GOODLETTSVILLE, Tenn. – Dollar General Corp. intends to create approximately 10,000 new jobs in 2017 as the result of 1,000 planned new store openings and two new distribution centers, according to a press release. The creation of these approximately 10,000 new jobs will be a roughly 9% overall increase to its workforce and mark the largest one-year employee increase through organic store and distribution center growth in the company’s 78-year history.

“Dollar General looks forward to welcoming new employees who want to grow with us as we expand throughout the states we serve,” said Todd Vasos, CEO of Dollar General. “These new jobs reflect the organization’s commitment to seize growth opportunities and further deliver Dollar General’s value proposition of everyday low prices on quality merchandise to customers in 1,000 new locations in 2017.”

As all hiring functions are managed online, candidates looking to join Dollar General must apply for all new positions at www.dollargeneral.com/careers.

Bob Ravener, Dollar General’s executive vice president and chief people officer, added, “This year’s continued growth presents numerous opportunities for candidates looking to begin and develop their careers at one of America’s fastest-growing retailers.”

Dollar stores are in fact growing. As noted last week in the newly released NACS/Nielsen U.S. convenience industry store count, dollar stores have grown to 28,832 stores, up from 27,378 stores in 2016.

One of Dollar General’s operating priorities is investing in employees as a competitive advantage. The company is expected to invest more than 1.5 million training hours in employees in 2017 to promote education and development throughout the year.