annual self-evaluation, periodically reviews and reassesses its charter, and evaluates and makes recommendations concerning shareholder proposals that are within the committee's expertise.

Name of
Committee & Members

Committee Functions



AUDIT:

Mr. Rickard, Chairperson
Mr. Bryant
Ms. Cochran
Ms. Price
Mr. Rhodes

Selects the independent auditor and discusses the qualifications and experience of the lead audit partner candidate(s) (the committee's Chairperson also interviews such candidates(s))

Pre-approves audit engagement fees and terms and all permitted non-audit services and fees

Reviews the annual report on the independent auditor's internal quality control procedures and any material issues raised by its most recent review of internal quality controls

Annually evaluates the independent auditor's qualifications, performance, and independence, as well as the Peapod online grocery delivery service, Ms. Price was responsible for finance, accountinglead audit partner, and shared services, strategic planning, real estate development, store formatperiodically considers the advisability of audit firm rotation

Discusses the audit scope and construction, and information technology. Before joining Ahold, she wasany audit problems or difficulties

Sets policies regarding the Senior Vice President, Controller and Chief Accounting Officer at CVS Health Corporation (formerly CVS Caremark Corporation) from July 2006 until August 2008. Earlier in her career, Ms. Price served as the Chief Financial Officer for the Institutional Trust Services divisionhiring of JPMorgan Chase (from August 2002 until September 2005), and held several other senior management positions in the U.S. and the U.K. in the financial services and consumer packaged goods industries. A certified public accountant, she began her career at Arthur Andersen & Co. Ms. Price has also served as a director of Accenture plc since May 2014 and Western Digital Corporation since July 2014 and served as a director of Charming Shoppes, Inc. (Lane Bryant, Catherine's, Fashion Bug, Cacique and Figi's brands) from March 2011 until it was sold in June 2012.

Mr. Rhodes was elected Chairman of AutoZone, Inc., a specialty retailer and distributor of automotive replacement parts and accessories, in June 2007. He has served as President and Chief Executive Officer and as a director of AutoZone since 2005. Prior to his appointment as President and Chief Executive Officer, Mr. Rhodes was Executive Vice President—Store Operations and Commercial. Prior to 2004, he had been Senior Vice President—Supply Chain and Information Technology since 2002, and prior thereto had been Senior Vice President—Supply Chain since 2001. Prior to that time, he served in various capacities with AutoZone since 1994, including Vice President—Stores in 2000, Senior Vice President—Finance and Vice President—Finance in 1999, and Vice President—Operations Analysis and Support from 1997 to 1999. Prior to 1994, Mr. Rhodes was a manager with Ernst & Young LLP.

Mr. Rickard served as the Executive Vice President, Chief Financial Officer and Chief Administrative Officer of CVS Health Corporation (formerly CVS Caremark Corporation), a retail pharmacy chain and provider of healthcare services and pharmacy benefits management, from September 1999 until his retirement in December 2009. Prior to joining CVS, Mr. Rickard was the Senior Vice President and Chief Financial Officer of RJR Nabisco Holdings Corporation from March 1997 to August 1999. Previously, he was Executive Vice President of International Distillers and Vintners Americas. Mr. Rickard is a director of Harris Corporation and Jones Lang LaSalle Incorporated.


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Mr. Vasos has served as Chief Executive Officer and a member of our Board since June 3, 2015. He joined Dollar General in December 2008 as Executive Vice President, Division President and Chief Merchandising Officer. He was promoted to Chief Operating Officer in November 2013. Prior to joining Dollar General, Mr. Vasos served in executive positions with Longs Drug Stores Corporation for seven years, including Executive Vice President and Chief Operating Officer (February 2008 through November 2008) and Senior Vice President and Chief Merchandising Officer (2001—2008), where he was responsible for all pharmacy and front-end marketing, merchandising, procurement, supply chain, advertising, store development, store layout and space allocation, and the operation of three distribution centers. He also previously served in leadership positions at Phar-Mor Food and Drug Inc. and Eckerd Corporation.

How are directors identified and nominated?

              All nominees for election as directors at the annual meeting currently serve on our Board of Directors and were nominated by the Board for election or re-election, as applicable, upon the recommendation of the Nominating and Governance Committee (the "Nominating Committee"). The Nominating Committee is responsible for identifying, evaluating and recommending director candidates, while our Board is responsible for nominating the director slate for election at the annual meeting.

              The Nominating Committee's charter and our Corporate Governance Guidelines require the Nominating Committee to consider candidates submitted by our shareholders in accordance with the notice provisions of our Bylaws (see "Can shareholders nominate directors?" below) and to apply the same criteria to the evaluation of those candidates as it applies to other director candidates. The Nominating Committee also may use a variety of other methods to identify potential director candidates, such as recommendations by our directors, management, or third-party search firms.

              Our employment agreement with Mr. Vasos requires the Board or a duly authorized committee of the Board to nominate him to serve as a member of our Board each year that he is slated for re-election to the Board. Our failure to do so could give rise to a claim for breach of contract and may constitute good reason for employment termination by Mr. Vasos under the employment agreement.

How are nominees evaluated; what are the minimum qualifications?

              Subject to Mr. Vasos's employment agreement discussed above, the Nominating Committee is charged with recommending to the Board of Directors only those candidates that it believes are qualified to serve as Board members consistent with the criteria for selection of new directors adopted from time to time by the Board and who have not achieved the age of 76, unless the Board has approved an exception to this limit on a case by case basis. If a waiver is granted, it will be reviewed annually.

              We have a written policy to endeavor to achieve a mix of Board members that represent a diversity of background and experience in areas that are relevant to our business. To implement this policy, the Committee assesses diversity by evaluating each candidate's individual qualifications in the context of how that candidate would relate to the Board as a whole and also considers more traditional concepts of diversity. The Committee periodically assesses the effectiveness of this policy by considering whether the Board as a whole represents such diverse experience and composition and by recommending to the Board changes to the criteria for selection of new directors as appropriate. The Committee recommends candidates, including those submitted by shareholders, only if it believes the candidate's knowledge, experience and expertise would strengthen the Board and that the candidate is committed to representing the long-term interests of all Dollar General shareholders.


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              The Nominating Committee assesses a candidate's independence, background and experience, as well as the current Board's skill needs and diversity. With respect to incumbent directors considered for re-election, the Committee also assesses each director's meeting attendance record and suitability for continued service. In addition, the Committee determines that all nominees are in a position to devote an adequate amount of time to the effective performance of director duties and possess the following characteristics: integrity and accountability, informed judgment, financial literacy, a cooperative approach, a record of achievement, loyalty, and the ability to consult with and advise management.

What particular experience, qualifications, attributes or skills led the Board of Directors to conclude that each nominee should serve as a director of Dollar General?

              Our Board of Directors believes that each of the nominees can devote an adequate amount of time to the effective performance of director duties and possesses the minimum qualifications identified above. The Board has determined that the nominees, as a whole, complement each other, meet the Board's skill needs, and represent diverse experience at policy-making levels in areas relevant to our business. The Board also considered the following in determining that the nominees should serve as directors of Dollar General:

Mr. Bryant has over 40 years of retail experience, including experience in marketing, merchandising, operations and finance. His substantial experience in leadership and policy-making roles at other retail companies, together with his current and former experience as a board member for certain other retailers, provides himemployees of the independent auditor

Discusses the annual audited and quarterly unaudited financial statements with an extensive understanding of our industry, as well as with valuable executive management skills and the ability to effectively advise our CEO.independent auditor

Mr. Calbert has considerable experience in managing private equity portfolio companies and is familiar with corporate finance and strategic business planning activities. As the former head of KKR's Retail industry team, Mr. Calbert has a strong background and extensive experience in advising and managing companies in the retail industry, including evaluating business strategies, financial plans and structures, and management teams. His former service on the board of directors of Academy, Ltd., Pets at Home Group Plc., Shoppers Drug Mart Corporation, Toys "R" Us, Inc. and US Foods, Inc. further strengthens his knowledge and experience within the retail industry. Mr. Calbert also has a significant financial and accounting background evidenced by his prior experience as the chief financial officer of a retail company and his 10 years of practice as a certified public accountant.

