Dollar General to offer AI-enabled audio with targeted ads in select stores
Dollar General is turning up the volume with an artificial intelligence-equipped in-store audio network that will integrate with its retail media network.
Partnering with audio retail media platform Qsic, Dollar General will deploy an AI-enabled in-store audio network across approximately 6,000 stores in 48 states during the second quarter of 2026. The rollout will double the retailer’s existing in-store audio presence to 12,000 locations.
With the new network, Dollar General said it intends to deliver more relevant, localized and measurable audio content to customers while providing brand partners participating in its DG Media Network retail media network with accountable, data-driven advertising. Leveraging the Qsic platform, the discounter plans to integrate POS data, curated music and AI-generated audio ads to deliver timely, targeted messaging.
“At DG Media Network, we’re constantly looking for innovative ways to help brands meaningfully connect with our customers, and by introducing an AI-powered in-store audio network, we’re unlocking an entirely new layer of relevancy and accountability in the shopping experience,” said Austin Leonard, VP and GM of DG Media Network. “This platform allows us to deliver localized, real-time messaging at scale across the thousands of communities we serve – especially in underserved and often overlooked rural areas.”
Initially launched in 2018, the Dollar General Media Network offers participating CPG advertising partners access to real-time data, to help them serve its customer base.
[READ MORE: Dollar General expands advertiser access to shopper data]
“We’re thrilled to partner with Dollar General as they enhance their store experience and expand their in-store retail media capabilities,” said Matt Elsley, co-founder and CEO of Qsic. “Dollar General’s unparalleled store base and deep reach into communities across the country make it an incredibly powerful opportunity for brands. With retail seeing approximately 85% of sales occurring in-store, physical locations remain the most valuable media channel.”
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Other collaborations Dollar General has entered to enhance the value of DG Media Network include partnering with Fetch, a rewards app that provides consumers with “Fetch points” when they submit receipts from partner brands and retailers.
In addition, the retailer utilizes the API-enabled Kevel Retail Media Cloud platform to intends to develop tailored ad products that align with its brand and customer experience, maintain full control of first-party data, and offer participating advertisers advanced measurement and attribution analytics.
The retailer also partners with experiential marketing platform Recess to let advertisers hyper-target the retailer’s customers through community-driven sampling programs. Participating DGMN brands can integrate products into consumers' daily lives before they enter the store and advertisers can execute experiential sampling programs in targeted communities.
In 2024, the discounter integrated with retail media platform provider Criteo to provide DGMN advertisers access to inventory and campaign execution through flexible integrations with Criteo's Commerce Max self-service demand-side platform (DSP).
As of Jan. 30, 2026, Dollar General Corp. operates 20,893 Dollar General, DG Market, DGX and pOpshelf stores across the U.S. and Mi Súper Dollar General stores in Mexico.
