As one of the largest discount retailers in the United States with over 18,000 stores and 158,000 employees, Dollar General has established itself as a major player in the industry. Known for offering a wide variety of affordable products, from groceries and home goods to apparel and health & beauty items, Dollar General serves millions of customers each day.
To maintain a consistent and professional image across its thousands of locations, Dollar General has implemented a standardized dress code policy that all employees are required to follow. In this ultimate guide, we‘ll take a comprehensive look at the specifics of Dollar General‘s employee dress code, the reasoning behind it, and tips for adhering to it while still being comfortable on the job.
The Importance of Employee Dress Codes in Retail
Before we dive into the details of Dollar General‘s dress code, let‘s discuss why having a standardized dress code is so important in the retail industry. A 2016 study by the Journal of Retailing and Consumer Services found that "employee appearance has a significant impact on customer perceptions of service quality, product quality, and store image."
When employees are dressed neatly and professionally in uniform, it sends a message to customers that they can expect a certain level of service and expertise. It also helps create a cohesive brand identity across multiple store locations. A sloppy or inconsistent appearance among employees can make a store seem disorganized and unprofessional.
Dress codes also serve practical purposes, like making employees easily identifiable to customers who need assistance and ensuring workers are wearing clothing that allows them to safely and comfortably perform their job duties. In a physically demanding retail environment, it‘s important that clothes fit properly, shoes are slip-resistant, and there are no safety hazards like dangling jewelry.
The Foundation of Dollar General‘s Dress Code
Now, let‘s get into the nuts and bolts of what Dollar General employees are required to wear per the company‘s dress code policy. According to the Dollar General employee handbook, customer-facing store associates must wear the following:
- Solid black pants or slacks (no shorter than 3 inches above the knee)
- Black collared polo shirt with the Dollar General logo embroidered on it
- Closed-toe, slip-resistant black shoes with socks or hosiery
The black pants should be free of any rips, tears, fraying, or excessive embellishments. Denim jeans are not permitted, nor are leggings, jeggings, yoga pants, or overly tight pants. On the flip side, pants should also not be overly loose or baggy for safety reasons.
When it comes to choosing a polo shirt, employees can wear either a short-sleeve or long-sleeve style in black, as long as it features the Dollar General logo. The shirts are available for purchase through the company‘s official uniform vendor, Superior Image Uniforms. If you need a special size that‘s not available through the vendor, you‘re allowed to buy a plain black polo from another retailer and have the DG logo embroidered on it.
Shoes are a critical piece of the uniform in a job that involves long periods of standing and walking. Dollar General‘s policy specifies black, closed-toe, slip-resistant shoes for all employees. Sneakers, loafers, or work clogs with non-skid soles are all good options. Avoid open-toed shoes, sandals, heels higher than 2 inches, canvas shoes, or shoes without proper traction. Wearing moisture-wicking socks can help keep your feet dry and comfortable during long shifts.
Grooming Standards and Accessory Guidelines
Dollar General‘s dress code doesn‘t stop at clothing—there are also some rules around personal grooming and accessories that employees need to follow. Here‘s a breakdown:
Piercings & Tattoos
Visible facial and body piercings are not permitted, with the exception of one pair of small earrings. If you have facial piercings for religious reasons, you may be able to request an exemption from your store manager. Any tattoos must be covered up while on the job, either with clothing or cosmetics.
Hair Color & Style
The employee handbook states that hair should be "neatly styled" and "suitable for a professional environment" but doesn‘t give specifics on acceptable colors. It‘s generally best to avoid bright, unnatural shades and opt for more conventional colors. If you‘re unsure if your hair color is a deal-breaker, have a conversation with your manager about it.
Hats & Head Coverings
With the exception of head coverings worn for religious/cultural purposes or required PPE, hats and caps are not part of Dollar General‘s standard dress code. If you work in a store that allows employees to wear plain black beanies or baseball caps with the DG logo in cold weather, confirm that with your manager first.