Ms. Cochran brings over 20 years of retail experience to Dollar General as a result of her current and former roles at Cracker Barrel Old Country Store and her former roles at Books-A-Million. This experience allows her to provide additional support and perspective to our CEO and our Board. In addition, Ms. Cochran's industry and executive experience provides leadership, consensus-building, strategic planning, risk management and budgeting skills. Ms. Cochran also has significant financial experience, having served as the chief financial officer of two public companies and as vice president, corporate finance of SunTrust Securities, Inc., and our Board has determined that she qualifies as an audit committee financial expert.

Ms. Fili-Krushel's background increases the breadth of experience of our Board as a result of her extensive executive experience overseeing the business strategy, philanthropy, corporate social responsibility, human resources, recruitment, employee growth and development, compensation and benefits, and legal functions at large public companies in the media industry. In addition, her understanding of consumer behavior based on her knowledge of viewership patterns and preferences provides additional perspective to our Board in understanding our customer base.


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Ms. Price brings broad experience across finance, general management and strategy gained from her service in senior executive and management positions at major corporations across several industries, including as Chief Financial Officer of Ahold USA before her retirement in 2014. Ms. Price's numerous years of experience as a certified public accountant, former chief financial officer and former chief accounting officer provide our Board with valuable experience and insight into accounting and finance matters, and consequently, our Board has determined that Ms. Price is an audit committee financial expert. She also brings to our Board a valuable perspective as a member of the faculty at Harvard Business School and from her service as a board member of several public companies.

Mr. Rhodes has over 20 years of experience in the retail industry, including extensive experience in operations, supply chain and finance, among other areas. This background serves as a strong foundation for offering invaluable perspective and expertise to our CEO and our Board. In addition, his experience as a board chairman and chief executive officer of a public retail company provides leadership, consensus-building, strategic planning and budgeting skills, as well as extensive understanding of both short- and long-term issues confronting the retail industry. Mr. Rhodes also has a strong financial background.

Mr. Rickard held senior management and executive positions for much of his 38 years in the corporate world. He has significant retail experience and a diverse retail industry background, including previous experience serving on the board of another retail company. He also has an extensive financial and accounting background, having served as the chief financial officer of two public companies, including a large retailer. As a result, our Board has determined that Mr. Rickard is an audit committee financial expert and has elected him to serve as the Chairman of the Audit Committee. Mr. Rickard's financial experience within the retail industry also brings expertise and perspective to our Board's discussions regarding strategic planning and budgeting.

Mr. Vasos has extensive retail experience, including over seven years with Dollar General. His experience overseeing the merchandising, operations, marketing, advertising, procurement, supply chain, store development, store layout and space allocation functions of other retail companies bolsters Mr. Vasos's thorough understanding of all key areas of our business. In addition, Mr. Vasos's service in leadership and policy-making positions of other retail companies has provided him with the necessary leadership skills to effectively guide and oversee the direction of Dollar General and with the consensus-building skills required to lead our management team.

              Acting upon the Nominating Committee's recommendation, and after concluding that these nominees possess the appropriate experience, qualifications, attributes and skills, our Board has unanimously nominated these individuals to be elected by our shareholders at our annual meeting.

Can shareholders nominate directors?

Yes. Shareholders can nominate directors by following the procedures outlined in our Bylaws. In short, the shareholder must deliver a written notice to our Corporate Secretary at 100 Mission Ridge, Goodlettsville, TN 37072 for receipt no earlier than the close of business on the 120th day and not later than the close of business on the 90th day prior to the first anniversary of the prior year's annual meeting. However, if the meeting is held more than 30 days before or more than 60 days after such anniversary date, the notice must be received no earlier than the close of business on the 120th day and not later than the close of business on the 90th day prior to the date of such annual meeting. If the first public announcement of the annual meeting date is less than 100 days prior to the date of such annual meeting, the notice must be received by the 10th day following the public announcement date.


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              The notice must contain all information required by our Bylaws about the shareholder proposing the nominee and about the nominee, which generally includes:

    the nominee's name, age, business and residence addresses, and principal occupation or employment;

    the class and number of shares of Dollar General common stock beneficially owned by the nominee and by the shareholder proposing the nominee;

    any other information relating to the nominee that is required to be disclosed in proxy solicitations with respect to nominees for election as directors pursuant to Regulation 14A of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 (including the nominee's written consent to being named in the proxy statement as a nominee and to serving as a director, if elected);

    the name and address of the shareholder proposing the nominee as they appear on our record books, and the name and address of the beneficial holder (if applicable);

    any other interests of the proposing shareholder or the proposing shareholder's immediate family in the securities of Dollar General, including interests the value of which is based on increases or decreases in the value of securities of Dollar General or the payment of dividends by Dollar General;

    a description of all compensatory arrangements or understandings between the proposing shareholder and each nominee; and

    a description of all arrangements or understandings between the proposing shareholder and each nominee and any other person pursuant to which the nomination is to be made by the shareholder.

              You should consult our Bylaws, posted on the "Investor Information—Corporate Governance" section of our website located at www.dollargeneral.com, for more detailed information regarding the process by which shareholders may nominate directors, as the information above is a summary only. No shareholder nominees have been proposed for this year's annual meeting.

What if a nominee is unwilling or unable to serve?

              That is not expected to occur. If it does, the persons designated as proxies on the proxy card are authorized to vote your proxy for a substitute designated by our Board of Directors.

Are there any familial relationships between any of the nominees?

              There are no familial relationships between any of the nominees or between any of the nominees and any of our executive officers.

What does the Board of Directors recommend?

              Our Board unanimously recommends that you voteFOR the election of each of the director nominees.


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CORPORATE GOVERNANCE


Does the Board of Directors have standing Audit, Compensation and Nominating Committees?

              Yes. Our Board of Directors has a standing Audit Committee, Compensation Committee and Nominating Committee. The Board has adopted a written charter for each of these committees, which are available on the "Investor Information—Corporate Governance" section of our website located at www.dollargeneral.com. Current information regarding each of these committees is set forth below.

Name of
Committee & Members

Committee Functions

AUDIT:

Mr. Rickard, Chairman
Mr. Bryant
Ms. Cochran
Ms. Price

Selects the independent auditor

Discusses with management the qualifications and experience of the lead audit partner candidate(s) (the committee's Chairman also interviews the lead director candidate(s))

Pre-approves the independent auditor's audit engagement fees and terms and all permitted non-audit services and fees

Reviews an annual report describing the independent auditor's internal quality control procedures and any material issues raised by its most recent review of internal quality controls

Annually evaluates the independent auditor's qualifications, performance and independence, annually evaluates the lead audit partner, and periodically considers whether there should be a regular rotation of such firm

Discusses the audit scope and any audit problems or difficulties

Sets policies regarding the hiring of current and former employees of the independent auditor

Discusses the annual audited and quarterly unaudited financial statements with management and the independent auditor

Discusses types of information to be disclosed in earnings press releases and provided to analysts and rating agencies

Discusses policies governing the process by which risk assessment and risk management are to be undertaken

Reviews CEO/CFO disclosures regarding any significant deficiencies or material weaknesses in our internal control over financial reporting

Reviews internal audit activities, projects and budget

Establishes procedures for receipt, retention and treatment of complaints we receive regarding accounting or internal controls

Discusses with our general counsel legal matters having an impact on financial statements

Performs an annual self-evaluation

Furnishes the committee report required in our proxy statement

Evaluates and makes recommendations concerning shareholder proposals relating to matters within the committee's expertise

Periodically reviews and reassesses the committee's charter


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Name of
Committee & Members

Committee Functions

COMPENSATION:

Mr. Bryant, Chairman
Ms. Fili-Krushel
Mr. Rhodes

Reviews and approves corporate goals and objectives relevant to the compensation of our CEO

Determines the compensation of our executive officers (subject, in the case of the CEO's compensation, to ratification by the independent directors) and recommends the compensation of our directors to the Board for approval

Recommends, when appropriate, changes to our compensation philosophy and principles

