Dollar General says 2,000 items will actually cost $1 or less. What's included?

(NEXSTAR) – Dollar General is refocusing on the price point that inspired its name. The discount retailer will offer 2,000 items for sale for $1 or less, CEO Todd Vasos said in an earnings call this month. Following years of sky-high inflation, dollar stores around the country have been forced to raise the prices of many items on their shelves. At the same time, the popularity of dollar stores has been rising, as shoppers seek out cheaper alternatives. Vasos said the recent spike in gas prices has sent more customers their way. “When that (gas) price hits that $4 mark and then crosses it and then sustains for a while, you start to see that trade-in come in and you start to see that our core customer needs us most.” Now, Dollar General’s CEO said the brand is expanding its footprint and its list of cheap items. The 2,000 items at $1 or less include many food items, including an expanded frozen aisle, Vasos said. The stores’ frozen sections now have a full door dedicated to new foods selling for $1. Dollar General also has a rotating selection of 500 items it calls Value Valley. These items, all priced at $1, change with time. Vasos said health and beauty items in Value Valley are especially popular. There are new “private label” items in stores under $1, as well. Dollar General operates more than 21,000 stores in 48 states, and plans to open 450 more by the end of the year. Many of its items cost more than $1, and several top $20, a YouTube content creator found. Some of the most expensive items for sale include Legos, medications, appliances and prepaid cell phones. The cost of pretty much all goods and services is increasing, according to federal tracking. Inflation reached its highest level in three years, the Labor Department announced on Wednesday. Consumer prices rose 4.2% in May from a year earlier, up from 3.8% in April and the third straight monthly increase. The Associated Press contributed to this report.