Jewelry & Accessories
Jewelry should be kept minimal and professional. Stick to simple pieces like plain wedding bands, watches, and understated necklaces/bracelets. Avoid large or distracting jewelry that could get in the way of your work. If you wear glasses, make sure they are clean and in good condition.
Nails
Dollar General doesn‘t have any specific rules around nail polish colors or styles. However, it‘s a good idea to keep your nails clean, neatly trimmed, and free of any elaborate designs or embellishments that could chip off into products.
Dress Code Variations for Distribution Center Workers
While the vast majority of Dollar General employees work in the retail stores, there are also distribution center workers who play a crucial role in keeping products flowing to the stores. These employees have a bit more flexibility in their dress code to accommodate the physical nature of their work.
Distribution center workers are generally permitted to wear durable, comfortable clothing that allows ease of movement for tasks like lifting boxes, operating machinery, and moving around the warehouse. This can include jeans, cargo pants, t-shirts, and even shorts of appropriate length. Of course, safety is still the top priority, so shirts should fit properly to avoid getting caught in equipment and proper work shoes with good traction are non-negotiable.
Even employees who work in the distribution center offices may be able to dress a bit more casually compared to store workers, opting for business casual looks instead of the all-black uniform. However, it‘s always best to refer to your employee handbook or check with your supervisor for the specific dress code guidelines for your role and location.
Enforcing the Dress Code Consistently
While Dollar General‘s dress code policy is clearly laid out on paper, enforcing it consistently across thousands of stores and employees can be a challenge. Store managers are responsible for ensuring their team is adhering to the guidelines, but with so many other tasks to juggle, policing attire can sometimes fall by the wayside.
It‘s important for corporate leadership to regularly reiterate the importance of the dress code and provide store managers with the tools and training to enforce it fairly and consistently. Richard Feinberg, professor of consumer sciences and retailing at Purdue University, advises retailers to "communicate dress codes in a variety of ways—verbally, in the employee handbook, on bulletin boards, etc.—and to have consequences for non-compliance."
If an employee violates the dress code, managers should address it promptly but professionally. Have a conversation in private, review the specific part of the dress code that was violated, and give the employee an opportunity to explain any extenuating circumstances. Remind them of the reasons behind the policy and be clear about the consequences of future violations. Document the conversation and follow up with HR as needed.
Of course, it‘s equally important to recognize and praise employees who consistently adhere to the dress code. Acknowledging their effort and professionalism goes a long way in reinforcing the behavior you want to see. Some stores even hold contests or give out small prizes for the best-dressed employee each week or month.
How Dollar General‘s Dress Code Compares to Other Retailers
Curious how Dollar General‘s employee dress code stacks up against other major retailers? Here‘s a quick overview:
- Walmart: Requires employees to wear a navy blue or white collared shirt with khaki or black pants and close-toed shoes. Vest or apron with Walmart logo also required for some positions.
- Target: Employees wear red shirt with khaki or black pants and close-toed shoes. Some locations allow jeans.
- Kroger: Employees typically wear a company-issued polo shirt in a color that varies by department, along with khaki or black pants and slip-resistant shoes.
- Kohl‘s: Employees wear black or white collared shirts with black, khaki, or denim pants. Colored undershirts are not permitted.
- TJMaxx/Marshalls: Black or tan slacks or skirts with a plain white button-up shirt and close-toed shoes. Nametags required.
- Home Depot: Employees wear a company-issued orange apron with their name on it over a white collared shirt and khaki pants.
As you can see, there are a lot of similarities in dress codes across major retailers—neutral colors, collared shirts, khaki or black bottoms, and close-toed shoes are the norm. Dollar General‘s policy is pretty standard for the industry.
Building a Dress Code-Friendly Work Wardrobe
If you‘re new to working at Dollar General (or any retail job with a dress code), you may need to build up your wardrobe with some versatile pieces that meet the requirements. Here are some recommendations:
Pants: George Men‘s 100% Wrinkle Resistant Flat Front Pants (Walmart, $19.98), Lee Women‘s Relaxed Fit All Day Straight Leg Pant (Walmart, $19.99), Dickies Original 874 Work Pant (Amazon, $24.99)
Polo Shirts: Available through Dollar General‘s uniform vendor, prices vary. Alternatively, try Amazon Essentials Men‘s Slim-Fit Cotton Pique Polo (Amazon, $12.40) or IZOD Women‘s Performance Golf Pique Polo (Walmart, $19.98) and have the logo embroidered.