Establishes our short-term incentive compensation program for senior officers

Establishes our long-term incentive compensation program and approves equity-based awards under such program

Oversees the share ownership guidelines and holding requirements for Board members and senior officers

Oversees the process for evaluating our senior officers

Reviews and discusses with management, prior to the filing of the proxy statement, the disclosure regarding executive compensation, including the Compensation Discussion and Analysis and compensation tables (in addition to preparing a report on executive compensation for the proxy statement)

Selects and determines the fees of its compensation consultant

Oversees and evaluates the independence of its compensation consultant and other advisors

Performs an annual self-evaluation

Evaluates and makes recommendations concerning shareholder proposals relating to matters within the committee's expertise

Periodically reviews and reassesses the committee's charter

NOMINATING AND

Develops and recommends criteria for selecting new directors

GOVERNANCE:

Screens and recommends to our Board individuals qualified to become

    Mr. Rhodes, Chairman
Ms. Cochran
Ms. Fili-Krushel

    members of our Board

Recommends the structure and membership of Board committees

Recommends persons to fill Board and committee vacancies

Develops and recommends Corporate Governance Guidelines and corporate governance practices

Oversees the process governing the annual evaluation of the Board and its individual members

Performs an annual self-evaluation

Evaluates and makes recommendations concerning shareholder proposals relating to matters within the committee's expertise

Periodically reviews and reassesses the committee's charter


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Does Dollar General have an audit committee financial expert serving on its Audit Committee?

              Yes. Our Board has designated each of Mr. Rickard, Ms. Cochran and Ms. Price as an audit committee financial expert and has determined that each is independent as defined in NYSE listing standards and in our Corporate Governance Guidelines. Such experts have the same responsibilities as the other Audit Committee members. They are not our auditors or accountants, do not perform "field work" and are not employees. The SEC has determined that designation as an audit committee financial expert will not cause a person to be deemed to be an "expert" for any purpose.

How often did the Board and its committees meet in 2015?

              During 2015, our Board, Audit Committee, Compensation Committee and Nominating Committee met 10, 5, 6 and 4 times, respectively. Each incumbent director attended at least 75% of the total of all meetings of the Board and all committees on which he or she served which were held during the period for which he or she was a director and a member of each applicable committee.

What is Dollar General's policy regarding Board member attendance at the annual meeting?

              Our Board of Directors has adopted a policy that all directors should attend annual shareholders' meetings unless attendance is not feasible due to unavoidable circumstances. All persons serving as Board members at the time attended the 2015 annual shareholders' meeting.

Does Dollar General combine the positions of Chairman and CEO?

              No. As part of the transition of the CEO role from Mr. Richard W. Dreiling to Mr. Vasos in June 2015, the Board separated the positions of Chairman and CEO, and Mr. Dreiling continued to serve in the Chairman position until January 2016. Following Mr. Dreiling's tenure as Chairman, and to afford Mr. Vasos the opportunity to focus his time and energy on managing our business, the Board determined to continue to separate the positions of Chairman and CEO and appointed Mr. Calbert, an independent director and the lead director at the time, to the Chairman role effective January 30, 2016. This decision further allows our Chairman to devote his time and attention to matters of Board oversight and governance. The Board recognizes that no single leadership model is right for all companies and at all times, and the Board will review its leadership structure as appropriate to ensure it continues to be in the best interests of Dollar General and our shareholders.

              To further promote effective independent Board leadership, the Board has adopted a number of additional governance practices, including:

      Ensuring opportunity after each regularly scheduled Board meeting for executive sessions of the independent directors and, if not all non-management directors are independent, of the non-management directors. Mr. Calbert, as Chairman and formerly as lead director, presides over such executive sessions.

      Conducting annual performance evaluations of the CEO.

      Conducting annual Board and committee performance self-evaluations by the Board and each standing committee.

Does the Board of Directors evaluate the performance of Board members?

              Yes. The Nominating Committee is responsible for overseeing the evaluation of the Board of Directors. As part of this responsibility, in addition to approving an evaluation process to be followed for the Board and each standing committee, the Nominating Committee encourages our directors to provide candid feedback on any member of the Board to the Chairman of the Nominating Committee or the Chairman of the Board. The Chairman of the Nominating Committee and the Chairman of the


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Board meet at least annually to review all such feedback and any other information related to the performance of our Board members and to discuss what, if any, response or other follow-up action is appropriate and in Dollar General's best interests.

What is the Board of Director's role in risk oversight?

              Our Board of Directors and its committees have an important role in our risk oversight process. Our Board regularly reviews with management our financial and business strategies, including relevant material risks as appropriate. Our General Counsel also periodically provides information to the Board regarding our insurance coverage and programs as well as litigation risks.

              The Audit Committee discusses our policies with respect to risk assessment and risk management primarily through oversightare undertaken

Reviews CEO/CFO disclosures regarding any significant deficiencies or material weaknesses in our internal control over financial reporting

Reviews internal audit activities, projects and budget

Establishes procedures for receipt, retention and treatment of complaints regarding accounting or internal controls

Discusses with our enterprise risk management program. Our Internal Audit department coordinates that program, which entails reviewgeneral counsel legal matters having an impact on financial statements

Furnishes the committee report required in our proxy statement

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Name of
Committee & Members

Committee Functions



COMPENSATION:

Ms. Fili-Krushel, Chairperson
Mr. Bryant
Mr. McGuire

Reviews and documentation of our comprehensive risk management practices. The program evaluates internalapproves corporate goals and external risks, identifies mitigation strategies,objectives relevant to CEO compensation

Determines executive officer compensation (with an opportunity for the independent directors to ratify CEO compensation) and assesses the remaining residual risk. The program is updated through interviews with senior management and ourrecommends Board review of strategic initiatives, evaluation of the fiscal budget, review of upcoming legislative or regulatory changes, review of certain internal metrics and review of other outside information concerning business, financial, legal, reputational, and other risks. The results are presented to the Audit Committee at least annually. Quarterly, the categories with high residual risk, along with their mitigation strategies, are reviewed individually. Our Audit Committee also quarterly reviews metrics and information pertaining to information security risks and mitigation.compensation for Board approval

              Our Compensation Committee is responsible for overseeing the management of risks relating to our executive compensation program. As discussed under "Executive Compensation—Compensation Risk Considerations" below, the Compensation Committee also participates in periodic assessments of the risks relating to our

Oversees overall compensation programs.philosophy and principles

              While the Audit Committee and the Compensation Committee oversee the risk areas identified above, the entire Board is regularly informed about risks through the committee reporting process. This enables the Board and its committees to coordinate the risk oversight role, particularly with respect to risk interrelationships. Our Board believes this division of risk management responsibilities effectively addresses the material risks facing Dollar General. Accordingly, the risk oversight role of our Board and its committees has not had any effect on our Board's leadership structure.

Does Dollar General have a management succession plan? Establishes short-term and long-term incentive compensation programs for senior officers and approves all equity awards

              Yes. Our Corporate Governance Guidelines require our Board of Directors to coordinate with our CEO to ensure that a formalized process governs long-term management development and succession. Our Board formally reviews our management succession plan at least annually. Our comprehensive program encompasses not only our CEO and other executive officers but all employees through the front-line supervisory level. The program focuses on key succession elements, including identification of potential successors for positions where it has been determined that internal succession is appropriate, assessment of each potential successor's level of readiness, and preparation of individual growth and development plans. With respect to CEO succession planning, our long-term business strategy is also considered. In addition, we maintain at all times, and review with the Board periodically, a confidential procedure for the timely and efficient transfer of the CEO's responsibilities in the event of an emergency or his sudden incapacitation or departure.


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Are thereOversees share ownership guidelines and holding requirements for Board members and senior officers

Oversees the performance evaluation process for senior officers

Reviews and discusses disclosure regarding executive compensation, including Compensation Discussion and Analysis and compensation tables (in addition to preparing the report on executive compensation for our proxy statement)

Selects and determines fees of its compensation consultant

Oversees and evaluates the independence of its compensation consultant and other advisors

NOMINATING AND
GOVERNANCE:

Ms. Cochran, Chairperson
Ms. Fili-Krushel
Mr. Rhodes
Mr. Santana

Develops and recommends criteria for selecting new directors

Screens and recommends to our Board individuals qualified to serve on our Board

Recommends Board committee structure and membership

Recommends persons to fill Board and committee vacancies

Develops and recommends Corporate Governance Guidelines and corporate governance practices

Oversees the process governing annual Board, committee and director evaluations

Does Dollar General have an audit committee financial expert serving on its Audit Committee?

