Stop the Dollar General Development
From Farms to Families: Wallowa County Deserves Better Than Dollar General
In November 2023, Wallowa County residents were shocked to see a banner announcing the construction of a Dollar General Store at 902 HWY 82, more commonly known as 70970 Frontage Road in Wallowa. While these stores may offer convenience and affordability, their long-term impact on our community has far-reaching economic consequences that can not be ignored.
On March 26, the Planning Commission acknowledged that the neighbors who appealed the land use decision had standing to do so. Which means they should have been notified of the development at the time of the application. Despite this acknowledgment of a faulty process, the Commission has voted to deny the appeal which means, at present the Dollar General is on a glide path to opening.
It is not too late to keep this predatory company and their future developments, out of the county. Our next steps are appeals, boycotts, ballot measures and a public awareness campaign. We need your help. Please join the mailing list with the form above, or if you are able make a donation on the form to the right. No contribution is too small!
Dollar General touts low prices, a close look tells a much different story.
When products are evaluated on a per-unit basis Dollar General offers the highest cost per item for three of the four products according to a study conducted by the Stern School of Business at New York University.
The disparity in pricing is most illustrative in chicken, the most popular protein sold in grocery stores.s, chicken breasts which are 52% more expensive on a per-pound basis at Dollar General.
Top 5 Reasons Dollar General is not a bargain
1. Dollar General Harms Local Businesses:
Dollar General's low prices and wide range of products may draw customers away from local businesses. Smaller, independent retailers may struggle to compete, leading to closures and a reduction in community diversity. The ripple effect of closures will impact both workers and shoppers.
2. Dollar General Provides Limited Job Opportunities:
While Dollar General provides jobs, these positions may be part-time with limited benefits. The company has faced criticism for its labor practices, including low wages. This can contribute to a low-wage job market in the community, potentially leading to financial instability for local residents.
3. Dollar General Negatively Impacts Public Health:
Dollar General stores focus on providing highly-processed and packaged food items. The availability of inexpensive but nutritionally poor food options can contribute to health issues, especially in areas where access to fresh and healthy food is already limited. This is a concern particularly in "food deserts" where there is a lack of affordable, nutritious food.
4. Dollar General Places Critical habitat for Chinook Salmon and Steelhead at risk
The proximity of the development to Bear Creek poses the potential for adverse effects to the water quality and riparian habitat of the creek which is designated critical habitat for Chinook salmon, steelhead & bull trout listed as threatened under the Endangered Species Act.
5. Dollar General Does Not Represent Our Community Character
Dollar General’s have become a symbol of a community in crisis. Their presence sends the message to other businesses that a community lacks the wealth to be worthy of investment. The generic design of Dollar General with its bright yellow illuminated signage negatively impacts the aesthetics and character of our community. The tax revenue generated by Dollar General stores may not be sufficient to cover the costs of services they require, putting pressure on local budgets
Take Action
Your voice matters. Four quick ways to speak up.
1) Sign the petition requesting that construction be paused pending a proper public hearing process.
2) Send an email to the Wallowa County Commissioners and Planning Department expressing your concerns about this development.
3) Write to Dollar General, and tell them that you won’t shop with them and do no want their stores in Wallowa County.
4) Send a Letter to the Editor of the Wallowa County Chieftain.