Shoes: Skechers Work Sure Track Trickel Slip Resistant Shoe (Zappos, $65.00), Dr. Scholl‘s Harrington II Work Sneaker (DSW, $59.99), SafeTstep Slip Resistant Jenna Clog (Payless, $36.99)
Accessories: Dickies Dri-Tech Moisture Control Crew Socks (Amazon, $12.99/6pk), Wrangler Riggs Workwear Ranger Belt (Amazon, $18.82), Dickies Men‘s 1/2" Mechanic Belt (Walmart, $10.97)
Remember, investing in a few high-quality basics that you can mix and match will make it easier to get dressed for work each day without having to constantly buy new pieces. Stick to durable, comfortable, professional items that fit well and make you feel confident.
Dollar General Dress Code FAQs
Still have questions about Dollar General‘s employee dress code? We‘ve rounded up answers to some of the most common queries:
Q: Are there any exceptions to the solid black pants rule?
A: No, all customer-facing store employees must wear solid black pants or slacks that meet the length and style guidelines. Jeans, leggings, and shorts are not permitted.
Q: Can I wear a black t-shirt or button-down shirt instead of a polo?
A: No, only black collared polo shirts with the Dollar General logo are allowed. T-shirts and button-downs do not meet the dress code requirements.
Q: What should I do if I show up to work missing part of my uniform?
A: Alert your manager right away and see if they have any spare pieces you can borrow for your shift. Avoid making it a habit, as repeated dress code violations can result in disciplinary action.
Q: My store is chilly year-round, can I wear a jacket over my polo?
A: Check with your manager first, but many stores do allow black zip-up jackets or cardigans with the DG logo to be worn over polos for warmth.
Q: How many piercings can I wear in each ear?
A: Dollar General‘s policy doesn‘t specify a number, but it‘s safest to stick to one pair of simple studs or small hoops. Multiple piercings or gauges are not likely to be permitted.
Q: Can I wear a nose ring, eyebrow ring, or other facial piercing?
A: Facial piercings are not part of Dollar General‘s standard dress code. If you wear one for religious reasons, you may be able to get an exemption, but the default policy is that they must be removed at work.
Q: I have visible tattoos on my forearms, can I wear long sleeves under my polo to cover them?
A: Yes, wearing a plain black or white long-sleeve shirt under your polo is an acceptable way to conceal arm and wrist tattoos. You can also look into using tattoo-covering makeup for small tattoos that can‘t easily be covered with clothing.
Q: Is it okay to wear colorful socks or tights with my black shoes?
A: The dress code doesn‘t specify sock color, but it‘s most professional to stick to black, white, or neutral colors that blend in with your shoes and pants. Avoid loud, distracting patterns or colors.
Q: I prefer to wear skirts instead of pants, is that allowed?
A: No, the Dollar General dress code requires all store employees to wear black pants. Skirts and dresses are not permitted, even if they are black and knee-length.
The Bottom Line
Dollar General‘s dress code policy is designed to ensure all employees present a professional, consistent appearance to customers across its thousands of store locations. By requiring workers to wear black pants, black logo polo shirts, and slip-resistant black shoes, the company creates a standardized look that is easily recognizable and practical for the demands of a retail job.
While adhering to a dress code may feel a bit restrictive at times, it‘s important to remember the reasoning behind it. A neat, put-together appearance conveys competence and attention to detail to customers. It also ensures employees have a safe, comfortable uniform for the physically active aspects of their jobs.
As a Dollar General employee, it‘s your responsibility to know and follow the dress code, from the clothing requirements to the guidelines around accessories and grooming. If you‘re ever unsure about whether something is permitted, always check with your manager first. With a bit of advance planning and a commitment to representing the brand well, you‘ll build a work wardrobe that keeps you looking and feeling your best on the job.