              Yes. Our Board has determined that each of Mr. Rickard, Ms. Cochran, Ms. Price, and Mr. Rhodes is an audit committee financial expert who is independent as defined in NYSE listing standards and in our Corporate Governance Guidelines. The SEC has determined that designation as an audit committee financial expert will not cause a person to be deemed to be an "expert" for any purpose.

How often did the Board and its committees meet in 2017?

              During 2017, our Board, Audit Committee, Compensation Committee, and Nominating Committee met 5, 5, 6, and 3 times, respectively. Each incumbent director attended at least 75% of the total of all meetings of the Board and all committees on which he or she served which were held during the period for which he or she was a director and a member of each applicable committee.

What is Dollar General's policy regarding Board member attendance at the annual meeting?

              Our Board of Directors has adopted a policy that all directors should attend annual shareholders' meetings unless attendance is not feasible due to unavoidable circumstances. All persons serving as Board members at the time attended the 2017 annual shareholders' meeting.

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Does Dollar General separate the positions of Chairman and CEO?

              Yes. Mr. Calbert, an independent director, serves as our Chairman of the Board. This decision affords our CEO the opportunity to focus his time and energy on managing our business and allows our Chairman to devote his time and attention to matters of Board oversight and governance. The Board, however, recognizes that no single leadership model is right for all companies and at all times, and the Board will review its leadership structure as appropriate to ensure it continues to be in the best interests of Dollar General and our shareholders.

              To further promote effective independent Board leadership, the Board has adopted a number of additional governance practices, including:

Does the Board of Directors evaluate the performance of Board members?

              Yes. As part of its responsibility for overseeing the evaluation of the Board of Directors, the Nominating Committee approves an evaluation process to be followed by the Board and each standing committee and encourages our directors to provide candid feedback on any Board member to the Chairperson of the Nominating Committee or the Chairman of the Board. Such chairpersons meet at least annually to review any such feedback and any other information related to individual director performance and to discuss what, if any, response or follow-up action is appropriate and in Dollar General's best interests.

What is the Board of Director's role in risk oversight?

              Our Board of Directors and its committees have an important role in our risk oversight process. Our Board regularly reviews with management our financial and business strategies, including relevant material risks as appropriate. Our General Counsel also periodically provides information to the Board regarding our insurance coverage and programs as well as litigation risks.

              The Audit Committee discusses our risk assessment and risk management procedures, primarily through oversight of our enterprise risk management program. Our Internal Audit department coordinates that program, which entails review and documentation of our comprehensive risk management practices. The program evaluates internal and external risks, identifies mitigation strategies, and assesses any remaining residual risk. The program is updated through interviews with senior management and our Board, review of strategic initiatives, review of upcoming legislative or regulatory changes, review of certain internal metrics, and review of other outside information concerning business, financial, legal, reputational, and other risks. The results are presented to the Audit Committee at least annually, and categories with high residual risk, along with their mitigation strategies, are reviewed quarterly. Our Audit Committee also quarterly reviews metrics and information pertaining to cybersecurity risks and mitigation. Our Internal Audit department, as part of its audit plan that is approved by the Audit Committee, conducts various cybersecurity audits as well as periodically engages third parties to perform unannounced cybersecurity assessments. We also use third parties to periodically benchmark our cybersecurity program and to assess how any identified vulnerabilities in the industry might impact our company as well as the sufficiency of our response. The results generated from these activities are reported to management and the Audit Committee, and management develops action plans to address any identified opportunities for improvement and keeps the Audit Committee apprised of the progress of such plans.

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              Our Compensation Committee is responsible for overseeing the management of risks relating to our executive compensation program. As discussed under "Executive Compensation—Compensation Risk Considerations" below, the Compensation Committee also participates in periodic assessments of the risks relating to our overall compensation programs.

              While the Audit Committee and the Compensation Committee oversee the risk areas identified above, the entire Board is regularly informed about risks through the committee reporting process, as well as through special reports and updates from management and advisors. This enables the Board and its committees to coordinate the risk oversight role, particularly with respect to risk interrelationships. Our Board believes this division of risk management responsibilities effectively addresses the material risks facing Dollar General. Our Board further believes that our leadership structure, described above, supports the risk oversight function of the Board as it allows our independent directors, through the three fully independent Board committees and in executive sessions of independent directors led by our independent Chairman of the Board, to exercise effective oversight of the actions of management in identifying risks and implementing effective risk management policies and controls.

Does Dollar General have a management succession plan?

              Yes. Our Corporate Governance Guidelines require our Board of Directors to coordinate with our CEO to ensure that a formalized process governs long-term management development and succession. Our Board formally reviews our management succession plan at least annually. Our comprehensive program encompasses not only our CEO and other executive officers but all employees through the front-line supervisory level. The program focuses on key succession elements, including identification of potential successors for positions where it has been determined that internal succession is appropriate, assessment of each potential successor's level of readiness, and preparation of individual growth and development plans. With respect to CEO succession planning, our long-term business strategy is also considered. In addition, we maintain at all times, and review with the Board periodically, a confidential procedure for the timely and efficient transfer of the CEO's responsibilities in the event of an emergency or his sudden incapacitation or departure.

Are there share ownership guidelines and holding requirements for Board members and senior officers?

              Yes. Details of our share ownership guidelines and holding requirements for Board members and senior officers are included in our Corporate Governance Guidelines. See "Compensation Discussion and Analysis—Share Ownership Guidelines and Holding Requirements" and "Director Compensation" for more information on such ownership guidelines and holding requirements for senior officers and Board members, respectively.

How can I communicate with the Board of Directors?

              Our Board-approved process for security holders and other interested parties to contact the Board of Directors, a particular director, or the non-management directors or the independent directors as a group is described on www.dollargeneral.com under "Investor Information—Corporate Governance."

Where can I find more information about Dollar General's corporate governance practices?

              Our governance-related information is posted on www.dollargeneral.com under "Investor Information—Corporate Governance," including our Corporate Governance Guidelines, Code of Business Conduct and Ethics, the charter of each of the Audit Committee, the Compensation Committee, and the Nominating Committee, and the name(s) of the person(s) chosen to lead the executive sessions of the non-management directors and of the independent directors. This information is available in print to any shareholder who sends a written request to: Investor Relations, Dollar General Corporation, 100 Mission Ridge, Goodlettsville, Tennessee 37072.

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DIRECTOR COMPENSATION

              The following table and text summarize the compensation earned by or paid to each of our non-employee directors for 2017. Messrs. McGuire and Santana are not included in the table below because they did not serve on our Board of Directors during 2017 and accordingly did not earn or receive compensation for 2017. Mr. Vasos was not separately compensated for his service on the Board; his executive compensation is discussed under "Executive Compensation" below. We have omitted the columns pertaining to non-equity incentive plan compensation and change in pension value and nonqualified deferred compensation earnings because they are inapplicable.

Fiscal 2017 Director Compensation

NameFees
Earned
or Paid
in Cash
($)(1)
Stock
Awards
($)(2)
Option
Awards
($)(3)
All Other
Compensation
($)(4)
Total
($)

Warren F. Bryant

105,000139,0741,987246,061

Michael M. Calbert

85,000332,8034,790422,593

Sandra B. Cochran

85,000139,0741,987226,061

Patricia D. Fili-Krushel

85,000139,0741,987226,061

Paula A. Price

85,000139,0742,065226,139

William C. Rhodes, III

100,000139,0741,987241,061

David B. Rickard

107,500139,0741,987248,561

(1)
In addition to the annual Board retainer, Messrs. Bryant, Rhodes, and Rickard also earned an annual retainer for service as the Chairperson of the Compensation Committee, the Nominating Committee, and the Audit Committee, respectively, in fiscal 2017. Mss. Cochran and Fili-Krushel became Chairpersons of the Nominating Committee and the Compensation Committee, respectively, after the start of fiscal 2018 and accordingly did not earn annual chairperson retainers for fiscal 2017.

