Dollar General is reinforcing its commitment to its original business model by increasing the number of items available for $1. This strategy is intended to attract customers, particularly those on tight budgets, as fuel prices have risen. CEO Todd Vasos highlighted that the $1 price point has been a significant factor in customer purchasing decisions and has contributed to a 3% increase in net sales, reaching $10.8 billion in the most recent quarter. The retailer also noted that this pricing strategy is appealing to a broader customer base, including more affluent shoppers who have been frequenting the stores more often in recent years. In contrast, rival Dollar Tree raised its base price point to $1.25 and has introduced items at higher prices. Dollar General currently offers approximately 2,000 items at $1 or less and plans to expand this selection further, including a dedicated freezer section for $1 food items. A reporter visited a Dollar General store in the Washington, DC metro area to examine the availability and variety of these low-priced goods.