Dollar General stores coming to Libby, Eureka

Libby is getting another dollar store.

Dollar General will become the third such store in Libby with an opening set for possibly later this year.

In June, the chain announced its expansion into Montana. According to a press release, stores in Montana are also under construction in Columbia Falls and Eureka. In Libby the new location will be at 131 Education Way on the corner of U.S. 2.

The chain said the expansion into Montana will give the retailer a significant presence in 48 states.

“Breaking ground on each new Dollar General is meaningful as it signifies upcoming affordable access to quality goods to customers, new jobs and career growth opportunities to employees, grant availability to local organizations improving residents’ education through the Dollar General Literacy Foundation and tax revenue for municipalities," said Steve Deckard, Dollar General’s executive vice president. "Announcing plans for Montana has an extra element of excitement at Dollar General because our expansion in the Treasure State will complete our presence throughout the lower 48.”

Sanders County is also getting a store. The location is listed on Main Street in Thompson Falls.

Founded in 1939, Dollar General states that its mission is serving others daily by providing access to affordable products and services for its customers, career opportunities for its employees, and literacy and education support for its hometown communities, according to a press release.

“At this time, a store opening is also slated for fall 2023, but understand that construction progress may alter this date,” the chain said.

Dollar General received a state commercial building permit for the project and will apply for all the additional licenses in the future, according to city Administrator Samuel Sikes.

Part of the project is the installation of a pressurized sewer system under Education Way, Sikes said.

“Since the road was going to be disrupted, Libby and Lincoln County are taking the opportunity to rebuild the road,” Sikes said.

Sikes said the city appreciates the cooperation Lincoln County has come forward with on this project because Education Way is an area that needed updates.

“The good thing is that we just updated the water service lines under the road so that, hopefully, the new asphalt won’t have to have its integrity broken by any future water leaks requiring street openings,” Sikes said.

In addition to its Montana expansion, the company recently started its first international store, which opened in Mexico.

The company hopes to provide career opportunities for Montanans by creating new jobs in Flathead and Lincoln County. The company expects the stores to employ about six to 10 people.

The release stated that the company’s Montana expansion means opportunities for nonprofit organizations, schools and libraries within a 15-mile radius of a Dollar General store. So far, the Dollar General Literacy Foundation has awarded $233 million in grants to nonprofit organizations.

“We look forward to celebrating our first Montana grand opening in the coming months and to serve new customers, employees and communities soon,” Deckard said.

Libby is already home to Dollar Tree and Family Dollar stores.