(2)
Represents the grant date fair value of restricted stock units ("RSUs") awarded to Mr. Calbert on February 6, 2017 ($193,729) for his annual Chairman of the Board retainer, as well as to each director (including Mr. Calbert) on May 31, 2017 ($139,074), in each case computed in accordance with FASB ASC Topic 718. Information regarding assumptions made in the valuation of these awards is included in Note 9 of the annual consolidated financial statements in our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended February 2, 2018, filed with the SEC on March 23, 2018 (our "2017 Form 10-K"). As of February 2, 2018, each of the persons listed in the table above had the following total unvested RSUs outstanding (including additional unvested RSUs credited as a result of dividend equivalents earned with respect to such RSUs): each of Messrs. Bryant, Rhodes, and Rickard and Mss. Cochran, Fili-Krushel, and Price (1,912); and Mr. Calbert (4,628).

(3)
There were no stock options awarded to any director listed in the table above during fiscal 2017, as the Board chose to eliminate stock option awards as part of director compensation beginning in fiscal 2015. As of February 2, 2018, each of the persons listed in the table above had the following total unexercised stock options outstanding (whether or not then exercisable): each of Messrs. Bryant, Calbert, and Rhodes (21,756); Ms. Cochran (13,120); Ms. Fili-Krushel (12,892); Ms. Price (4,795); and Mr. Rickard (21,513).

(4)
Represents the dollar value of dividends paid, accumulated, or credited on unvested RSUs. Perquisites and personal benefits, if any, totaled less than $10,000 per director and therefore are not included in the table.

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              We do not compensate for Board service any director who also serves as our employee. We will reimburse directors for certain fees and expenses incurred in connection with continuing education seminars and for travel and related expenses related to Dollar General business.

              Each non-employee director receives payment (prorated as applicable) for a fiscal year in quarterly installments of the following cash compensation, as applicable, along with an annual award of RSUs, payable in shares of our common stock, under our Amended and Restated 2007 Stock Incentive Plan (our "Stock Incentive Plan") having the estimated value listed below:

 
Fiscal
Year
Board
Retainer
($)
Audit
Committee
Chairman
Retainer
($)
Compensation
Committee
Chairman
Retainer
($)
Nominating
Committee
Chairman
Retainer
($)
Per Meeting
Fee for
Meetings
Attended in
Excess of 16
During FY
($)
Estimated
Value of
Equity
Award
($)
 201785,00022,50020,00015,0001,500135,000
 201895,00025,00020,00017,500150,000

              The RSUs are awarded annually to each non-employee director who is elected or re-elected at the annual shareholders' meeting and to any new director appointed thereafter but before February 1 of a given year. The RSUs are scheduled to vest on the first anniversary of the grant date subject to certain accelerated vesting conditions. Directors may defer receipt of shares underlying the RSUs.

              In addition to the fees outlined above, the Chairman of the Board receives an annual retainer delivered in the form of RSUs, payable in shares of our common stock under our Stock Incentive Plan and scheduled to vest on the first anniversary of the grant date, subject to certain accelerated vesting conditions, having an estimated value of $200,000.

              The forms and amounts of director compensation as outlined above were recommended by the Compensation Committee, and approved by the Board, after taking into account market benchmarking data, recommendations of the Committee's compensation consultant, and, for the additional equity award to the Chairman, the amount of time anticipated to be devoted to services to the Company.

              Up to 100% of cash fees earned for Board services in a fiscal year may be deferred under the Non-Employee Director Deferred Compensation Plan. Benefits are payable upon separation from service in the form, as elected by the director at the time of deferral, of a lump sum distribution or monthly payments for 5, 10, or 15 years. Participating directors can direct the hypothetical investment of deferred fees into funds identical to those offered in our 401(k) Plan and will be credited with the deemed investment gains and losses. The amount of the benefit will vary depending on the fees the director has deferred and the deemed investment gains and losses. Benefits upon death are payable to the director's named beneficiary in a lump sum. In the event of a director's disability (as defined in the Non-Employee Director Deferred Compensation Plan), the unpaid benefit will be paid in a lump sum. Participant deferrals are not contributed to a trust, and all benefits are paid from Dollar General's general assets.

              Our non-employee directors are subject to share ownership guidelines, expressed as a multiple of the annual cash retainer payable for service on our Board, and holding requirements. The current ownership guideline is 5 times and should be acquired within 5 years of election to the Board. When the ownership guideline is increased, incumbent non-employee directors are allowed an additional year to acquire the incremental multiple. Each non-employee director is required to retain ownership of 50% of all net after-tax shares granted by Dollar General until the share ownership target is reached. Please see our Corporate Governance Guidelines for additional information. Administrative details pertaining to these matters are established by the Compensation Committee.

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DIRECTOR INDEPENDENCE


Is Dollar General subject to the NYSE governance rules regarding director independence?

              Yes. A majority of our directors must satisfy the independence requirements set forth in the NYSE listing standards. The Audit Committee, the Compensation Committee, and the Nominating Committee also must consist solely of independent directors to comply with NYSE listing standards and, in the case of the Audit Committee, with SEC rules. The NYSE listing standards define specific relationships that disqualify directors from being independent and further require that the Board affirmatively determine that a director has no material relationship with Dollar General in order to be considered "independent." The SEC's rules and NYSE listing standards contain separate definitions of independence for members of audit committees and compensation committees, respectively.

How does the Board of Directors determine director independence?

              The Board of Directors determines the independence of each director and director nominee in accordance with guidelines it has adopted, which include all elements of independence set forth in the NYSE listing standards and SEC rules as well as certain Board-adopted categorical independence standards. These guidelines are found in our Corporate Governance Guidelines, which are posted on the "Investor Information—Corporate Governance" section of our website located at www.dollargeneral.com.

              The Board first considers whether any director or nominee has a relationship covered by the NYSE listing standards that would prohibit an independence finding for Board or committee purposes. The Board then analyzes any relationship of the remaining eligible directors and nominees with Dollar General or our management that falls outside the parameters of the Board's separately adopted categorical independence standards to determine if that relationship is material. The Board may determine that a person who has a relationship outside such parameters is nonetheless independent because the relationship is not considered to be material. Any director who has a material relationship with Dollar General or its management is not considered to be independent. Absent special circumstances, the Board does not consider or analyze any relationship that management has determined to fall within the parameters of the Board's separately adopted categorical independence standards.

Are all of the directors and nominees independent?

              No. Our Board of Directors consists of Warren F. Bryant, Michael M. Calbert, Sandra B. Cochran, Patricia D. Fili-Krushel, Timothy I. McGuire, Paula A. Price, William C. Rhodes, III, David B. Rickard, Ralph E. Santana, and Todd J. Vasos. Messrs. Rickard, Bryant, and Rhodes and Mss. Cochran and Price serve on our Audit Committee, Ms. Fili-Krushel and Messrs. Bryant and McGuire serve on our Compensation Committee, and Mss. Cochran and Fili-Krushel and Messrs. Rhodes and Santana serve on our Nominating Committee. Mr. Rhodes also served on our Compensation Committee until February 12, 2018.

              Our Board has affirmatively determined that Messrs. Bryant, Calbert, McGuire, Rhodes, Rickard, and Santana, and Mss. Cochran, Fili-Krushel, and Price, but not Mr. Vasos, are independent from our management under both the NYSE listing standards and our additional independence standards. Except as described below, any relationship between an independent director and Dollar General or our management fell within the Board-adopted categorical standards and, accordingly, was not reviewed or considered by our Board in making independence decisions. The Board also has determined that the members of the Audit Committee, the Compensation Committee, and the Nominating Committee meet the independence requirements for membership on those committees set

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forth in the NYSE listing standards, our additional standards and, as to the Audit Committee, SEC rules.

