Preparations for a new Dollar General Store in Drakes Branch are underway with plans to open in late summer.

“Dollar General is excited for the new location at Saxkey Road in Drakes Branch to now be under construction,” said Nolan Miles, a spokesperson for the firm. “We look forward to offering Charlotte County residents a convenient location to purchase products that are frequently used and replenished, such as food, snacks, health and beauty aids, cleaning supplies, basic apparel, housewares and seasonal items at low everyday prices.”

Miles said while completion for the new location is currently set for late summer, construction progress could alter the final timeline.

The store is being constructed by the Par 5

Development Group, LLC.

At a Drakes Branch Town Council and planning commission joint public hearing in October, Development Manager Rich Smith said the construction of new Dollar General stores typically take about 100 days.

Miles said the Drakes Branch location for the new store was chosen based on a variety of factors. “When choosing store locations, meeting customers’ needs is Dollar General’s top priority,” he said. “The company looks for places where we can offer customers an easy and convenient shopping choice. We know convenience is a major factor in our customers’ shopping decisions as we generally serve customers within a 3-5 mile radius, or 10 minute drive. We also take demographic trends, competitive factors, traffic patterns and community concerns into consideration. This was a great new location for Dollar General.”

He said the stores typically employ about 6-10 employees based on the store’s individual needs.

Dollar General stores support literacy and education, he said. The Dollar General Foundation “awards approximately $12 million each year to nonprofit organizations, schools and libraries within a 20-mile radius of a Dollar General store or distribution center to support adult, family, summer and youth literacy programs,” according to Miles.

Those interested in job opportunities at the new Drakes Branch location may apply online at www.dollargeneral.com/careers.