              In reaching the determination that Ms. Cochran is independent, the Board considered that Ms. Cochran's brother, Stephen Brophy, has been employed by the Company since 2009 and currently serves in a non-officer position, as described in more detail under "Transactions with Management and Others." Ms. Cochran does not serve on the Compensation Committee which approves decisions pertaining to Mr. Brophy's compensation and she does not participate in his performance evaluations. Mr. Brophy's cash compensation and equity awards are approved by the Compensation Committee pursuant to our related-party transactions approval policy.

              In reaching the determination that Mr. McGuire is independent, the Board considered his former relationship with McKinsey & Company ("McKinsey"), which has provided management consulting services to Dollar General as described in more detail under "Transactions with Management and Others." Mr. McGuire retired from McKinsey in August 2017.

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TRANSACTIONS WITH MANAGEMENT AND OTHERS


Does the Board of Directors have a related-party transactions approval policy?

              Yes. Our Board of Directors has adopted a written policy for the review, approval, or ratification of "related party" transactions. A "related party" for this purpose includes our directors, director nominees, executive officers, and greater than 5% shareholders, and any of their immediate family members, and a "transaction" includes one in which (1) the total amount may exceed $120,000, (2) Dollar General is a participant, and (3) a related party will have a direct or indirect material interest (other than as a director or a less than 10% owner of another entity, or both).

              The policy requires prior Board approval for known related party transactions, subject to certain exceptions identified below. In addition, at least annually after receiving a list of immediate family members and affiliates from our directors and executive officers, relevant internal departments determine if any transactions were unknowingly entered into with a related party and the Board is presented with a list of any such transactions, subject to the exceptions identified below, for review. The related party may not participate in any approval of the transaction and must provide to the Board all material information concerning the transaction.

              Each of our Chairman and our CEO is authorized to approve a related party transaction in which he is not involved if the total anticipated amount is less than $1 million and he informs the Board of the transaction. In addition, the transactions below are deemed pre-approved without Board review or approval:

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What related-party transactions existed in 2017 or are planned for 2018?

              Ms. Cochran's brother, Stephen Brophy, has been employed by the Company since 2009 and currently serves in a non-officer position. For 2017, Mr. Brophy earned from Dollar General total cash compensation (comprised of his base salary and bonus compensation) of less than $285,000 and received an annual equity award consisting of 1,763 non-qualified stock options and 440 RSUs. In March 2018, Mr. Brophy received an annual equity award consisting of 1,287 non-qualified stock options and 335 RSUs. All equity awards were granted on terms consistent with the annual equity awards received by all Dollar General employees at the same job grade level as Mr. Brophy and on terms substantially similar to the forms of award agreements on file with the SEC. We expect Mr. Brophy's total cash compensation for 2018 to not exceed $295,000. Mr. Brophy also is eligible to participate in employee benefits plans and programs available to our other full-time employees.

              Ms. Cochran does not serve on the Compensation Committee which approves decisions pertaining to Mr. Brophy's compensation and she does not participate in his performance evaluations. Mr. Brophy's cash compensation and equity awards are approved by the Compensation Committee pursuant to our related-party transactions approval policy.

              Until his retirement on August 31, 2017, Mr. McGuire served as an employee of McKinsey, which has provided management consulting services to Dollar General, and as such he may be deemed to have had an indirect interest in the relationship between our company and McKinsey. While employed by McKinsey, Mr. McGuire led the team that provided the consulting services to Dollar General. For 2017, we paid McKinsey $2 million for the management consulting services.

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EXECUTIVE COMPENSATION

              This section provides details of fiscal 2017 compensation for our named executive officers: Todd J. Vasos, Chief Executive Officer; John W. Garratt, Executive Vice President and Chief Financial Officer; Jeffery C. Owen, Executive Vice President, Store Operations; Robert D. Ravener, Executive Vice President and Chief People Officer; and Rhonda M. Taylor, Executive Vice President and General Counsel.


Compensation Discussion and Analysis

Overview

              Our executive compensation program is designed to serve the long-term interests of our shareholders. To deliver superior shareholder returns, we believe it is critical to offer a competitive compensation package that will attract, retain, and motivate experienced executives with the requisite expertise. Our program is designed to balance the short-term and long-term components and thus incent achievement of our annual and long-term business strategies, to pay for performance, and to maintain our competitive position in the market in which we compete for executive talent.

              Compensation Best Practices.    We strive to align our executives' interests with those of our shareholders and to follow sound corporate governance practices.

Compensation Practice
Dollar General Policy
Pay for PerformanceGRAPHICA significant portion of targeted direct compensation is linked to the financial performance of key metrics. All of our annual bonus compensation and equity incentive compensation is performance based. See "Pay for Performance."

Robust share ownership guidelines and holding requirements for Board members and senior officers are included in our Corporate Governance Guidelines. See "Compensation Discussion and Analysis" and "Director Compensation" for more information on such


GRAPHIC


Our share ownership guidelines and holding requirements for seniorcreate further alignment with shareholders' long-term interests. See "Share Ownership Guidelines and Holding Requirements."

Clawback policy


GRAPHIC


Performance-based incentive compensation paid or awarded to an executive officer may be recouped, or "clawed back," in certain situations. See "Significant Compensation-Related Actions."

No hedging or pledging Dollar General securities or holding Dollar General securities in margin accounts


GRAPHIC


Our policy prohibits executive officers and Board members respectively.

How can I communicate with the Board of Directors?

              Our Board-approved process for security holders and other interested parties to contact the Board of Directors, a particular director, or the non-management directors or the independent directors as a group is described on www.dollargeneral.com under "Investor Information—Corporate Governance."

Where can I find more information about Dollar General's corporate governance practices?

              Our governance-related information is posted on www.dollargeneral.com under "Investor Information—Corporate Governance," including our Corporate Governance Guidelines, Code of Business Conduct and Ethics, the charter of each of the Audit Committee, the Compensation Committee and the Nominating Committee, and the name(s) of the persons chosen to lead the executive sessions of the non-management directors and of the independent directors. This information is available in print to any shareholder who sends a written request to: Investor Relations, Dollar General Corporation, 100 Mission Ridge, Goodlettsville, TN 37072.


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DIRECTOR COMPENSATION


              The following table and text summarize the compensation earned by or paid to eachfrom hedging their ownership of our non-employee Board members for 2015. Messrs. Dreilingstock, pledging our securities as collateral, and Vasos were not separately compensated for their service on the Board; their executive compensation is discussed under "Executive Compensation" below. We have omitted the columns pertaining to non-equity incentive plan compensationholding our securities in a margin account. See "Policy Against Hedging and change in pension valuePledging Transactions."


No excise tax gross-ups and nonqualified deferred compensation earnings because they are inapplicable.

minimal income tax gross-ups



Fiscal 2015 Director Compensation
GRAPHIC

NameFees
Earned
or Paid
in Cash
($)(1)
Stock
Awards
($)(2)
Option
Awards
($)(3)
All Other
Compensation
($)(4)
Total
($)

Warren F. Bryant

111,000121,5912,961235,552

Michael M. Calbert

110,000121,5913,625235,216

Sandra B. Cochran

88,000121,5912,371211,962

Patricia D. Fili-Krushel

91,000121,5912,277214,868

Paula A. Price

85,000121,5911,753208,344

William C. Rhodes, III

103,000121,5912,127226,718

David B. Rickard

107,500121,5914,116233,207

(1)
In addition to the annual Board retainer, the following directors were paid for the following number of excess meetings: Mr. Bryant (4); Ms. Cochran (2); Ms. Fili-Krushel (4); and Mr. Rhodes (2). Messrs. Bryant, Rhodes and Rickard also received an annual retainer for service as the Chairman of the Compensation Committee, the Nominating Committee and the Audit Committee, respectively, and Mr. Calbert received an annual retainer for service as the Lead Director. Mr. Calbert deferred all of his fiscal 2015 fees under the Non-Employee Director Deferred Compensation Plan discussed below.


(2)
Represents the grant date fair value of restricted stock units ("RSUs") awarded to each director on May 27, 2015, computed in accordance with FASB ASC Topic 718. Information regarding assumptions made in the valuation of these awards is included in Note 10 of the annual consolidated financial statements in our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended January 29, 2016, filed with the SEC on March 22, 2016 (our "2015 Form 10-K"). As of January 29, 2016, each of the persons listed in the table above had the following total unvested RSUs outstanding (including additional RSUs credited as a result of dividend equivalents earned with respect to the RSUs): each of Messrs. Bryant, Calbert, Rhodes and Rickard and Ms. Fili-Krushel (2,609); Ms. Cochran (2,977); and Ms. Price (2,277).

(3)
There were no stock options awarded to any director listed in the table above during fiscal 2015, as the Board chose to eliminate stock option awards as part of director compensation beginning in fiscal 2015. As of January 29, 2016, each of the persons listed in the table above had the following total unexercised stock options outstanding (whether or not then exercisable): each of Messrs. Bryant, Calbert and Rhodes (21,756); Ms. Cochran (13,120); Ms. Fili-Krushel (12,892); Ms. Price (4,795); and Mr. Rickard (21,513).

(4)
Represents the dollar value of dividends paid, accumulated or credited on unvested RSUs. Perquisites and personal benefits, if any, totaled less than $10,000 per director and therefore are not included in the table.

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We do not compensate for Board service any director who also serves as our employee. We will reimburse directors for certain fees and expenses incurred in connection with continuing education seminars and for travel and related expenses related to Dollar General business.

              Each non-employee director will receive payment (prorated as applicable) for a fiscal year in quarterly installments of the following cash compensation, as applicable, along with an annual award of RSUs, payable in shares of our common stock, under our Amended and Restated 2007 Stock Incentive Plan having the following estimated value:

Fiscal
Year
Board
Retainer
($)
Lead
Director
Retainer
($)
Audit
Committee
Chairman
Retainer
($)
Compensation
Committee
Chairman
Retainer
($)
Nominating
Committee
Chairman
Retainer
($)
Per Meeting
Fee for
Meetings
Attended in
Excess of 16
During FY
($)
Estimated
Value of
Equity
Award
($)

2015

85,00025,00022,50020,00015,0001,500125,000

2016

85,000N/A(1)22,50020,00015,0001,500135,000

(1)
Because the Chairman of the Board is an independent director, we do not intend to re-appoint a lead director in fiscal 2016. In lieu of an additional cash retainer for this service, the Chairman of the Board will receive an annual Chairman retainer delivered in the form of RSUs, payable in shares of our common stock under our Amended and Restated 2007 Stock Incentive Plan and scheduled to vestprovide tax gross-up payments other than on the first anniversary of the grant date, subject to certain accelerated vesting conditions, having an estimated value of $200,000.

              The RSUs are awarded annually to those non-employee directors who are elected or re-elected at the shareholders' meeting and to any new director appointed after the annual shareholders' meeting but before February 1 of a given year. Beginning with the 2015 award, the RSUs are scheduled to vest on the first anniversary of the grant date subject to full acceleration of vesting upon death, disability (as defined in the applicable award agreement) or voluntary departure from the Board. Directors may elect to defer receipt of shares underlying the RSUs.

              These fees and equity award values and the mix of equity, including the changes in director compensation identified below, were recommended each year by the Compensation Committee, and approved by the Board, after taking into account market benchmarking data, Meridian's recommendations, the input of the CEO and the Chief People Officer (with respect to 2015 and prior years) and, for the additional equity award to the Chairman in 2016, the amount of time anticipated to be devoted to the mentoring of a new CEO. Although the Committee may solicit and consider the input of our CEO and our Chief People Officer, it and the Board retain and exercise ultimate decision-making authority regarding director compensation.

              As a result of such considerations, (1) as previously disclosed, the equity mix was changed beginning in 2015 to deliver all of the equity value in RSUs as opposed to the 2014 equity mix which consisted of 60% stock options and 40% RSUs; and (2) the estimated value of the equity award was increased beginning in fiscal 2016.

              Up to 100% of cash fees earned for Board services in a fiscal year may be deferred under the Non-Employee Director Deferred Compensation Plan. Benefits are payable upon separation from service in the form, as elected by the director at the time of deferral, of a lump sum distribution or monthly payments for 5, 10 or 15 years. Participating directors can direct the hypothetical investment of deferred fees into funds identical to those offered in our 401(k) Plan and will be credited with the deemed investment gains and losses. The amounts deferred, along with deemed investment gains and losses, are credited to a liability account. The amount of the benefit will vary depending on the fees the director has deferred and the deemed investment gains and losses. Benefits upon death are payable to the director's named beneficiary. In the event of a director's disability (as defined in the Non-Employee

relocation-related items.

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Director Deferred Compensation Plan), the unpaid benefit will be paid in a lump sum. Participant deferrals are not contributed to a trust, and all benefits are paid from Dollar General's general assets.

              Our non-employee directors are subject to share ownership guidelines, expressed as a multiple of the annual cash retainer payable for service on our Board, and holding requirements. The current ownership guideline is 5 times (increased from a multiple of 4 times in December 2015). At least 1 times such annual cash retainer should be acquired prior to or as soon as practicable after joining the Board, and the remainder should be acquired within 5 years of election to the Board. When the ownership guideline is increased, incumbent non-employee directors are allowed an additional year to acquire the incremental multiple. Each non-employee director is required to retain ownership of 50% of all net after-tax shares granted by Dollar General until he or she reaches the share ownership target. Please see our Corporate Governance Guidelines for additional information. Administrative details pertaining to these matters are established by the Compensation Committee.


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DIRECTOR INDEPENDENCE
GRAPHIC




Is Dollar General subject to the NYSE governance rules regarding director independence?

              Yes. A majority of our directors must be independent in accordance with the independence requirements set forth in the NYSE listing standards. In addition, the Audit Committee, the Compensation Committee and the Nominating Committee must be composed solely of independent directors to comply with such listing standards and, in the case of the Audit Committee, with SEC rules. The NYSE listing standards define specific relationships that disqualify directors from being independent and further require that for a director to qualify as "independent," the Board must affirmatively determine that the director has no material relationship with Dollar General. The SEC's rules and the NYSE listing standards contain separate definitions of independence for members of audit committees and compensation committees, respectively.

How does the Board of Directors determine director independence?

              The Board of Directors affirmatively determines the independence of each director and director nominee in accordance with guidelines it has adopted, which include all elements of independence set forth in the NYSE listing standards and SEC rules as well as certain Board-adopted categorical independence standards. These guidelines are contained in our Corporate Governance Guidelines, which are posted on the "Investor Information—Corporate Governance" section of our website located at www.dollargeneral.com.

              The Board first considers whether any director or nominee has a relationship covered by the NYSE listing standards that would prohibit an independence finding for Board or committee purposes. The Board then analyzes any relationship of the remaining eligible directors and nominees with Dollar General or our management that falls outside the parameters of the Board's separately adopted categorical independence standards to determine whether or not that relationship is material. The Board may determine that a director or nominee who has a relationship outside such parameters is nonetheless independent because the relationship is not considered to be material. Any director who has a material relationship with Dollar General or its management is not considered to be independent. Absent special circumstances, the Board does not consider or analyze any relationship that falls within the parameters of the Board's separately adopted categorical independence standards.

Are all of the directors and nominees independent?

              No. Our Board of Directors consists of Warren F. Bryant, Michael M. Calbert, Sandra B. Cochran, Patricia D. Fili-Krushel, Paula A. Price, William C. Rhodes, David B. Rickard and Todd J. Vasos. Messrs. Rickard and Bryant and Mss. Cochran and Price serve on our Audit Committee, Messrs. Bryant and Rhodes and Ms. Fili-Krushel serve on our Compensation Committee, and Mr. Rhodes and Mss. Cochran and Fili-Krushel serve on our Nominating Committee. Richard W. Dreiling served on our Board and as its Chairman through January 29, 2016.

              Our Board has affirmatively determined that Messrs. Bryant, Calbert, Rhodes and Rickard and Mss. Cochran, Fili-Krushel and Price, but not Messrs. Dreiling and Vasos, are independent from our management under both the NYSE listing standards and our additional standards. Except as described below, any relationship between an independent director and Dollar General or our management fell within the Board-adopted categorical standards and, accordingly, was not reviewed or considered by our Board. The Board has also determined that the current members of the Audit Committee, the Compensation Committee and the Nominating Committee meet the independence requirements for membership on those committees set forth in the NYSE listing standards, our additional standards and, as to the Audit Committee, SEC rules.


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              In reaching the determination that Ms. Cochran is independent, the Board considered that Ms. Cochran's brother, Stephen Brophy, had served as a non-executive vice president of Dollar General from 2009 until October 2015 and as a non-officer level employee since October 2015. For 2015, Mr. Brophy earned from Dollar General total cash compensation (comprised of his base salary and bonus compensation) of less than $325,000 and received an annual equity award consisting of 3,583 non-qualified stock options, a target award of 433 performance share units, or "PSUs" (452 PSUs were ultimately earned as a result of our adjusted EBITDA and adjusted ROIC performance), and 433 RSUs. In March 2016, Mr. Brophy received an annual equity award consisting of 1,958 non-qualified stock options, a target award of 224 PSUs, and 224 RSUs. All equity awards were granted on terms consistentsince March 2016 include a "double-trigger" vesting provision upon a change in control.


No repricing or cash buyout of underwater stock options without shareholder approval


GRAPHIC


Our equity incentive plan prohibits repricing underwater stock options, reducing the exercise price of stock options or replacing awards with the annual equity awards received by all Dollar General employees at the same job grade level as Mr. Brophy and on terms substantially similar to the forms ofcash or another award agreements on file with the SEC. We expect Mr. Brophy's total cashtype, without shareholder approval.

Annual compensation for 2016 to not exceed $270,000.

              Mr. Brophy also is eligible to participate in employee benefits plans and programs available to our other full-time employees. Ms. Cochran does not participate in any decision-making related to Mr. Brophy's compensation or performance evaluations. Mr. Brophy's cash compensation and equity awards were approved by the Compensation Committee pursuant to our related-party transactions approval policy.

risk assessment

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TRANSACTIONS WITH MANAGEMENT AND OTHERS
GRAPHIC


Does the Board of Directors have a related-party transactions approval policy?

              Yes. Our Board of Directors has adopted a written policy for the review, approval or ratification of "related party" transactions. A "related party" for this purpose includes our directors, director nominees, executive officers and greater than 5% shareholders, and any of their immediate family members, and a "transaction" includes one in which (1) the total amount may exceed $120,000, (2) Dollar General is a participant, and (3) a related party will have a direct or indirect material interest (other than as a director or a less than 10% owner of another entity, or both).

              The policy requires prior Board approval for all known related party transactions, subject to certain exceptions identified below. In addition, at least annually after receiving a list of immediate family members from our directors and executive officers, relevant internal departments determine whether any transactions were unknowingly entered into with a related party and the Board is presented with a list of such transactions, subject to certain exceptions identified below, for review. The related party may not participate in any discussion or approval of the transaction and must provide to the Board all material information concerning the transaction.

              Each of our Chairman and our CEO is authorized to approve a related party transaction in which he is not involved if the total anticipated amount is less than $1 million and he informs the Board of the transaction. In addition, the transactions below are deemed pre-approved without Board review or approval:

      Transactions involving a total amount that does not exceed the greater of $1 million or 2% of the entity's annual consolidated revenues (total consolidated assets in the case of a lender) if no related party who is an individual participates in the actual provision of services or goods to, or negotiations with, us on the entity's behalf or receives special compensation or benefit as a result.

      Charitable contributions if the total amount does not exceed 2% of the recipient's total annual receipts and no related party who is an individual participates in the grant decision or receives any special compensation or benefit as a result.

      Transactions where the interest arises solely from share ownership in Dollar General and all of our shareholders receive the same benefit on a pro rata basis.

      Transactions where the rates or charges are determined by competitive bid.

      Transactions for services as a common or contract carrier or public utility at rates or charges fixed in conformity with law or governmental authority.

      Transactions involving services as a bank depositary of funds, transfer agent, registrar, trustee under a trust indenture, or similar services.

      Compensatory transactions available on a nondiscriminatory basis to all salaried employees generally, ordinary course business travel expenses and reimbursements, or compensatory arrangements to directors, director nominees or officers that have been approved by the Board or an authorized committee.

What related-party transactions existed in 2015 or are planned for 2016?

              Other than compensation paid or to be paid during 2015 and 2016 to one of our non-executive employees who is a family member of Ms. Cochran, as discussed further under "Director Independence" above, there are no transactions that have occurred since the beginning of 2015, or any currently proposed transactions, that involve Dollar General and exceed $120,000 and in which a related party had or has a direct or indirect material interest.


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EXECUTIVE COMPENSATION


              This section provides details of the compensation for fiscal 2015 for our named executive officers: Todd Vasos, Chief Executive Officer; Richard Dreiling, former Chairman, Chief Executive Officer and Senior Advisor; John Garratt, Executive Vice President and Chief Financial Officer; David Tehle, former Executive Vice President and Chief Financial Officer; John Flanigan, Executive Vice President, Global Supply Chain; Robert Ravener, Executive Vice President and Chief People Officer; Rhonda Taylor, Executive Vice President and General Counsel; and Gregory Sparks, former Executive Vice President, Store Operations.


Compensation Discussion and Analysis

Overview

              Our executive compensation program is designed to serve the long-term interests of our shareholders. To deliver superior shareholder returns, we believe it is critical to offer a competitive compensation package that will attract, retain and motivate experienced executives with the requisite expertise. Our program is designed to balance the short-term and long-term components and thus incent achievement of our annual and long-term business strategies, to pay for performance and to maintain our competitive position in the market in which we compete for executive talent.

              Compensation Best Practices.    We strive to align our executives' interests with those of our shareholders and to follow sound corporate governance practices.

Compensation Practice
Dollar General Policy
Pay for PerformanceüA significant portion of targeted direct compensation is linked to the financial performance of key metrics. All of our annual bonus compensation and a significant majority of our equity incentive compensation are performance based. See "Pay for Performance."

Robust share ownership guidelines and holding requirements


ü


Our share ownership guidelines and holding requirements create further alignment with shareholders' long-term interests. See "Share Ownership Guidelines and Holding Requirements."

No hedging or pledging Dollar General securities or holding Dollar General securities in margin accounts


ü


Our policy prohibits executive officers and Board members from hedging their ownership of our stock, pledging our securities as collateral, and holding our securities in a margin account. See "Policy Against Hedging and Pledging Transactions."

No excise tax gross-ups and minimal income tax gross-ups


ü


We do not provide tax gross-up payments other than on relocation-related items.

No repricing or cash buyout of underwater stock options without shareholder approval


ü


Our equity incentive plan prohibits repricing underwater stock options, reducing the exercise price of stock options or replacing awards with cash or another award type, without shareholder approval.

Annual compensation risk assessment


ü


At least annually, our Compensation Committee assesses the risk of our compensation program.

Independent compensation consultant


ü


Our Compensation Committee retains an independent consultant to provide advice on executive and non-employee director compensation matters.

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              Pay for Performance.    Consistent with our philosophy, and as illustrated below, a significant portion of annualized target total direct compensation for our named executive officers in 2015 was performance based and exposed to fluctuations in our stock price.

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              Pay for Performance.    Consistent with our philosophy, and as illustrated below, a significant portion of annualized target total direct compensation for our named executive officers in 2017 was performance based and linked to changes in our stock price.

CEOOther NEOs
(Average)



GRAPHIC




GRAPHIC

"CEO" reflects compensation for Mr. Vasos and not Mr. Dreiling; "Other NEOs" reflects compensation only for the other named executive officers who remained employed after the end of fiscal 2015 (i.e., Messrs. Garratt, Flanigan and Ravener and Ms. Taylor).
STI—Short-Term Cash Incentive (Teamshare bonus program)GRAPHIC

LTI—Long-Term Equity Incentive

              The following payouts were earned as a result of strong performance versus the financial targets used for our 2015 performance-based compensation: