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UNITED STATES
SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION
Washington, D.C. 20549

SCHEDULE 14A

Proxy Statement Pursuant to Section 14(a) of
the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 (Amendment No.          )

Filed by the Registrantý

Filed by a Party other than the Registranto

Check the appropriate box:

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Preliminary Proxy Statement

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Confidential, for Use of the Commission Only (as permitted by Rule 14a-6(e)(2))

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Definitive Proxy Statement

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Definitive Additional Materials

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Soliciting Material under §240.14a-12

 

Dollar General Corporation

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Check box if any part of the fee is offset as provided by Exchange Act Rule 0-11(a)(2) and identify the filing for which the offsetting fee was paid previously. Identify the previous filing by registration statement number, or the Form or Schedule and the date of its filing.

 

 

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LOGOLOGO
 Dollar General Corporation
100 Mission Ridge
Goodlettsville, Tennessee 37072


 

Dear Shareholder:

              The 20132014 Annual Meeting of Shareholders of Dollar General Corporation will be held on Wednesday,Thursday, May 29, 2013,2014, at 9:00 a.m., Central Time, at Goodlettsville City Hall Auditorium, 105 South Main Street, Goodlettsville, Tennessee. All shareholders of record at the close of business on March 21, 20132014 are invited to attend the annual meeting. For security reasons, however, to gain admission to the meeting you may be required to present photo identification and comply with other security measures.

              At this year's meeting, you will have an opportunity to vote on the matters described in our accompanying Notice of Annual Meeting of Shareholders and Proxy Statement. Our 20122013 Annual Report and our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended February 1, 2013January 31, 2014 also accompany this letter.

              Your interest in Dollar General and your vote are very important to us. We encourage you to read the Proxy Statement and vote your proxy as soon as possible so your vote can be represented at the annual meeting. You may vote your proxy via the Internet or telephone, or if you received a paper copy of the proxy materials by mail, you may vote by mail by completing and returning a proxy card.

              On behalf of the Board of Directors, I would like to express our appreciation for your continued support of Dollar General.


 

 

Sincerely,

 

 

/s/ Rick Dreiling

 

 

Rick Dreiling
Chairman & Chief Executive Officer

April [    ], 20139, 2014


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LOGO
 Dollar General Corporation
100 Mission Ridge
Goodlettsville, Tennessee 37072


 


NOTICE OF ANNUAL MEETING OF SHAREHOLDERS

DATE: Wednesday,Thursday, May 29, 20132014

TIME:

 

9:00 a.m., Central Time

PLACE:

 

Goodlettsville City Hall Auditorium
105 South Main Street
Goodlettsville, Tennessee

ITEMS OF BUSINESS:

 

1)

 

To elect as directors the 97 nominees listed in the proxy statement

 

 

2)

 

To hold an advisory vote to approve an amendment to Dollar General Corporation's Amended and Restated Charter to implement a majority voting standard in uncontested elections of directorsnamed executive officer compensation

 

 

3)

 

To ratify the appointment of the independent registered public accounting firm for fiscal 20132014

 

 

4)

 

To transact any other business that may properly come before the annual meeting and any adjournments of that meeting

WHO MAY VOTE:

 

Shareholders of record at the close of business on March 21, 20132014


 


 


By Order of the Board of Directors,


 


 


/s/ Christine L. Connolly

Goodlettsville, Tennessee
April [    ], 20139, 2014

 

Christine L. Connolly
Corporate Secretary

Please vote your proxy as soon as possible even if you expect to attend the annual meeting in person. You may vote your proxy via the Internet or by phone by following the instructions on the notice of internet availability or proxy card, or if you received a paper copy of these proxy materials by mail, you may vote by mail by completing and returning the enclosed proxy card in the enclosed reply envelope. No postage is necessary if the proxy is mailed within the United States. You may revoke your proxy by following the instructions listed on page 3 of the proxy statement.


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DOLLAR GENERAL CORPORATION
Proxy Statement for
20132014 Annual Meeting of Shareholders



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General Information

 1

Voting Matters

 2

Proposal 1: Election of Directors

 5

Corporate Governance

 1211

Director Compensation

 1716

Director Independence

 1918

Transactions with Management and Others

 2120

Executive Compensation

 2623

Compensation Discussion and Analysis

 2623

Compensation Committee Report

 3936

Summary Compensation Table

 4037

Grants of Plan-Based Awards in Fiscal 20122013

 4239

Outstanding Equity Awards at 20122013 Fiscal Year-End

 4340

Option Exercises and Stock Vested During Fiscal 20122013

 4441

Pension Benefits Fiscal 20122013

 4442

Nonqualified Deferred Compensation Fiscal 20122013

 4542

Potential Payments upon Termination or Change in Control

 4643

Compensation Committee Interlocks and Insider Participation

 5755

Compensation Risk Considerations

 5755

Security Ownership

 5856

Security Ownership of Certain Beneficial Owners

 5856

Security Ownership of Officers and Directors

 6057

Proposal 2: Advisory Vote Regarding Charter Amendmenton Executive Compensation

 6258

Audit Committee Report

 6559

Proposal 3: Ratification of Appointment of Auditors

 6660

Fees Paid to Auditors

 6661

Section 16(a) Beneficial Ownership Reporting Compliance

 6762

Shareholder Proposals for 20142015 Annual Meeting

 6762

IMPORTANT NOTICE REGARDING AVAILABILITY OF PROXY MATERIALS FOR THE SHAREHOLDER MEETING TO BE HELD ON MAY 29, 20132014

              This Proxy Statement, our 20122013 Annual Report and a form of proxy card are available at www.proxyvote.com. You will need your Notice of Internet Availability or proxy card to access the proxy materials.

              As permitted by rules adopted by the Securities and Exchange Commission ("SEC"), we are furnishing our proxy materials over the Internet to some of our shareholders. This means that some shareholders will not receive paper copies of these documents. Instead, these shareholders will receive only a Notice of Internet Availability containing instructions on how to access the proxy materials over the Internet. The Notice of Internet Availability also contains instructions on how each of those shareholders can request a paper copy of our proxy materials, including the Proxy Statement, our 20122013 Annual Report and a proxy card. Shareholders who do not receive a Notice of Internet Availability will receive a paper copy of the proxy materials by mail, unless they have previously requested delivery of proxy materials electronically. If you received only the Notice of Internet Availability and would like to receive a paper copy of the proxy materials, the notice contains instructions on how you can request copies of these documents.


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GENERAL INFORMATION


What is this document?

              It is the Proxy Statement of Dollar General Corporation for the Annual Meeting of Shareholders to be held on Wednesday,Thursday, May 29, 2013.2014. We will begin mailing printed copies of this document or the Notice of Internet Availability to our shareholders on or about April [    ], 2013.9, 2014. We are providing this document to solicit your proxy to vote upon certain matters at the annual meeting.

              We refer to our company as "we," "us" or "Dollar General." Unless otherwise noted or required by context, "2014," "2013," "2012," "2011," "2010" and "2009""2010" refer to our fiscal years ending or ended January 30, 2015, January 31, 2014, February 1, 2013, February 3, 2012, and January 28, 2011, and January 29, 2010.respectively.

What is a proxy, who is asking for it, and who is paying for the cost to solicit it?

              A proxy is your legal designation of another person, called a "proxy," to vote your stock. The document that designates someone as your proxy is also called a proxy or a proxy card.

              Your proxy is being solicited by and on behalf of our Board of Directors. Dollar General will pay all expenses of this solicitation. Our directors and employees may solicit proxies in person or by mail, telephone, e-mail, facsimile or other means, but they will not be additionally compensated for those efforts except that we will reimburse out-of-pocket expenses that they incur. We also may reimburse custodians and nominees for their expenses in sending proxy material to beneficial owners.

Who may attend the annual meeting?

              Only shareholders, their proxy holders and our invited guests may attend the meeting. If your shares are registered in the name of a broker, trust, bank or other nominee, you will need to bring a proxy or a letter from that record holder or your most recent brokerage account statement that confirms your ownership of those shares as of March 21, 2013.2014. For security reasons, we also may require photo identification for admission.

Where can I find directions to the annual meeting?

              Directions to Goodlettsville City Hall, where we will hold the annual meeting, are posted on the "Investor Information" portion of our web sitewebsite located at www.dollargeneral.com.

Will the annual meeting be webcast?

              Yes. You are invited to visit the "Conference Calls and Investor Events" section of the "Investor Information" portion of our website located at www.dollargeneral.com at 9:00 a.m., Central Time, on May 29, 2014 to access the live webcast of the meeting. An archived copy of the webcast will be available on our website for at least one year. The information on our website, however, is not incorporated by reference into, and does not form a part of, this proxy statement.

What is Dollar General Corporation and where is it located?

              We operate convenient-sizedconveniently located, small-box stores tothat deliver everyday low prices on products that families use every day. We are the largest discount retailer in the United States by number of stores with more than 10,55711,215 locations in 40 states as of March 1, 2013.February 28, 2014. Our principal executive offices are located at 100 Mission Ridge, Goodlettsville, TNTennessee 37072. Our telephone number is 615-855-4000.

Where is Dollar General common stock traded?

              Our stock is traded on the New York Stock Exchange ("NYSE") under the symbol "DG."


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VOTING MATTERS


How many votes must be present to hold the annual meeting?

              A quorum, consisting of the presence in person or by proxy of the holders of a majority of shares of our common stock outstanding on March 21, 2013,2014, must exist to conduct any business.business at the meeting.

What if a quorum is not present at the annual meeting?

              If a quorum is not present at the annual meeting, any officer entitled to preside at or to act as Secretary of the meeting shall have power to adjourn the meeting from time to time until a quorum is present.

What am I voting on?

              You will be asked to vote on:

 

 the election of 97 directors;
 

 

the approval (on an amendment to our Amended and Restated Charter to implement a majority voting standard in uncontested electionsadvisory basis) of directors;named executive officer compensation; and

 

 

the ratification of the appointment of our independent registered public accounting firm (the "independent auditor") for 2013.2014.

May other matters be raised at the annual meeting?

              We are unaware of other matters to be acted upon at the meeting. Under Tennessee law and our governing documents, no other non-procedural business may be raised at the meeting unless proper notice has been given to shareholders. If other business is properly raised, your proxies have authority to vote as they think best, including to adjourn the meeting.

Who is entitled to vote at the annual meeting?

              You may vote if you owned shares of Dollar General common stock at the close of business on March 21, 2013.2014. As of that date, there were 327,212,294309,973,026 shares of Dollar General common stock outstanding and entitled to vote. Each share is entitled to one vote on each matter.

What is the difference between a "shareholder of record" and a "street name" holder?

              You are a "shareholder of record" if your shares are registered directly in your name with Wells Fargo Shareowner Services, our transfer agent. You are a "street name" holder if your shares are held in the name of a brokerage firm, bank, trust or other nominee as custodian.

How do I vote?

              If you are a shareholder of record, you may vote your proxy over the telephone or Internet or, if you received printed proxy materials, by marking, signing, dating and returning the printed proxy card in the enclosed envelope. Please refer to the instructions on the Notice of Internet Availability or proxy card, as applicable. Alternatively, you may vote in person at the meeting.

              If you are a "street name"street name holder, your broker, bank, or other nominee will provide materials and instructions for voting your shares. You may vote in person at the meeting if you obtain and bring with you to the meeting a legal proxy from your broker, banker, trustee or other nominee giving you the right to vote the shares.


What is the difference between a "shareholderTable of record" and a "street name" holder?Contents

              You are a "shareholder of record" if your shares are registered directly in your name with Wells Fargo Shareowner Services, our transfer agent. You are a "street name" holder if your shares are held in the name of a brokerage, bank, trust or other nominee as custodian.

What if I receive more than one Notice of Internet Availability or proxy card?

              You will receive multiple Notices of Internet Availability or proxy cards if you hold shares in different ways (e.g., joint tenancy, trusts, custodial accounts, etc.) or in multiple accounts. If you are a street name holder, you will receive your Notice of Internet Availability or proxy card or other voting


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information, along with voting instructions, from your broker. Please vote the shares represented by each Notice of Internet Availability or proxy card you receive.receive to ensure that all your shares are voted.

How will my proxy be voted?

              The persons named on the proxy card will vote your proxy as you direct on the proxy card. If yourcard or, if you return a signed proxy card does not specify instructions, your proxy will be voted:without instructions: "FOR" all directors nominated; "FOR" the approval, on an advisory basis, of the amendmentcompensation of our named executive officers as disclosed in this proxy statement pursuant to our Amended and Restated Charter to implement a majority voting standard in uncontested elections of directors;the SEC's compensation disclosure rules; and "FOR" ratification of Ernst & Young LLP as our independent registered public accounting firmauditor for 2013.2014.

Can I change my mind and revoke my proxy?

              Yes. If you are a shareholder of record, to revoke a proxy given pursuant to this solicitation you must:

 

 sign a valid, later-dated proxy card and submit it so that it is received before the annual meeting in accordance with the instructions included in the proxy card;
 

 

at or before the annual meeting, send to our Corporate Secretary a written notice of revocation dated later than the date of the proxy;

 

 

submit a later-dated vote by telephone or Internet no later than 11:59 p.m. (ET), Eastern time, on May 28, 2013;2014; or

 

 

attend the annual meeting and vote in person.

              Your attendance at the annual meeting, by itself, will not revoke your proxy.

              If you are a street name holder, to revoke a proxy given pursuant to this solicitation you must follow the instructions of the bank, broker, trustee or other nominee who holds your shares.

How many votes are needed to elect directors and approve other matters?directors?

              AtTo be elected at the annual meeting, directors will be elected by a pluralitynominee must receive the affirmative vote of thea majority of votes cast by holders of shares entitled to vote at the meeting, which means that the 9 nominees receiving the largest number of affirmative votes will be elected to our Board. The proposals to amendmeeting. Under our Amended and Restated Charter to provide for("Charter"), the "affirmative vote of a majority of votes cast" means that the number of votes cast in favor of a nominee's election exceeds the number of votes cast against his or her election. You may vote in favor of or against the election of each nominee, or you may elect to abstain from voting standardyour shares.

What happens if a director fails to receive the required vote for election?

              If an incumbent director who is a nominee does not receive the required vote for election at the annual meeting, he or she must promptly tender a resignation as a director for consideration by the Board pursuant to our Board-approved director resignation policy contained in future uncontested electionsour Corporate Governance Guidelines. Each director standing for reelection at the annual meeting has agreed to resign, effective upon acceptance of directorssuch resignation by the Board, if he or she does not receive a majority vote. If the Board rejects the offered resignation, the director will continue to serve until the next annual shareholders' meeting and until his or her successor, is duly elected or his or her earlier resignation or removal in accordance with our Amended and Restated Bylaws ("Bylaws"). If the Board


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accepts the offered resignation, then the Board, in its sole discretion, may fill any resulting vacancy or decrease the size of the Board.

How many votes are needed to approve other matters?

              The compensation of our named executive officers will be approved, on an advisory basis, if the votes cast for the proposal exceed the votes cast against it. The vote on the compensation of our named executive officers is advisory and, therefore, not binding on Dollar General, our Board of Directors, or its Compensation Committee.

              The proposal to ratify the appointment of our independent registered public accounting firmauditor for 20132014 will be approved if the votes cast in favor of eachsuch proposal exceed the votes cast against it.

              With respect to the director elections, you may vote for all nominees or you may withhold your vote on one or more nominees. With respect to each of the otherthese proposals, and any other matter properly brought before the annual meeting, you may vote in favor of or against the proposal, or you may elect to abstain from voting your shares.

What are broker non-votes?

              Although your broker is the record holder of any shares that you hold in street name, it must vote those shares pursuant to your instructions. If you do not provide instructions, your broker may exercise discretionary voting power over your shares for "routine" items but not for "non-routine" items. All matters described in this proxy statement, except for the ratification of the appointment of our independent registered public accounting firm,auditor, are considered to be non-routine matters.

              "Broker non-votes" occur when shares held of record by a broker are not voted on a matter because the broker has not received voting instructions from the beneficial owner and either lacks or declines to exercise the authority to vote the shares in its discretion. Like abstentions, as long as a quorum is present, broker non-votes will have no effect on the outcome of a particular proposal.


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How will abstentions and broker non-votes be treated?

              Abstentions and broker non-votes, if any, will be treated as shares that are present and entitled to vote for purposes of determining whether a quorum is present but will not be counted as votes cast either in favor of or against a particular proposal and will have no effect on the outcome of a particular proposal.

Will my vote be confidential?

              Proxy instructions, ballots and voting tabulations that identify individual shareholders are handled in a manner that is intended to protect your voting privacy. Your vote will not be intentionally disclosed either within Dollar General or to third parties, except (1) as necessary to meet applicable legal requirements; (2) in a dispute regarding authenticity of proxies and ballots; (3) in the case of a contested proxy solicitation, if the other party soliciting proxies does not agree to comply with the confidential voting policy; (4) to allow for the tabulation of votes and certification of the vote; (5) to facilitate a successful proxy solicitation; or (6) when a shareholder makes a written comment on the proxy card or otherwise communicates the vote to management.


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PROPOSAL 1:
ELECTION OF DIRECTORS


What is the structure of the Board of Directors?

              Our Board of Directors must consist of 1 to 15 directors, with the exact number, currently fixed at 9,7, set by the Board pursuant to and in compliance with our shareholders' agreement with Buck Holdings, L.P., and the sponsor shareholders identified in that agreement.Board. All directors are elected annually by our shareholders.

Who are the nominees this year?

              The nominees for the Board of Directors consist of 9the 7 current directors. If elected, each nominee would hold office until the 20142015 annual meeting of shareholders and until his or her successor is elected and qualified. These nominees, their ages at the date of this document and the calendar year in which they first became a director are listed in the table below.

Name Age Director Since Age Director Since

Raj Agrawal

 40 2007

Warren F. Bryant

 67 2009 68 2009

Michael M. Calbert

 50 2007 51 2007

Sandra B. Cochran

 54 2012 55 2012

Richard W. Dreiling

 59 2008 60 2008

Patricia D. Fili-Krushel

 59 2012 60 2012

Adrian Jones

 48 2007

William C. Rhodes, III

 47 2009 48 2009

David B. Rickard

 66 2010 67 2010

What are the backgrounds of this year's nominees?

Mr. Agrawal joined Kohlberg Kravis Roberts & Co., L.P. ("KKR") in May 2006 and is the North American head of KKR's Infrastructure business. He previously was a member of KKR's Retail and Energy and Natural Resources industry teams. From 2002 to May 2006, he was a Vice President with Warburg Pincus, where he was involved in the execution and oversight of a number of investments in the energy and infrastructure sector. Mr. Agrawal's prior experience also includes Thayer Capital Partners, where he played a role in the firm's business and manufacturing services investments, and McKinsey & Co., where he provided strategic and mergers and acquisitions advice to clients in a variety of industries. KKR's affiliates indirectly own a substantial portion of our outstanding common stock through their investment in Buck Holdings, L.P. and related entities. Mr. Agrawal is a director of Colonial Pipeline Company and Bayonne Water JV Parent, LLC.

              Mr. Bryant served as the President and Chief Executive Officer of Longs Drug Stores Corporation, a retail drugstore chain on the West Coast and in Hawaii, from 2002 through 2008 and as its Chairman of the Board from 2003 through his retirement in 2008. Prior to joining Longs Drug Stores, he served as thea Senior Vice President of The Kroger Co., a retail grocery chain, from 1999 to 2002. Mr. Bryant is a director of OfficeMax IncorporatedOffice Depot, Inc. and Loblaw Companies Limited of Canada and a former director of George Weston LTD of Canada.

              Mr. Calbert joined KKR & Co. L.P. ("KKR") in January 2000 and has beenwas directly involved with several KKR portfolio companies. He headscompanies until his retirement in January 2014. Mr. Calbert led the Retail industry team within KKR's Private Equity platform. Heplatform prior to his retirement and now serves as a consultant to KKR. For information regarding our relationship with KKR, see "What related-party transactions existed in 2013 or are planned for 2014?" Mr. Calbert joined Randall's Food Markets beginning in 1994 and served as the Chief Financial Officer from 1997 until it was sold in September 1999. He joined KKR in January 2000. Mr. Calbert also previously worked as a certified public accountant and consultant with Arthur Andersen Worldwide from 1985-1994,1985 to 1994, where his


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primary focus was on the retail/retail and consumer industry. He served as our Chairman of the Board until December 2008. KKR's affiliates indirectly own a substantial portion of our outstanding common stock through their investment in Buck Holdings, L.P. and related entities. Mr. Calbert is a director of Toys "R" Us, Inc., US Foods, Inc., Pets at Home Ltd., and Academy, Ltd.

              Ms. Cochran has served as a director and as President and Chief Executive Officer of Cracker Barrel Old Country Store, Inc. since September 2011. She joined Cracker Barrel in April 2009 as Executive Vice President and Chief Financial Officer, and was named President and Chief Operating Officer in November 2010. She was previously Chief Executive Officer at book retailer Books-A-Million, Inc. from February 2004 to April 2009. She also served as that company's President (August 1999—February 2004), Chief Financial Officer (September 1993—August 1999) and Vice President of Finance (August 1992—September 1993). Ms. Cochran has over 20 years of experience in


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the retail industry. Ms. Cochran is a director of Cracker Barrel Old Country Store, Inc.Barrel. She served as a director of Books-A-Million Inc. from 2006 to 2009.

              Mr. Dreiling joined Dollar General in January 2008 as Chief Executive Officer and a member of our Board. He was appointed Chairman of the Board on December 2, 2008. Prior to joining Dollar General, Mr. Dreiling served as Chief Executive Officer, President and a director of Duane Reade Holdings, Inc. and Duane Reade Inc., the largest drugstore chain in New York City, from November 2005 until January 2008 and as Chairman of the Board of Duane Reade from March 2007 until January 2008. Prior to that, Mr. Dreiling, beginning in March 2005, served as Executive Vice President—Chief Operating Officer of Longs Drug Stores Corporation, an operator of a chain of retail drug storesdrugstore chain on the West Coast and in Hawaii, after having joined Longs in July 2003 as Executive Vice President and Chief Operations Officer. From 2000 to 2003, Mr. Dreiling served as Executive Vice President—Marketing, Manufacturing and Distribution at Safeway Inc., a food and drug retailer. Prior to that, Mr. Dreiling served from 1998 to 2000 as President of Vons, a Southern California food and drug division of Safeway. He currently serves as the Vice Chairman of the Retail Industry Leaders Association (RILA). Mr. Dreiling is a director of Lowe's Companies, Inc.

              Ms. Fili-Krushel has served as Chairman of NBCUniversal News Group, a division of NBCUniversal Media, LLC, composed of NBC News, CNBC, MSNBC and the Weather Channel, since July 2012. She previously served as Executive Vice President of NBCUniversal (January 2011—July 2012) with a broad portfolio of functions reporting to her, including Operationsoperations and Technical Services, Business Strategy, Human Resourcestechnical services, business strategy, human resources and Legal.legal. Prior to NBCUniversal, Ms. Fili-Krushel was Executive Vice President of Administration at Time Warner Inc. (July 2001—December 2010) where her responsibilities included oversight of philanthropy, corporate social responsibility, human resources, worldwide recruitment, employee development and growth, compensation and benefits, and security. Before joining Time Warner in July 2001, Ms. Fili-Krushel had been CEOChief Executive Officer of WebMD Health Corp. since April 2000. From July 1998 to April 2000, Ms. Fili-Krushel was President of the ABC Television Network, and from 1993 to 1998 she served as President of ABC Daytime. Before joining ABC, she had been with Lifetime Television since 1988. Prior to Lifetime, Ms. Fili-Krushel held several positions with Home Box Office. Before joining HBO, Ms. Fili-Krushel worked for ABC Sports in various positions.

              Mr. Jones has been with Goldman, Sachs & Co. since 1994. He is a managing director in Principal Investment Area (PIA) in New York where he focuses on consumer-related and healthcare opportunities. Affiliates of Goldman, Sachs & Co. indirectly own a substantial portion of our outstanding common stock through their investment in Buck Holdings, L.P. and related entities. Mr. Jones is a director of Biomet, Inc., Education Management Corporation, HealthMarkets, Inc. and Michael Foods Group, Inc. He also previously served on the board of directors of Burger King Holdings, Inc. from 2002 to 2008.


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Mr. Rhodes was elected Chairman of AutoZone, Inc., a specialty retailer and distributor of automotive replacement parts and accessories, in June 2007. He has served as President and Chief Executive Officer and as a director of AutoZone since 2005. Prior to his appointment as President and Chief Executive Officer, Mr. Rhodes was Executive Vice President—Store Operations and Commercial. Prior to 2004, he had been Senior Vice President—Supply Chain and Information Technology since 2002, and prior thereto had been Senior Vice President—Supply Chain since 2001. Prior to that time, he served in various capacities with AutoZone, including Vice President—Stores in 2000, Senior Vice President—Finance and Vice President—Finance in 1999, and Vice President—Operations Analysis and Support from 1997 to 1999. Prior to 1994, Mr. Rhodes was a manager with Ernst & Young, LLP.

              Mr. Rickard served as the Executive Vice President, Chief Financial Officer and Chief Administrative Officer of CVS Caremark Corporation, a retail pharmacy chain and provider of healthcare services and pharmacy benefits management, from September 1999 until his retirement in December 2009. Prior to joining CVS Caremark, Mr. Rickard was the Senior Vice President and Chief Financial Officer of RJR Nabisco Holdings Corporation from March 1997 to August 1999. Previously, he was Executive Vice President of International Distillers and Vintners Americas. Mr. Rickard is a director of Harris Corporation and Jones Lang LaSalle Incorporated. He served as a director


Table of The May Companies from January 2005 to August 2005.Contents

How are directors identified and nominated?

              All nominees for election as directors at the annual meeting are currently serving on our Board of Directors and were recommended to the Board for election or re-election asby the case may be, by our Board committee responsible for nominating and corporate governance matters, which was our combined Compensation, Nominating and Governance Committee prior to April 1, 2013, and since April 1, 2013 is a separate Nominating and Governance Committeeof our Board (the "Nominating Committee"). The Nominating Committee is responsible for identifying, evaluating and recommending director candidates, subject to the terms of the shareholders' agreement and Mr. Dreiling's employment agreement discussed below. Our Board is responsible for nominating the slate of directors for election by shareholders at the annual meeting.

              The charter of our Nominating Committee and our Corporate Governance Guidelines require the Nominating Committee to consider candidates submitted by our shareholders in accordance with the notice provisions of our Bylaws (see "Can shareholders nominate directors?" below) and to apply the same criteria to the evaluation of those candidates as it applies to other director candidates. The Nominating Committee may also use a variety of other methods to identify potential director candidates, such as recommendations by our directors, management, or third partythird-party search firms.

              In January 2012, when our Board consisted of seven directors, the Nominating Committee initiated a search for additional director candidates and retained a third-party search firm to assist in identifying potential future Board candidates who meet our qualification and experience requirements and to compile and evaluate information regarding the candidates' qualifications, experience and independence. Ms. Fili-Krushel was recommended as a candidate by the third party search firm while Ms. Cochran was recommended as a candidate by our CEO. Each of Ms. Fili-Krushel and Ms. Cochran was fully vetted by our third party search firm and by our Nominating Committee and our Board.

              Four of our directors, Messrs. Agrawal, Calbert, Dreiling and Jones, are managers of Buck Holdings, LLC, which serves as the general partner of Buck Holdings, L.P. The limited liability company agreement of Buck Holdings, LLC generally requires Buck Holdings, LLC to cause shares of our common stock held by Buck Holdings, L.P. to be voted in favor of any person designated to be a member of our Board pursuant to our shareholders' agreement with Buck Holdings, L.P.

              Pursuant to our shareholders' agreement with Buck Holdings, L.P. and the sponsor shareholders identified in that agreement, certain of our shareholders have the right to designate


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nominees to our Board, subject to their election by our shareholders at the annual meeting. Specifically, KKR 2006 Fund L.P., KKR PEI Investments, L.P., KKR Partners III, L.P., 8 North America Investor LP, and their respective permitted transferees (collectively, the "KKR Shareholders"), given the current ownership level of Buck Holdings, L.P. of our common stock, have the right to designate up to 10% of the number of total directors comprising our Board, as well as the right to designate one person to serve as a non-voting Board observer. Any fractional amount that results from determining the percentage of the total number of directors will be rounded up to the next whole number. The KKR Shareholders will retain these rights for as long as Buck Holdings, L.P. owns at least 5% of our outstanding common stock.

              The KKR Shareholders have the right to remove and replace their director-designee at any time and for any reason and to fill any vacancy otherwise resulting in such position.

              Pursuant to the shareholders' agreement, the KKR Shareholders have nominated Mr. Calbert to serve on our Board. Mr. Calbert, like all of our director nominees, is subject to election by our shareholders at the annual meeting.

              In addition, ourOur employment agreement with Mr. Dreiling requires Dollar General to (1) nominate him to serve as a member of our Board each year that he is slated for reelection to the Board; and (2) recommend to the Board that Mr. Dreiling serve as Chairman of the Board. Our failure to do so would give rise to a breach of contract claim.

How are nominees evaluated; what are the minimum qualifications?

              Subject to the shareholders' agreement and Mr. Dreiling's employment agreement discussed above, the Nominating Committee is charged with recommending to the Board of Directors only those candidates that it believes are qualified to becomeserve as Board members consistent with the criteria for selection of new directors adopted from time to time by the Board.Board and who have not achieved the age of 76, unless the Board has approved an exception to this limit on a case by case basis. We have a written policy to strive to have a Board representing diverse experience at policy-making levels in areas that are relevant to our business. To implement this policy, the Nominating Committee assesses diversity by evaluating each candidate's individual qualifications in the context of how that candidate would relate to the Board as a whole.whole and also considers more traditional concepts of diversity. The Committee periodically assesses the effectiveness of this policy by considering whether the Board as a whole represents such diverse experience and composition and by recommending to the Board changes to the criteria for selection of new directors as appropriate. The Committee recommends candidates, including those submitted by shareholders, only if it believes the candidate's knowledge, experience and expertise would strengthen the Board and that the candidate is committed to representing the long-term interests of all Dollar General shareholders.

              The Nominating Committee assesses a candidate's independence, background and experience, as well as the current Board's skill needs and diversity. With respect to incumbent directors selected for re-election, the Committee also assesses each director's meeting attendance record and the suitability offor continued service. In addition, individual directors and any nomineeall nominees should be in a position to devote an adequate amount of time to the effective performance of director duties and possess the following characteristics: integrity and accountability, informed judgment, financial literacy, a cooperative approach, a record of achievement, loyalty, and the ability to consult with and advise management.

What particular experience, qualifications, attributes or skills led the Board of Directors to conclude that each nominee should serve as a director of Dollar General?

              Our Board of Directors believes that each of the nominees can devote an adequate amount of time to the effective performance of director duties and possesses the minimum qualifications identified above. The Board has determined that the nominees, as a whole, complement each other, meet the Board's skill needs, and represent diverse experience at policy-making levels in areas relevant to our


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business. The Board also considered the following in determining that the nominees should serve as directors of Dollar General:


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Mr. Jones has 15 yearsTable of experience in governing private equity portfolio companies, including over 5.5 years with Dollar General. His 19 years at Goldman, Sachs & Co. have provided him with extensive understanding of corporate finance and strategic business planning activities. In addition, his experience as a director of public companies outside of the retail industry and his focus at Goldman Sachs on consumer and healthcare companies enables Mr. Jones to contribute a different perspective to Board discussions.Contents

              Acting upon the Nominating Committee's recommendation of the Nominating Committee and in accordance with the shareholders' agreement, our Board has concludedafter concluding that these nominees possess the appropriate experience, qualifications, attributes and skills, to serve as directors of Dollar General andour Board has unanimously nominated these individuals to be elected by our shareholders at our annual meeting.

Can shareholders nominate directors?

              The KKR Shareholders may nominate directors pursuant to the shareholders' agreement discussed above under "How are directors identified and nominated." Other shareholders can nominate directors by following the procedures outlined in our Bylaws. In short, the shareholder must deliver a written notice to our Corporate Secretary at 100 Mission Ridge, Goodlettsville, TN 37072 for receipt no earlier than the close of business on the 120th day and not later than the close of business on the 90th day prior to the first anniversary of the prior year's annual meeting. However, if the meeting is held more than 30 days before or more than 60 days after such anniversary date, the notice must be received no earlier than the close of business on the 120th day and not later than the close of business on the 90th day prior to the date of such annual meeting. If the first public announcement of the


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annual meeting date is less than 100 days prior to the date of such annual meeting, the notice must be received by the 10th day following the day on which the public announcement was made.date.

              The notice must contain all information required by our Bylaws about the shareholder proposing the nominee and about the nominee, which generally includes:


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              You should consult our Bylaws, posted on the "Investor Information—Corporate Governance" portion of our web sitewebsite located at www.dollargeneral.com, for more detailed information regarding the process by which shareholders may nominate directors. No shareholder nominees have been proposed for this year's meeting, other than the nominee designated pursuant to the shareholders' agreement as discussed above.annual meeting.

What if a nominee is unwilling or unable to serve?

              That is not expected to occur. If it does, the persons designated as proxies on your proxy card are authorized to vote your proxy for a substitute designated by our Board of Directors.

Are there any familial relationships between any of the nominees?

              There are no familial relationships between any of the nominees or between any of the nominees and any of our executive officers. See "Director Independence" below for a discussion of a familial relationship between Ms. Cochran and one of our non-executive officers.

What does the Board of Directors recommend?

              Our Board unanimously recommends that you voteFOR the election of each of the director nominees.


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CORPORATE GOVERNANCE


Does the Board of Directors have standing Audit, Compensation and Nominating Committees?

              Yes. Our Board of Directors has a standing Audit Committee, Compensation Committee and Nominating Committee. The Board has adopted a written charter for each of these committees, which are available on the "Investor Information—Corporate Governance" section of our website located at www.dollargeneral.com. Current information regarding each of these committees is set forth below.

Name of
Committee & Members

Committee Functions

AUDIT:

Mr. Rickard, Chairman
Mr. Bryant
Ms. Cochran

Selects the independent auditor

Pre-approves the independent auditor's audit engagement fees and terms and all permitted non-audit services and fees

Reviews an annual report describing the independent auditor's internal quality control procedures and any material issues raised by its most recent review of internal quality controls

Annually evaluates the independent auditor's qualifications, performance and independence, annually evaluates the lead audit partner, and periodically considers whether there should be a regular rotation of such firm

Discusses the audit scope and any audit problems or difficulties

Sets policies regarding the hiring of current and former employees of the independent auditor

Discusses the annual audited and quarterly unaudited financial statements with management and the independent auditor

Discusses types of information to be disclosed in earnings press releases and provided to analysts and rating agencies

Discusses policies governing the process by which risk assessment and risk management are to be undertaken

Reviews disclosures made by the CEO and CFO regarding any significant deficiencies or material weaknesses in our internal control over financial reporting

Reviews internal audit activities, projects and budget

Establishes procedures for receipt, retention and treatment of complaints we receive regarding accounting or internal controls

Discusses with our general counsel legal matters having an impact on financial statements

Periodically reviews and reassesses the committee's charter

Performs an annual self-assessment

Prepares the committee report required in our proxy statement

Evaluates and makes recommendations concerning shareholder proposals relating to matters within the committee's expertise


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Name of
Committee & Members

Committee Functions

COMPENSATION:

Mr. Bryant, Chairman
Ms. Fili-Krushel
Mr. Rhodes

Reviews and approves corporate goals and objectives relevant to the compensation of our CEO

Determines the compensation of our executive officers and recommends the compensation of our directors

Recommends, when appropriate, changes to our compensation philosophy and principles

Establishes our short-term incentive compensation program for senior officers

Establishes the long-term incentive compensation program and approves equity-based awards under such program

Oversees the share ownership guidelines for Board members and senior officers

Oversees the process for evaluating our senior officers

Reviews and discusses with management, prior to the filing of the proxy statement, the disclosure regarding executive compensation, including the Compensation Discussion and Analysis and compensation tables (in addition to preparing a report on executive compensation for the proxy statement)

Oversees and evaluates the independence of its compensation consultant and other advisors

Performs an annual self-evaluation

Evaluates and makes recommendations concerning shareholder proposals relating to matters within the committee's expertise

Periodically reviews and reassesses the committee's charter

NOMINATING AND

Develops and recommends criteria for selecting new directors

GOVERNANCE:

Screens and recommends to our Board individuals qualified to become

    Mr. Rhodes, Chairman
Ms. Cochran
Ms. Fili-Krushel

    members of our Board

Recommends the structure and membership of Board committees

Recommends persons to fill Board and committee vacancies

Develops and recommends Corporate Governance Guidelines and corporate governance practices

Oversees the process governing the evaluation of the Board

Performs an annual self-evaluation

Evaluates and makes recommendations concerning shareholder proposals relating to matters within the committee's expertise

Periodically reviews and reassesses the committee's charter

Does Dollar General have an audit committee financial expert serving on its Audit Committee?

              Yes. Our Board has designated Mr. Rickard and Ms. Cochran as audit committee financial experts and has determined that each is independent as defined in NYSE listing standards and in our Corporate Governance Guidelines. Such experts have the same responsibilities as the other Audit Committee members. They are not our auditors or accountants, do not perform "field work" and are not employees. The SEC has determined that designation as an audit committee financial expert will not cause a person to be deemed to be an "expert" for any purpose.


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How often did the Board and its committees meet in 2013?

              During 2013, our Board, Audit Committee, Compensation Committee and Nominating Committee met 6, 4, 4 and 2 times, respectively. Our Compensation Committee and our Nominating Committee were combined as a single Compensation, Nominating and Governance, or CNG, Committee for a portion of 2013 and such combined committee met 2 times in 2013. Each incumbent director attended at least 75% of the total of all meetings of the Board and all committees on which he or she served which were held during the period for which he or she was a director.

What is Dollar General's policy regarding Board member attendance at the annual meeting?

              Our Board of Directors has adopted a policy that all directors should attend annual shareholders' meetings unless attendance is not feasible due to unavoidable circumstances. All Board members attended the 2013 annual shareholders' meeting.

Does Dollar General combine the positions of Chairman and CEO?

              Yes. Mr. Dreiling serves as CEO and Chairman of our Board of Directors.Directors and CEO. Mr. Dreiling's employment agreement with us provides that Dollar General shall recommend to the Board that he serve as the Chairman of the Board for as long as he is employed under such agreement.

              The Board believes combining these roles provides an efficient and effective leadership model for Dollar General because, given his day-to-day involvement with and intimate understanding of our specific business, industry and management team, Mr. Dreiling is particularly suited to effectively identify strategic priorities, lead the discussion and execution of strategy, and facilitate information flow between management and the Board. The Board further believes that combining these roles fosters clear accountability, effective decision-making, and alignment on the development and execution of corporate strategy. To promote effective independent oversight, the Board has adopted a number of governance practices, including:

              The Board recognizes that no single leadership model is right for all companies and at all times, and the Board will review its leadership structure as appropriate to ensure it continues to be in the best interests of Dollar General and our shareholders.

What is the Board of Director's role in risk oversight?

              Our Board of Directors and its committees have an important role in our risk oversight process. Our Board regularly reviews with management our financial and business strategies, including relevant material risks as appropriate. Our General Counsel also periodically reviews with the Board our insurance coverage and programs as well as litigation risks.

              The Audit Committee discusses our policies with respect to risk assessment and risk management, primarily through oversight of our enterprise risk management program. Our Internal Audit department coordinates that program, which entails review and documentation of our comprehensive risk management practices. The program evaluates internal and external risks, identifies mitigation strategies, and assesses the remaining residual risk. The program is updated through


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interviews with senior management and our Board, review of strategic initiatives, evaluation of the fiscal budget, review of upcoming legislative or regulatory changes, and review of other outside information concerning business, financial, legal, reputational, and other risks. The results are presented to the Audit Committee at least annually. Quarterly, the categories with high residual risk, along with their mitigation strategies, are reviewed individually.

              Our Compensation Committee is responsible for overseeing the management of risks relating to our executive compensation program. As discussed under "Executive Compensation—Compensation Risk Considerations" below, the Compensation Committee also participates in periodic assessments of the risks relating to our overall compensation programs.

              While the Audit Committee and the Compensation Committee oversee the risk areas identified above, the entire Board is regularly informed about risks through committee reports. This enables the Board and its committees to coordinate the risk oversight role, particularly with respect to risk interrelationships. Our Board believes this division of risk management responsibilities effectively addresses the risks facing Dollar General. Accordingly, the risk oversight role of our Board and its committees has not had any effect on our Board's leadership structure.

Does Dollar General have a management succession plan?

              Yes. Our Corporate Governance Guidelines require our Board of Directors to coordinate with our CEO to ensure that a formalized process governs long-term management development and succession, including succession in the event of an emergency or the retirement of our CEO.succession. Our Board formally reviews our management succession plan at least annually. Our comprehensive program encompasses not only our CEO and other executive officers but all employees through the front-line supervisory level. The program focuses on key succession elements, including identification of potential successors for positions where it has been determined that internal succession is appropriate, assessment of each potential successor's level of readiness, and preparation of individual growth and development plans. With respect to CEO succession planning, the Company's long-term business strategy is also considered. In addition, we maintain at all times, and review with the Board periodically, a confidential procedure for the timely and efficient transfer of the CEO's responsibilities in the event of an emergency or his sudden incapacitation or departure.


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Are there share ownership guidelines for Board members and senior officers?

              Yes. ShareDetails of our share ownership guidelines for Board members and senior officers, summarized below, are included in our Corporate Governance Guidelines. Please see the Corporate Governance Guidelines for details of the share ownership guidelines.

              For Board members, the guideline is 34 times the annual cash retainer payable for service on our Board as in effect on January 1, 2011 (or, if later, the date on which the director joined or joins our Board) to be achieved within 5 years of August 24, 2011 (or, if later, within 5 years of the date on which the director joined or joins our Board). At least 1 times the annual cash retainer in effect at the time the director joined or joins our Board should be acquired prior to joining the Board (or as soon after as practicable).

              For senior officers, the guideline is a multiple, as set forth below, of the officer's annual base salary as in effect on April 1, 2013 (or, if later, the officer's hire or promotion date) to be achieved within 5 years of the later of April 1, 2013 or the April 1 next following such person's hire or promotion date.

Officer Level
 Multiple of Base Salary 

CEO

  5X 

    COO/EVP

  3X 

SVP

  2X
 

What is Dollar General's policy regarding Board member attendance at the annual meeting?

              Our Board of Directors has adopted a policy that all directors should attend annual shareholders' meetings unless attendance is not feasible due to unavoidable circumstances. All Board members serving at the time attended the 2012 annual shareholders' meeting.

Does the Board have standing Audit, Compensation and Nominating Committees?

              Yes. Our Board of Directors has a standing Audit Committee, Compensation Committee and Nominating and Governance Committee. The Board has adopted a written charter for each of these committees which are available on the "Investor Information—Corporate Governance" portion of our web site located at www.dollargeneral.com.

              The Board has determined that all current members of each of the Audit Committee, the Compensation Committee and the Nominating and Governance Committee are independent as defined in the NYSE listing standards and in our Corporate Governance Guidelines. Prior to April 2013, when the Compensation Committee did not consist solely of independent directors, the Board had established a subcommittee of the Compensation Committee consisting solely of independent directors (at various points in time including Messrs. Bryant, Rhodes and Rickard and Ms. Fili-Krushel) for purposes of approving any compensation that may otherwise be subject to Section 162(m) of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended. In addition, a subcommittee of our Nominating Committee consisting of Messrs. Bryant and Calbert oversaw the search for additional directors that was launched in January 2012.

              Current information regarding each of these committees is set forth below. Ms. Cochran joined the Audit Committee on December 5, 2012. Messrs. Calbert and Jones served on our combined Compensation, Nominating and Governance Committee (the "CNG Committee") until April 1, 2013, Mr. Agrawal served on the CNG Committee until June 26, 2012, Mr. Rickard served on the CNG Committee from June 26, 2012 to October 15, 2012, and Ms. Fili-Krushel joined the CNG Committee


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on October 15, 2012. Effective April 1, 2013, we separated our CNG Committee into a separate Compensation Committee and a Nominating and Governance Committee.

Name of
Committee & Members

Committee Functions

AUDIT:

Mr. Rickard, Chairman
Mr. Bryant
Ms. Cochran

Selects the independent registered public accounting firm

Pre-approves all audit engagement fees and terms, as well as audit and permitted non-audit services to be provided by the independent registered public accounting firm

Reviews an annual report describing the independent registered public accounting firm's internal quality control procedures and any material issues raised by its most recent review of internal quality controls

Annually evaluates the independent registered public accounting firm's qualifications, performance and independence

Discusses the audit scope and any audit problems or difficulties

Sets policies regarding the hiring of current and former employees of the independent registered public accounting firm

Discusses the annual audited and quarterly unaudited financial statements with management and the independent registered public accounting firm

Discusses types of information to be disclosed in earnings press releases and provided to analysts and rating agencies

Discusses policies governing the process by which risk assessment and risk management is to be undertaken

Reviews disclosures made by the CEO and CFO regarding any significant deficiencies or material weaknesses in our internal control over financial reporting

Reviews internal audit activities, projects and budget

Establishes procedures for receipt, retention and treatment of complaints we receive regarding accounting or internal controls

Discusses with our general counsel legal matters having an impact on financial statements

Periodically reviews and reassesses the committee's charter

Provides information to our Board that may be relevant to the annual evaluation of the Board and its committees

Prepares the report required by the SEC to be included in our proxy statement

Evaluates and makes recommendations to our Board concerning shareholder proposals relating to matters of which the committee has expertise


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Name of
Committee & Members

Committee Functions

COMPENSATION:

Mr. Bryant, Chairman
Ms. Fili-Krushel
Mr. Rhodes

Reviews and approves corporate goals and objectives relevant to the compensation of our chief executive officer

Determines the compensation of our executive officers and recommends the compensation of our directors

Recommends, when appropriate, changes to our compensation philosophy and principles

Oversees overall compensation and benefits programs

Recommends any changes in our incentive compensation and equity-based plans that are subject to Board approval

Oversees the evaluation of senior management

Reviews and discusses with management, prior to the filing of the proxy statement, the disclosure regarding executive compensation, including the Compensation Discussion and Analysis and compensation tables (in addition to preparing a report on executive compensation for the proxy statement)

Provides information to our Board that may be relevant to the annual evaluation of the Board and its committees

Evaluates and makes recommendations to our Board concerning shareholder proposals relating to matters of which the committee has expertise

Periodically reviews and reassesses the committee's charter

NOMINATING AND

Develops and recommends criteria for selecting new directors

GOVERNANCE:

Screens and recommends to our Board individuals qualified to become

    Mr. Rhodes, Chairman
Ms. Cochran
Ms. Fili-Krushel

    members of our Board

Recommends the structure and membership of Board committees

Recommends persons to fill Board and committee vacancies

Develops and recommends Corporate Governance Guidelines

Oversees the evaluation of the Board

Evaluates and makes recommendations to our Board concerning shareholder proposals relating to matters of which the committee has expertise

Periodically reviews and reassesses the committee's charter

Does Dollar General have an audit committee financial expert serving on its Audit Committee?

              Yes. Our Board has designated Mr. Rickard and Ms. Cochran as audit committee financial experts and has determined that each is independent as defined in NYSE listing standards and in our Corporate Governance Guidelines. Such experts have the same responsibilities as the other Audit Committee members. They are not our auditors or accountants, do not perform "field work" and are not employees. The SEC has determined that designation as an audit committee financial expert will not cause a person to be deemed to be an "expert" for any purpose.

How often did the Board and its committees meet in 2012?

              During 2012, our Board, Audit Committee, and CNG Committee met 7, 4, and 5 times, respectively. Each director attended at least 75% of the total of all meetings of the Board and all committees (including ad hoc committees) on which he served.


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What is the Board's role in risk oversight?

              Our Board of Directors and its committees have an important role in our risk oversight process. Our Board regularly reviews with management our financial and business strategies, which reviews include a discussion of relevant material risks as appropriate. Our General Counsel also periodically reviews with the Board our insurance coverage and programs as well as litigation risks.

              The Audit Committee discusses our policies with respect to risk assessment and risk management, primarily through oversight of our enterprise risk management program. Our Internal Audit department coordinates that program, which entails review and documentation of our comprehensive risk management practices. The program evaluates internal and external risks, identifies mitigation strategies, and assesses the remaining residual risk. The program is updated through interviews with senior management and our Board, review of strategic initiatives, evaluation of the fiscal budget, review of upcoming legislative or regulatory changes, and review of other outside information concerning business, financial, legal, reputational, and other risks. Semi-annually the results are presented to the Audit Committee. Quarterly, the categories with high residual risk, along with their mitigation strategies, are discussed individually.

              Our Compensation Committee is responsible for overseeing the management of risks relating to our executive compensation program. In addition, as discussed under "Executive Compensation—Compensation Risk Considerations" below, the Compensation Committee also participates in periodic assessments of the risks relating to our overall compensation programs.

              While the Audit Committee and the Compensation Committee oversee the risk areas identified above, the entire Board is regularly informed through committee reports about such risks. This enables the Board and its committees to coordinate the risk oversight role, particularly with respect to risk interrelationships. Our Board believes this division of risk management responsibilities effectively addresses the risks facing Dollar General. Accordingly, the risk oversight role of our Board and its committees has not had any effect on our Board's leadership structure.

How can I communicate with the Board of Directors?

              Our Board-approved process for security holders and other interested parties to contact the Board of Directors, a particular director, or the non-management directors or the independent directors as a group is described on www.dollargeneral.com under "Investor Information—Corporate Governance."

Where can I find more information about Dollar General's corporate governance practices?

              Our governance-related information is posted on www.dollargeneral.com under "Investor Information—Corporate Governance," including our Corporate Governance Guidelines, Code of Business Conduct and Ethics, the charter of each of the Audit Committee, the Compensation Committee and the Nominating and Governance Committee, and the namesname(s) of the persons chosen to lead the executive sessions of the non-management directors and of the independent directors. This information is available in print to any shareholder who sends a written request to: Investor Relations, Dollar General Corporation, 100 Mission Ridge, Goodlettsville, TN 37072.


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DIRECTOR COMPENSATION


              The following table and text discusssummarize the compensation earned by or paid to each of our non-employee Board members for 2012.2013. Mr. Dreiling was not separately compensated for his service on the Board; his compensation for service as our CEO is discussed under "Executive Compensation" below. We have omitted the columns pertaining to non-equity incentive plan compensation and change in pension value and nonqualified deferred compensation earnings because they are inapplicable.


Fiscal 20122013 Director Compensation

Name Fees
Earned
or Paid
in Cash
($)(1)
 Stock
Awards
($)(2)
 Option
Awards
($)(3)
 All Other
Compensation
($)(4)
 Total
($)
  Fees
Earned
or Paid
in Cash
($)(2)
 Stock
Awards
($)(3)
 Option
Awards
($)(4)
 All Other
Compensation
($)(5)
 Total
($)
 

Raj Agrawal(1)

 75,000 51,780 56,495  183,275  69,497 52,204 61,302 1,500 184,503 

Warren F. Bryant

 84,000 51,780 56,495  192,275  87,750 52,204 61,302  201,256 

Michael M. Calbert

 92,500 51,780 56,495  200,775  94,712 52,204 61,302  208,218 

Sandra B. Cochran

 5,503    5,503  75,000 104,740 119,693  299,433 

Patricia D. Fili-Krushel

 15,897 49,570 53,239  118,706  76,500 52,204 61,302  190,006 

Adrian Jones(1)

 75,000 51,780 56,495  183,275  69,497 52,204 61,302 1,500 184,503 

William C. Rhodes, III

 84,000 51,780 56,495  192,275  84,000 52,204 61,302  197,506 

David B. Rickard

 95,500 51,780 56,495  203,775  92,500 52,204 61,302  206,006
 

(1)
Messrs. Agrawal and Jones resigned from our Board effective December 5, 2013.

(2)
In addition to the annual Board retainer, prorated in the case of Messrs. Agrawal and Jones, each director received payment for the following number of excess meetings: Mr. Bryant (6)(4); Mr. Rhodes (6)Ms. Fili-Krushel (2); and Mr. Rickard (2)Rhodes (3). Messrs. Bryant, Calbert, Rhodes, and Rickard also received an annual retainer for service as the Compensation Committee Chairman, the CNG Committee Chairman, the Nominating Committee Chairman, and the Audit Committee Chairman, respectively.respectively, prorated as applicable for Messrs. Bryant, Calbert, and Rhodes. Mr. Calbert further received a prorated annual retainer for service as the lead director.

(2)(3)
Represents the aggregate grant date fair value of restricted stock units awarded to Ms. Cochran on March 18, 2013 in connection with her appointment to the Board in December 2012 (with an individual grant date fair value of $52,536), as well as to each director (other than Mss. Cochran and Fili-Krushel)(including Ms. Cochran) on June 1, 2012, and to Ms. Fili-Krushel on December 4, 2012, in each caseMay 29, 2013, computed in accordance with FASB ASC Topic 718. Information regarding assumptions made in the valuation of these awards is included in Note 1110 of the annual consolidated financial statements in our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended February 1, 2013,January 31, 2014, filed with the SEC on March 25, 201320, 2014 (our "2012"2013 Form 10-K"). As of February 1, 2013,January 31, 2014, each directorof the persons listed in the table above had 1,757the following total unvested restricted stock units outstanding, except for Mss.outstanding: each of Messrs. Agrawal and Jones (0); each of Messrs. Bryant, Calbert, Rhodes, and Rickard (2,024); Ms. Cochran and(2,060); Ms. Fili-Krushel who respectively had 0 and 1,034 total unvested restricted stock units outstanding.(1,656).

(3)(4)
Represents the aggregate grant date fair value of stock options awarded to Ms. Cochran on March 18, 2013 in connection with her appointment to the Board in December 2012 (with an individual grant date fair value of $58,391), as well as to each director other than Mss. Cochran and Fili-Krushel(including Ms. Cochran) on June 1, 2012, and to Ms. Fili-Krushel on December 4, 2012, in each caseMay 29, 2013, computed in accordance with FASB ASC Topic 718. Information regarding assumptions made in the valuation of these awards is included in Note 1110 of the annual consolidated financial statements in our 20122013 Form 10-K. As of February 1, 2013,January 31, 2014, each directorof the persons listed in the table above had 12,923the following total unexercised stock options outstanding (whether or not then exercisable), except for: Mr. Agrawal (0); each of Messrs. Bryant, Calbert, and Rhodes (16,917); Ms. Cochran (8,281); Ms. Fili-Krushel (8,053); Mr. Jones (8,192); and Mr. Rickard and Mss. Cochran and Fili-Krushel who respectively had 12,680, 0 and 4,059 total unexercised stock options outstanding (whether or not then exercisable)(16,674).

(4)(5)
Perquisites and personal benefits, if any, totaled less than $10,000 per director. The amount reported for each of Messrs. Agrawal and Jones represents cash reimbursement for taxes in connection with a retirement gift.

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              The Compensation Committee is responsible for recommendingrecommends, and the Board approves, the form and amount of director compensation for consideration and approval by our Board. Thecompensation. As part of this process, the Committee may consult with or review information provided by Meridian Compensation Partners ("Meridian"), its independent consultant, ("Meridian"), regarding the form and amount of director compensation and also welcomesmay consider the input of our CEO and our Chief People Officer, butOfficer. However, the Committee and the Board retain and exercise ultimate decision-making authority regarding director compensation. We do not compensate for Board service any director who also serves as our employee. We will reimburse directors for certain fees and expenses incurred in connection with continuing education seminars and for travel and related expenses related to Dollar General business.

              For 2012,2013, each non-employee director received quarterly payment (prorated as applicable) of the following cash compensation, as applicable:

              Effective April 1, 2013, we separated our CNG Committee into the Compensation Committee and the Nominating Committee. We also named a lead director effective March 19, 2013. As a result, all of the associated retainers for 2013 were prorated accordingly.

              In addition, except as provided below, each non-employee director received an annual equity awardawards under our Amended and Restated 2007 Stock Incentive Plan withare granted annually to each non-employee director who is elected or reelected at the shareholders' meeting or who is appointed after the annual shareholders' meeting but before February 1 of a given year. The equity award has an estimated value of $125,000 on the grant date, as determined by Meridian using economic variables such as the trading price of our common stock, expected volatility of the stock trading prices of similar companies, and the terms of the awards. Sixty percent of this value consistedconsists of non-qualified stock options to purchase shares of our common stock ("Options") and 40% consistedconsists of restricted stock units payable in shares of our common stock ("RSUs"). The Options willare scheduled to vest as to 25% of the Optionsaward and the RSUs willare scheduled to vest as to 331/3% of the award on each of the first four and three anniversaries of the grant date, respectively, in each case subject to the director's continued service on our Board. Directors may elect to defer receipt of shares underlying the RSUs. Ms. Cochran received her annual equity award in March 2013 consistent with these terms and parameters.

              We anticipate granting similar equity awards annually to those non-employee directors who are elected or reelected at each applicable shareholders' meeting. Any new director appointed after the annual shareholders' meeting but before February 1 of a given year, as was the case with Mss. Cochran and Fili-Krushel, will receive a full equity award no later than the first regularly scheduled Compensation Committee meeting following the date on which he or she is appointed. Any new director appointed on or after February 1 of a given year but before the next annual shareholders' meeting shall be eligible to receive the next regularly scheduled annual award.

              The compensation program described above was similar to that in place in 2011 but was slightly revised for 2012 as a result of a market benchmarking review. In 2011, afterAfter reviewing with Meridian our Board compensation program relative to our market comparator group, including an analysis provided by Meridian, the Compensation Committee determined that 2011 total compensation was approximately 29% below the market median, with the shortfall in the equity component. Accordingly, the Committee recommended, and the Board approved, the following revised annual retainer and meeting fees effective February 1, 2014:


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DIRECTOR INDEPENDENCE


Is Dollar General subject to the NYSE governance rules regarding director independence?

              Yes. A majority of our directors must be independent in accordance with the independence requirements set forth in the NYSE listing standards. In addition, the Audit Committee, the Compensation Committee and the Nominating and Governance Committee must be composed solely of independent directors to comply with such listing standards and, in the case of the Audit Committee, with SEC rules. The NYSE listing standards define specific relationships that disqualify directors from being independent and further require that for a director to qualify as "independent," the Board must affirmatively determine that the director has no material relationship with our company.Dollar General. The SEC's rules and the NYSE listing standards contain a separate definitiondefinitions of independence for members of audit committees and the NYSE listing standards contain a separate definition (to take effect in 2013) of independence for compensation committees.committees, respectively.

How does the Board of Directors determine director independence?

              The Board of Directors affirmatively determines the independence of each director and director nominee in accordance with guidelines it has adopted, which include all elements of independence set forth in the NYSE listing standards and SEC rules as well as certain Board-adopted categorical independence standards. These guidelines are contained in our Corporate Governance Guidelines, which are posted on the "Investor Information—Corporate Governance" portionsection of our web sitewebsite located at www.dollargeneral.com.

              The Board first analyzes whether any director or director nominee has a relationship covered by the NYSE listing standards that would prohibit an independence finding for Board Audit Committee, Compensation Committee or Nominating and Governance Committeecommittee purposes. The Board then analyzes any relationship of the remaining eligible directors and nominees towith Dollar General or to our management that falls outside the parameters of the Board's separately adopted categorical independence standards to determine whether or not that relationship is material. The Board may determine that a director or nominee who has a relationship that falls outside of thesuch parameters of the categorical independence standards is nonetheless independent (to the extent thatbecause the relationship wouldis not constitute a barconsidered to independence under the NYSE listing standards).be material. Any director who has a material relationship with Dollar General or its management is not considered to be independent. TheAbsent special circumstances, the Board does not consider or analyze any relationship that falls within the parameters of the Board's separately adopted categorical independence standards.

Are all of the current directors and nominees independent?

              No. Our Board of Directors consists of Raj Agrawal, Warren F. Bryant, MikeMichael M. Calbert, Sandra B. Cochran, Richard W. Dreiling, Patricia D. Fili-Krushel, Adrian Jones, BillWilliam C. Rhodes and DaveDavid B. Rickard. Messrs. Bryant and Rickard and Ms. Cochran serve on our Audit Committee, Messrs. Bryant and Rhodes and Ms. Fili-Krushel serve on our Compensation Committee, and Mr. Rhodes and Mss. Cochran and Fili-Krushel serve on our Nominating and Governance Committee.

              Our Board of Directors has affirmatively determined that Messrs. Bryant, Calbert, Rhodes and Rickard and Mss. Cochran and Fili-Krushel, but not Messrs. Agrawal, Calbert,Mr. Dreiling, or Jones, are independent from our management under both the NYSE'sNYSE listing standards and our additional standards. Except as described below, any relationship between an independent director and Dollar General or our management fell within the Board-adopted categorical standards and, accordingly, was not reviewed or considered by our Board. The Board has also determined that the currently servingcurrent members of the Audit Committee, the Compensation Committee and the CompensationNominating Committee meet the independence requirements for membership on those committees set forth in the NYSE listing standards, our additional standards and, as to the Audit Committee, SEC rules.


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for membership              Raj Agrawal and Adrian Jones served on thoseour Board committees set forth in the NYSE listing standards (including the additional requirements for the Compensation Committee to take effect in 2013) and, as to theuntil December 5, 2013. Mr. Rhodes served on our Audit Committee SEC rules.through March 31, 2013. Messrs. Calbert and Jones, who were not independent during 2013, served on our combined CNG Committee through March 31, 2013, in reliance upon NYSE transition rules for a formerly "controlled company" that did not require full independence of the membership of our CNG Committee until April 2, 2013.When our Board last considered the matter, it did not deem Messrs. Agrawal and Jones to be independent from our management.

              Our Board previously determined that Mr. Calbert did not qualify as an independent director as a result of KKR's business transactions and affiliation with Dollar General. Following Mr. Calbert's retirement from KKR in January 2014 and in light of KKR's exit from Dollar General in December 2013, the Board reconsidered Mr. Calbert's independence status. The Board determined that, because KKR is no longer an affiliate of Dollar General and Mr. Calbert is no longer an employee of KKR, his consulting relationship with KKR does not constitute a material relationship with Dollar General or its management. Accordingly, the Board determined Mr. Calbert to be independent effective March 19, 2014.

              In reaching the determination that Ms. Cochran is independent, the Board considered that Ms. Cochran's brother, Stephen Brophy, has served as a Vice President of the Company (a non-executive position) since 2009. For 2012,2013, Mr. Brophy earned from the Company total cash compensation (comprised of his base salary and bonus compensation) of less than $300,000.$250,000. In addition, Mr. Brophy received from the Company on March 20, 2012 an equity award of 4,729 non-qualified stock options to purchase shares of the Company's Common Stock and a target award of 825 performance share units (814 of which were earned as a result of the Company's level of achievement of applicable financial performance measures for 2012) and on March 18, 2013 an equity award of 2,999 non-qualified stock options to purchase shares of the Company's Common Stock,Dollar General's common stock, a target award of 707 performance share units (279 of which were earned as a result of Dollar General's level of achievement of applicable financial performance measures for 2013), and 711 restricted stock units, and on March 18, 2014 he received an equity award of 3,034 non-qualified stock options to purchase shares of Dollar General's common stock, between 0 and 1,4141,707 performance share units, with a targeted amount of 707569 (the exact amount to be determined based upon the Company'sDollar General's fiscal 20132014 financial performance), and 711566 restricted stock units, in each case on terms substantially similar to awards described in the Company'sDollar General's Annual Proxy Statement filed with the SEC on April 5, 201211, 2013 and in this Proxy Statement. The Company doesWe do not expect Mr. Brophy's cash compensation arrangements for 20132014 to materially differ from his 2012 cash compensation.2013 compensation arrangements.

              Mr. Brophy also participatesis eligible to participate in employee benefits plans and programs available to our other full timefull-time employees. Ms. Cochran does not participate in any consideration or decision-making related to Mr. Brophy's compensation or performance evaluations. Mr. Brophy's cash compensation wasand equity awards were approved by the Compensation Committee pursuant to the Company's related party transactionrelated-party transactions approval policy.


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TRANSACTIONS WITH MANAGEMENT AND OTHERS


Does the Board of Directors have a policy for the review,related-party transactions approval or ratification of related-party transactions?policy?

              Yes. Our Board of Directors has adopted a written policy for the review, approval or ratification of "related party" transactions. A "related party" for this purpose includes our directors, director nominees, executive officers and greater than 5% shareholders, and any of their immediate family members, and a "transaction" includes one in which (1) the total amount may exceed $120,000, (2) Dollar General is a participant, and (3) a related party will have a direct or indirect material interest (other than as a director or a less than 10% owner of another entity, or both).

              Pursuant to this policy and subject to certain exceptions identified below, all known related party transactions require prior Board approval. In addition, at least annually after receiving a list of immediate family members and affiliates from our directors and executive officers, and greater than 5% shareholders, the Corporate Secretary inquires of relevant internal departments to determine whether any transactions were unknowingly entered into with a related party and presents a list of such transactions, subject to certain exceptions identified below, to the Board for review.

              AsOur Chairman and Chief Executive Officer, Mr. DreilingCEO is authorized to approve a related party transaction in which he is not involved if the total anticipated amount is expected to be less than $1 million and he informs the Board of such transactions.the transaction. The following transactions below are deemed pre-approved without Board review or approval:

              The policy prohibits the related party from participatingmay not participate in any discussion or approval of the transaction and requires the related party tomust provide to the Board all material information concerning the transaction.


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What related-party transactions existed in 20122013 or are planned for 2013?2014?

              We describe below the transactions that have occurred since the beginning of 2012,2013, and any currently proposed transactions, that involve Dollar General and exceed $120,000 and in which a related party had or has a direct or indirect material interest. In addition, weWe also describe below certainselect other relationships between Dollar General and related parties in which a related party has an interest that may not be material.

              Relationships with Management.    Simultaneously with the closing of our 2007 merger and thereafter through May 2011, we, Buck Holdings L.P. and certain of our employees (collectively, "management shareholders") entered into shareholder's agreements (each, a "Management Stockholder's Agreement") that impose significant restrictions on transfer of covered shares of our common stock held by the management shareholders. Generally, shares are nontransferable prior to the fifth anniversary of either the closing date of our 2007 merger or a later specified date (depending on the terms of the applicable agreement) except (i) sales pursuant to an effective registration statement filed by us under the Securities Act of 1933 (the "Securities Act") in accordance with the Management Stockholder's Agreement, (ii) a sale to certain permitted transferees, or (iii) as otherwise permitted by our Board of Directors or pursuant to a waiver of the transfer restrictions; provided, that, in the event KKR or its affiliates transfer their limited partnership units to a third party, such transfer restrictions shall lapse with respect to the same proportion of shares of common stock owned by a management shareholder as the proportion of limited partnership units transferred by KKR and such affiliates relative to the aggregate number of limited partnership units they owned prior to such transfer. Following our initial public offering in 2009, we amended the Management Stockholder's Agreements to exclude from the transfer restrictions any shares acquired in the open market or through the directed share program administered as part of the initial public offering. Shares acquired by executive officers in the open market or through the directed share program will still be subject to any lock-up arrangements with the underwriters of any public offering of shares. Limited waivers of the transfer restrictions on a certain percentage of the shares subject to the Management Stockholder's Agreement have been granted since 2009, and a complete waiver of all remaining transfer restrictions, including those applicable to Mr. Vasos and to two other of our Executive Vice Presidents, Messrs. Flanigan and Ravener, was granted on February 1, 2013. These transfer restrictions had expired for a significant number of management shareholders, including some of our executive officers (Messrs. Dreiling and Tehle and Mss. Lanigan and Elliott) in July 2012.

              In the event that a registration statement is filed with respect to our common stock, the Management Stockholder's Agreement prohibits management shareholders from selling shares not included in the registration statement from receipt of notice that we have filed or intend to file such registration statement until 180 days (in the case of an initial public offering) or 90 days (in the case of any other public offering) of the effective date of the registration statement, unless the underwriters, if any, agree to a shorter period. The Management Stockholder's Agreement also enables the management shareholder to cause us to repurchase his or her covered stock and vested options in the event of his or her death or disability, and enables us to cause the management shareholder to sell his or her covered stock or options to us upon certain termination events, all for the period of time specified in the Management Stockholder's Agreement. These put and call rights expired for a significant number of the management shareholders, including some of our executive officers (Messrs. Dreiling and Tehle and Mss. Lanigan and Elliott), in July 2012 and are scheduled to expire for our remaining covered executive officers at various points in 2013.

              Certain members of senior management, including our executive officers other than Mr. Sparks (the "Senior Management Shareholders"), have limited "piggyback" registration rights with respect to their shares of our common stock in the event that certain investors sell, or cause to be sold, shares of our common stock in a public offering. Such rights may be voluntarily extended to other members of management as determined by our Board in connection with any given future such sale by certain


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investors. See the description of the registration rights agreement under "Relationships with the Investors" below. During 2010, we amended these rights to allow for their accumulation by any employee entitled, but who elects not, to exercise such rights in a given offering. The Senior Management Shareholders waived their piggyback registration rights arising from our initial public offering in 2009 in consideration of our releasing them from the transfer restrictions contained in the Management Stockholder's Agreements after the expiration of a 180-day restricted period with respect to a number of shares of our common stock equal to the number of shares that such Senior Management Shareholders could have required us to register in connection with our initial public offering.

              See "Director Independence" for a discussion of a familial relationship between Ms. Cochran and one of our non-executive officers and compensation paid to that officer during 2012 and 2013.

              Interlocks.    Mr. Dreiling serves as a manager of Buck Holdings, LLC for which Messrs. Calbert, Agrawal and Jones (each of whom served on our CNG Committee for all or part of 2012) serve as managers.

              Relationships with the Investors.Related Party Transactions.    In connection with our initial public offering in 2009, we entered into a shareholders' agreement with affiliates of each of KKR and Goldman, Sachs & Co. Among its other terms, the shareholders' agreement establishesestablished certain rights with respect to our corporate governance, including the designation of directors. For additional information regarding those rights, see "How are directors identified and nominated" elsewhere in this document.

              In July 2007, we andThe shareholders' agreement effectively terminated after Buck Holdings, L.P. entered into an indemnification agreement with KKR and Goldman, Sachs & Co. pursuant to which we agreed to provide customary indemnification to such parties and their affiliatessold its remaining shareholdings in connection with certain claims and liabilities incurredDollar General in connection with certain transactions involving such parties, including the financing for our 2007 merger and pursuant to services provided under our sponsor advisory agreement with such parties that was entered into in 2007 and terminated in 2009.December 2013.

              In connection with our 2007 merger, we entered into a registration rights agreement with Buck Holdings, L.P., Buck Holdings, LLC, KKR and Goldman, Sachs & Co. (and certain of their affiliated investment funds), among certain other parties. Pursuant to this agreement, investment funds affiliated with KKR havehad an unlimited number of demand registration rights and investment funds affiliated with Goldman, Sachs & Co. havehad two demand registration rights which cancould be exercised once a year. Pursuant to such demand registration rights, we arewere required to register with the SEC the shares of common stock beneficially owned by them through Buck Holdings, L.P. for sale by them to the public, provided that each of them holdheld at least $100 million in registrable securities and such registration iswould reasonably be expected to result in aggregate gross proceeds of $50 million. We are not obligated to file a registration statement relating to any request to register shares pursuant to such demand registration rights without KKR's consent within a period of 180 days after the effective date of any other registration statement we file pursuant to such demand registration rights. In addition, in the event that we are registeringregistered additional shares of common stock for sale to the public, whether on behalf of us or the investment funds as described above, we mustwere required to give notice of such registration to all parties to the registration rights agreement, including the Senior Management Shareholders,our executive officers other than Messrs. Sparks and D'Arezzo, and such persons havehad piggyback registration rights providing them the right to have us include the shares of common stock owned by them in any such registration. In each such event, we arewere required to pay the registration expenses. Such demand and piggyback registration rights have expired as a result of the sale by Buck Holdings, L.P. of its remaining shareholdings in Dollar General in December 2013.

              Pursuant to this registration rights agreement and the demand registration rights thereunder, a secondary offeringsoffering of our common stock werewas completed in April June and October 20122013 for which affiliates of KKR and of Goldman, Sachs & Co. served as underwriters. Dollar General did not sell shares of common stock, receive proceeds, or pay any underwriting fees in connection with any of thesethe secondary offerings,offering, but paid resulting aggregate expenses of approximately $1.4 million in connection


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with these secondary offerings.$0.5 million. Certain members of our management, including certain of our executive officers, exercised piggyback registration rights in connection with such offerings.offering. The underwriters, including affiliates of KKR and Goldman, Sachs & Co., waived their fee for members of our management who participated in the October 2012 secondary offering. To the extent additional secondary offerings of our common stock are completed in fiscal 2013, we expect affiliates of KKR and Goldman, Sachs & Co. to serve as underwriters and for us to pay resulting expenses, in each case consistent with the 2012 secondary offerings.

              Concurrent with the closing of the April 2012 secondary offering and pursuant to a Share Repurchase Agreement between Dollar General and Buck Holdings L.P., dated March 25, 2012, Dollar General purchased 6,817,311 shares of Common Stock from Buck Holdings L.P. for an aggregate purchase price of $300 million, or $44.00562 per share which represents the per share price to the public in the secondary offering less underwriting discounts and commissions. Of such shares, affiliates of KKR and Goldman, Sachs & Co. sold to Dollar General 3,552,787 and 1,478,274 shares for proceeds of $156.3 million and $65.1 million, respectively.

              In addition, pursuant to a Share Repurchase Agreement between Dollar General and Buck Holdings, L.P., dated September 25, 2012, Dollar General purchased 4,929,508 shares of Common Stock from Buck Holdings, L.P. for an aggregate purchase price of $250 million, or $50.715 per share which represents the per share price to the public in the October 2012 secondary offering less underwriting discounts and commissions. Of such shares, affiliates of KKR and Goldman, Sachs & Co. sold to Dollar General 2,567,370 and 1,068,254 shares for proceeds of approximately $130.2 million and $54.2 million, respectively. The closing of such share repurchase was conditioned upon the receipt of the consent of the requisite lenders under our senior secured credit facilities and the consummation of the October 2012 secondary offering. In connection with the closing of such repurchase transaction, Buck Holdings, L.P. reimbursed Dollar General approximately $1.7 million for lender fees incurred in obtaining such consent as further described below. Affiliates of KKR are and affiliates of Goldman, Sachs & Co. may be lenders under the term loan and, as such, each would have received a pro-rata portion of such fee.

              Each of the share repurchase transactions with Buck Holdings, L.P. described above was part of an overall Board-authorized share repurchase program and was specifically reviewed and approved by a special committee of our Board made up entirely of independent directors.

              Affiliates of KKR arewere and Goldman, Sachs & Co. may behave been lenders under our senior secured term loan facility, as amended, which had a $2.3 billion principal amount at inception and a principal balance as of February 1, 2013January 31, 2014 of approximately $2.0 billion. Goldman Sachs Credit Partners L.P. also served as syndication agent and joint lead arranger for the term loan facility.$0. This term loan facility was entered into and subsequently amended (as discussed below) in the ordinary course of business and, as of the loan origination and subsequent amendment,amendments, was made on substantially the same terms, including interest rates and collateral, as those prevailing at the time for comparable loans with persons not related to the lender and did not involve more than the normal risk of collectability or present other unfavorable features. We paid approximately $62.0$11.3 million of interest on the term loan facility during fiscal 2012.

              We amended this term loan facility in March 20122013, including approximately $0.5 million to among other things, extend the maturity of a portion of such facility from 2014 to 2017. An affiliate of eachaffiliates of KKR and less than $120,000 to affiliates of Goldman, Sachs & Co., along with a third unaffiliated entity, acted as a joint lead arranger in connection with such term loan facility amendment for which each of the KKR and Goldman, Sachs & Co. affiliates received a fee from Dollar General of approximately $440,000. As disclosed above, in connection with the October 2012 share repurchase from Buck Holdings, L.P., we further amended this term loan facility in October 2012 to add additional capacity for Dollar General to repurchase, redeem or


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otherwise acquire shares of its capital stock, not to exceed $250 million. Dollar General incurred a fee associated with such amendment, which was reimbursed by Buck Holdings, L.P. as discussed above.

              Goldman, Sachs & Co. was a counterparty to an amortizing interest rate swap, entered into in connection with the senior secured term loan facility, which matured on July 31, 2012. Such interest rate swap had a notional amount of $103.3 million immediately prior to its maturity date. We paid Goldman, Sachs & Co. approximately $2.5 million in fiscal 2012 pursuant to this swap.

              In March 2012, we amended our senior secured asset-based revolving credit facility to, among other things, increase the maximum total commitment to $1.2 billion.              An affiliate of Goldman, Sachs & Co. (among other entities) servesserved as lender and served as documentation agent and joint lead arranger under such facility. This amendedour senior secured asset-based revolving credit facility, as amended. This facility, as amended, had a maximum total commitment of $1.2 billion and


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was entered into and subsequently amended in the ordinary course of business, was made on substantially the same terms, including interest rates and collateral, as those prevailing at the time for comparable loans with persons not related to the lender and did not involve more than the normal risk of collectability or present other unfavorable features. We paid approximately $6.0$1.1 million of interest on the revolving credit facility during fiscal 2012.2013, including less than $120,000 of interest to affiliates of Goldman, Sachs & Co.

              As disclosed above, in connection withOn April 11, 2013, Dollar General consummated a refinancing pursuant to which it terminated the October 2012 share repurchase from Buck Holdings, L.P., we further amended thissenior secured term loan facility and the senior secured asset-based revolving credit facility, entered into a new five-year unsecured credit agreement, and issued senior notes due in October 20122018 and 2023, in each case as further described below.

              The new senior unsecured credit facilities (the "Facilities") consist of a $1.0 billion senior unsecured term loan facility (the "Term Facility") and an $850.0 million senior unsecured revolving credit facility (the "Revolving Facility"), which provides for the issuance of letters of credit up to add additional capacity for$250.0 million. Dollar General may request, subject to repurchase, redeemagreement by one or otherwise acquire sharesmore lenders, increased revolving commitments and/or incremental term loan facilities in an aggregate amount of its capital stock, notup to exceed $250$150.0 million. An affiliate of Goldman, Sachs & Co. serves as a lender and an agent, and served as an arranger, under the Facilities for which it received fees of $0.7 million during 2013. The Revolving Facility commitment of the affiliate of Goldman, Sachs & Co. is $73.5 million. We paid approximately $12.5 million of interest on the Facilities during fiscal 2013, including approximately $151,000 of interest to affiliates of Goldman, Sachs & Co. As of January 31, 2014, Dollar General had a principal balance of $1.0 billion under the Term Facility, outstanding letters of credit of $27.2 million under the Revolving Facility and $822.8 million of borrowing availability under the Revolving Facility.

              In July 2012, pursuant to an indenture dated as of July 12, 2012 (the "Senior Indenture"), weOn April 11, 2013, Dollar General issued $500$400.0 million aggregate principal amount of 4.125%1.875% senior notes due 20172018 (the "Senior"2018 Senior Notes"), net of discount of $0.5 million, which mature on JulyApril 15, 2017. As joint book-running managers in connection with the issuance2018; and issued $900.0 million aggregate principal amount of the3.25% senior notes due 2023 (the "2023 Senior Notes, an affiliate or affiliatesNotes"), net of eachdiscount of $2.4 million, which mature on April 15, 2023. KKR and Goldman, Sachs & Co. served as underwriters for the issuance of the 2018 Senior Notes and the 2023 Senior Notes for which they received an equivalent shareunderwriting fees of approximately $2.3$0.7 million during fiscal 2012.

              Dollar General paid approximately $185,000 to Goldman, Sachs & Co. for brokerage services in connection with the Company's open market share repurchases in September 2012 under a Board-authorized share repurchase program.

              As previously disclosed, the Company intends to effect a refinancing of its existing senior secured credit facilities in the first quarter of fiscal 2013. The Company expects affiliates of each of KKR and Goldman, Sachs & Co. to participate in various capacities and receive customary fees consistent with prior financings.$1.5 million, respectively.

              Each of KKR and Goldman, Sachs & Co., either directly or through affiliates, has ownership interests in a broad range of companies ("Portfolio Companies") with whom we may from time to time enter into commercial transactions in the ordinary course of business, primarily for the purchase of goods and services. We believe that none of our transactions or arrangements with Portfolio Companies is significant enough to be considered material to KKR or Goldman, Sachs & Co. or to our business or shareholders. In 2012,2013, the largest amount paid to a Portfolio Company was approximately $95.8$109.3 million paid to a KKR Portfolio Company in the ordinary course of business for the purchase of merchandise for resale. This amount represented less than 3.0% of the vendor's revenues for its last completed fiscal year and less than 1.0% of our revenues for 2012.2013.

              Our Board members, Messrs.member, Mr. Calbert, served as an executive of KKR until 2014 and Agrawal,continues to serve as executivesa consultant to KKR. Our former Board member, Mr. Agrawal, serves as an executive of KKR, while our former Board member, Mr. Jones, serves as a Managing Director of Goldman, Sachs & Co. KKR and certain affiliates of Goldman, Sachs & Co. indirectly own,owned, through theirits investment in Buck Holdings, L.P., a significant percentagein excess of 5% of the shares of our common stock.stock during a portion of 2013. Buck Holdings, L.P. sold all of its shares in Dollar General in December 2013.

              See "Director Independence" for a discussion of a familial relationship between Ms. Cochran and one of our non-executive officers and compensation paid to that officer during 2013 and 2014.

              Interlocks.    Mr. Dreiling served as a manager of Buck Holdings, LLC for which Messrs. Calbert, Agrawal and Jones served as managers. Buck Holdings, LLC was dissolved on January 8, 2014. Messrs. Calbert and Jones served on our CNG Committee through March 31, 2013.


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EXECUTIVE COMPENSATION


              We refer to the persons listed in the Summary Compensation Table below as our "named executive officers." References to the "merger" or the "2007 merger" mean our merger that occurred on July 6, 2007 as a result of which substantially all of our common stock became owned by Buck Holdings, L.P. ("Buck LP"), a Delaware limited partnership controlled by investment funds affiliated with KKR.2007.


Compensation Discussion and Analysis

Executive Overview

              The overarching goal of our executive compensation program is to serve the long-term interests of our shareholders. A competitive executive compensation package is critical for us to attract, retain and motivate persons who we believe have the ability and desire to deliver superior shareholder returns. We strive to balance the short-term and long-term components of our executive compensation program to incent achievement of both our annual and long-term business strategies, to pay for performance and to maintain our competitive position in the market in which we compete for executive talent. We believe the success of

              The following are our program is evidenced by the following key financial and operating results for 2012 (2012 was a 52-week year and 2011 was a 53-week year):2013:

              2011 Say on Pay Vote.    In 2011 our shareholders voted on an advisory basis with respect to our compensation program for named executive officers. Of the total votes cast (excluding abstentions and broker non-votes), 96.5% were cast in support of the program. We provide the opportunity to vote on a nonbinding basis on these matters once every three years, which is the time interval last approved by our shareholders on a nonbinding basis. We continue to view this vote as supportive of our compensation policies and decisions and, accordingly, do not believe the results required consideration ofdecisions. Since 2012, we have made various changes to our compensation program in 2012 or 2013.order to remain competitive, and we believe these changes further strengthen our program in ways that support our shareholders' interests.


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              The most significant compensation-related actions or achievements in 20122013 pertaining to our named executive officers include:


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Executive Compensation Philosophy and Objectives

              We strive to attract, retain and motivate persons with superior ability, to reward outstanding performance, and to align the long-term interests of our named executive officers with those of our shareholders. The material compensation principles applicable to the 2012 and 2013 compensation of our named executive officers included the following, all of which are summarized below and discussed in more detail in "Elements of Named Executive Officer Compensation" below::


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              We utilize employment agreements with the named executive officers which, among other things, set forth minimum levels of certain compensation components. We believe such arrangements are a common protection offered to named executive officers at other companies and help to ensure continuity and aid in retention. The employment agreements also provide for standard protections to both the executive and Dollar General should the executive's employment terminate. In March 2014, Messrs. Dreiling, Tehle, Vasos and Flanigan entered into amendments to their employment agreements that eliminated gross-up payments on any excise taxes imposed under Section 280G of the Internal Revenue Code effective immediately, as this elimination represents the best practice among our market comparator group. Mr. Sparks' employment agreement already disallowed payment of excise tax gross-ups.

Named Executive Officer Compensation Process

              Oversight.    Our Board of Directors has delegated responsibility for executive compensation to its Compensation Committee. The Compensation Committee approves the compensation of our named executive officers, whileofficers. However, its subcommittee, consisting entirely of independent directors at such times as the Compensation Committee did not consist entirely of independent directors, (the "162(m) Subcommittee") approvesapproved any portion that iswas intended to qualify as "performance-based compensation" under Section 162(m) of the Internal Revenue Code or that iswas intended to be exempt for purposes of Section 16(b) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934.1934 (the "Exchange Act").

              Use of Outside Advisors.    The Compensation Committee has selected Meridian Compensation Partners ("Meridian") to serve as its independent compensation consultant. Meridian (including(or its predecessor Hewitt Associates)predecessor) has served as the Committee's consultant since our 2007 merger. The written agreement with Meridian details the terms and conditions under which Meridian will provide independent advice to the Committee in connection with matters pertaining to executive and director compensation. Under the agreement, the Committee (or its chairman) shall determine the scope of Meridian's services. The approved scope generally includes availability for attendance at select Committee meetings and associated preparation work, risk assessment assistance, guidingassisting with the Committee's decision making with respect to executive and Board of Directorsdirector compensation matters, providing advice on our executive pay philosophy, compensation peermarket comparator group and incentive plan design and employment agreement design, providing competitive market studies, and apprising the Committee about emerging best practices and changes in the regulatory and governance environment. In 2012,

              A Meridian representative attends or is on call to join such Committee meetings and private sessions as the Committee decreasedrequests. The Committee's members are authorized to consult directly with the amount of work performed byconsultant as desired. Meridian, primarilyalong with respectmanagement, provides market comparator group data to benchmarkingthe Committee for use in making decisions on items such as base salary, the Teamshare bonus program, and risk assessment assistance, which work was performed by management.the long-term incentive program.

              Meridian did not provide any services to the Company in 20122013 unrelated to executive or Board or executive compensation.

              A The Committee has determined that Meridian representative attends such Committee meetingsis independent from Dollar General and private sessions as requested bythat no conflicts of interest exist related to Meridian's services provided to the Committee. The Committee'sCommittee made these decisions after reviewing information regarding (1) Meridian's policies and procedures to prevent conflicts of interest; (2) the fees received from Dollar General in Meridian's most recently completed fiscal year, which represented less than 1% of Meridian's revenues; (3) the lack of business or personal relationships between Meridian or any Meridian advisor with any of our executive officers or Committee members are authorized to consult directly withduring fiscal 2013; and (4) the consultant at other times as desired. During 2012, the Committee's Chairman periodically consulted directly withlack of Dollar General stock ownership by any Meridian advisor during fiscal 2013.


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              Management's Role.    Mr. Bob Ravener, our Executive Vice President and Chief People Officer, and other non-executive members of our human resources group, in connection with named executive officer compensation (as described below under "Management's Role"). In an effort to decrease costs, the Committee chose to rely more heavily upon management than it had in prior years to provide benchmarking data and resulting recommendations with respect to 2012 and 2013 annual base salary and short-term cash incentive decisions. Meridian, along with management, assisted the Committee in developing the new long-term annual incentive program and provided detailed data from the market comparator group upon which the Committee relied in determining the size of the grants under the program.


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              The Committee assessed the independence of Meridian pursuant to SEC rules and did not identify any relationships that could be viewed as conflicts of interest.

              Management's Role.    Mr. Ravener and non-executive members of the human resources group have assisted Meridian in gathering and analyzing relevant competitive data and identifying and evaluating various alternatives for named executive officer compensation (including his own). At the CompensationThe Committee's request, management's roleChairman periodically consults directly with Messrs. Dreiling and Ravener, and other non-executive members of our human resources group, in collecting this type of data expanded beginning in 2012, including increased reliance on managementconnection with respect to recommendations for certain portions of 2012 and 2013 executive compensation. Messrs. Dreiling and Ravener also discuss with the Committee their recommendations regarding named executive officer pay components, typically based on benchmarking data; however, Mr. Dreiling does not participate in the Committee's deliberations of his own compensation. Each of Mr. Dreiling's direct reports provides input on Mr. Dreiling's performance to Mr. Ravener, and this input is consolidated and provided to the Committee on an anonymous basis. Mr. Dreiling subjectively assesses performance of each of the other named executive officers (see "Use of Performance Evaluations" below).

              Although the Committee values and solicits such input from management, it retains and exercises sole authority to make decisions regarding named executive officer compensation.

              Use of Performance Evaluations.    Annually, the Compensation Committee assesses the performance of Mr. Dreiling, considering the input of his direct reports and other factors, and Mr. Dreiling assesses the performance of each of the other named executive officers, in each caseofficers. These evaluations are used to determine each such officer's overall success in meeting or exhibiting certain enumerated factors, including our four publicly disclosed operating priorities and certain core attributes on which all of our employees are evaluated. These evaluations are subjective; no objective criteria or relative weighting is assigned to any individual factor.

              The Committee uses the performance evaluation results as an eligibility threshold for annual base salary increases and Teamshare bonus payments for named executive officers. A performance rating below "good" (i.e., "unsatisfactory" or "needs improvement") for the last completed fiscal year would generally preclude a named executive officer from receiving any annual base salary increase or Teamshare bonus payment (although the Committee retains discretion to approve a Teamshare bonus payment in the event of a "needs improvement" rating). The performance evaluation results have not been used to determine the amount of the Teamshare bonus payment for any named executive officer; rather, the Teamshare bonus amount is determined solely based upon the Company's level of achievement of a pre-established financial performance measuresmeasure and the terms of the Teamshare program (see discussion below). Any named executive officer who receives a "needs improvement" performance rating also would receive a reduced level of restricted stock units and stock options. Each named executive officer received a satisfactory (i.e., "good," "very good," or "outstanding") overall performance evaluation with respect to each of 20112012 and 2012 (Mr. Sparks was hired in 2012; accordingly, he was only subject to a performance evaluation for 2012).2013.

              The performance evaluation results also may impact the amount of an officer's annual base salary increase. Any named executive officer who receives a satisfactory performance rating is given a percentage base salary increase that equals the overall budgeted increase for the Company's U.S.-based employee population unless:

              Actual annual base salary determinations are discussed under "Elements of Named Executive Compensation—Base Salary" below.


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              Use of Market Benchmarking Data.    We pay compensation that is competitive with the external market for executive talent to attract and retain named executive officers who we believe will help improve our business. We believe that this primary talent market consists of retail companies with revenues both larger and smaller than ours and with business models similar to ours. Those companies are likely to have executive positions comparable in breadth, complexity and scope of responsibility to ours. Our market comparator group for 20122013 compensation decisions consisted of AutoZone, Big Lots, Family Dollar, McDonald's, OfficeMax, PetSmart, Staples, J.C. Penney, The Gap, Macy's, Ross Stores, TJX Companies, Kohls, Starbucks, Limited Brands, Dollar Tree, Foot Locker, Safeway and YumYum! Brands.

              TheFor decisions related to 2013 executive compensation, the Committee reviewed survey data provided by Meridian from the market comparator group was modifiedand referenced compensation data provided by management from the previous three years of the proxy statements of the market comparator group for those companies where comparable positions could be identified. In determining the compensation changes related to Mr. Vasos' promotion to Chief Operating Officer in August 2011 by removing 7-Eleven, Collective Brands, Genuine Parts, Nordstrom, Blockbuster, and The Pantry and adding TJX Companies, Kohls, Starbucks, Limited Brands,November 2013, the Committee reviewed median data from the most recent proxy statements of the nine companies (Big Lots, Dollar Tree, Family Dollar, Foot Locker, J.C. Penney, McDonald's, PetSmart, Ross Stores and Safeway. We modifiedSafeway) in our market comparator group that reported data for 2012a comparable position.

              For 2014 executive compensation decisions other than Mr. Dreiling, the Committee reviewed 2013 market comparator group data that was increased by 3%, as recommended by Meridian to repositionmaintain alignment with the Company atgeneral market. In the mediancase of the group in terms of revenues,Mr. Dreiling's 2014 compensation, to ensure that the constituent companies more closely represent the retail companies with which we compete for executive talent, and to ensure that the group continues to include companies whose business models are similar to ours. However, we continued to use the 2011 market comparator group as a reference point in our 2012 base salary and short-term incentive decisions (other than for the CEO), as described below.

              For 2012 base salary and short-term cash incentive compensation decisions for the named executive officers, the Company averaged market data obtained from the most recently available proxies of the 2012 market comparator group, from a survey of our 2012 market comparator group conducted by Equilar and from a similar "aging" process of the data obtained in 2010 for the members of the 2011 market comparator group, aged an additional 2.7%, consistent with the Company's overall 2012 budget for merit increases. However, in the case of the CEO, the 2011 market comparator group data was not used; instead, to ensure the Compensation Committee was aware of any significant movement in CEO compensation levels within the market comparator group, Meridian provided current survey data from the 20122013 market comparator group. These three market data sources were averaged in order to reduce reliance on any one data source and to smooth out anomalies that might exist in the actual individual position data reported by the market data source.

              For 2013 compensation decisions regarding base salary, short-term cash incentives and long term equity grant dollar values, the Committee reviewed survey data provided by Meridian from the 2012 market comparator group and referenced compensation data from the previous three years of the proxy statements of the 2012 market comparator group for those positions where comparable positions could be identified.

              The Committee believes that the median of the competitive market generally is the appropriate target for a named executive officer's total compensation.

Elements of Named Executive Officer Compensation

              We provide compensation in the form of base salary, short-term cash incentives, long-term equity incentives, benefits and limited perquisites. We believe each of these elements is a necessary component of the total compensation package and is consistent with compensation programs at competing companies.companies with whom we compete both for business and talent.

              Base Salary.    Base salary promotes the recruiting and retention functions of our compensation program by reflecting the salaries for comparable positions in the competitive marketplace, rewarding strong performance, and providing a stable and predictable income source for our executives. Because we likely would be unable to attract or retain quality named executive officers in the absence of competitive base salary levels, this component constitutes a significant portion of the total compensation package. Our employment agreements with the named executive officers set forth minimum base salary levels, but the Compensation Committee retains sole discretion to increase these levels from time to time.


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              (a)    Named Executive Officers Other than Mr. Dreiling.    In each of 20122013 and 2013,2014, the Compensation Committee determined, with Mr. Dreiling'sMessrs. Dreiling (regarding performance assessments) and Ravener's (regarding salary percentage increases) recommendation, that the named executive officers' performance assessments relative to other executives supported a percentage increase equal to that which was budgeted for our entire U.S.-based employee population (see "Use of Performance Evaluations") as such increases, along with the other compensation components, would maintain total 20122013 compensation within the median range of the market comparator group. Accordingly, each of the named executive officers received the budgeted 2.7% and 2.75% annual base salary increase in 20122013 and 2013, respectively, except that Mr. Sparks joined our Company2.45% in 2012 and, accordingly, did not receive a base salary increase in 2012.2014. All such increases were effective as of April 1 of the applicable year.

              In March 2012, Mr. Sparks was hired as our Executive Vice President of Store Operations. The Compensation Additionally, upon his promotion to Chief Operating Officer in November 2013, the Committee determined his basethat Mr. Vasos should receive a salary based on considerationincrease of 9.15%, as this increase targeted the 2011median range of the market comparator group data provided by Meridian, his compensation with his prior employer,for the relationshipcompanies that reported data for a comparable position.


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              (b)    Mr. Dreiling.    In each of 2012determining Mr. Dreiling's 2013 and 2013,2014 base salary, the Compensation Committee took into account Mr. Dreiling's performance assessment, the amount budgeted for our entire U.S.-based employee population (see "Use of Performance Evaluations"), and the benchmarking data of the market comparator group (see "Use of Market Benchmarking Data"). With respect to Mr. Dreiling's 20122013 and 20132014 base salary increase,increases, the Committee determined that Mr. Dreiling should receive the same 2.7% (2012)2.75% (2013) and 2.75% (2013)2.45% (2014) increase that was awarded to each of the other named executive officers which, along with the other components of Mr. Dreiling's 20122013 compensation, maintained his total compensation at the median range of the market comparator group.

              (c)    One-Time Base Salary Adjustments.    In 2012, the Compensation Committee decided to reduce tax reimbursements and tax gross-ups relating to Company-provided perquisites. As a result, to address the change in the policy equitably, the Committee authorized one-time base salary adjustments for all officers, including Mr. Dreiling and each of the other named executive officers, effective January 1, 2013, in an amount equal to the actual 2012 individual tax and gross-up costs paid by Dollar General for life insurance and financial services, as applicable, in exchange for the elimination of such tax and gross-up benefits as of December 31, 2012. Mr. Dreiling also received an additional one-time salary adjustment of $5,000 in exchange for his agreement to waive the provisions in his employment agreement that provide for a gross-up on taxes for Company-paid professional club memberships (to date, Mr. Dreiling has not invoked his right to require the Company to pay for any such professional club memberships) and legal consultation fees relating to future amendments to his employment agreement.

              Short-Term Cash Incentive Plan.    Our short-term cash incentive plan, called Teamshare, is established under our shareholder-approved Amended and Restated Annual Incentive Plan. The Teamshare program provides an opportunity for each named executive officer to receive a cash bonus payment equal to a certain percentage of base salary based upon Dollar General's achievement of one or more pre-established financial performance measures. This Teamshare program is established pursuant to our Amended and Restated Annual Incentive Plan, under which certain employees, including our named executive officers, may earn up to $5 million ($10 million for 2013 and thereafter) in respect of a given fiscal year, subject to the achievement of certain performance targets based on any of the performance measures listed in the Amended and Restated Annual Incentive Plan.

              As a threshold matter, a named executive officer's eligibility to receive a bonus under the Teamshare program depends upon his or her receiving an overall individual performance rating of satisfactory (see "Use of Performance Evaluations"). Accordingly, Teamshare fulfills an important part of our pay for performance philosophy while aligning the interests of our named executive officers and our shareholders.


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              (a)    2012 Teamshare Structure.    The Compensation Committee selected adjusted EBITDA and return on invested capital ("ROIC") as the financial performance measures for the 2012 Teamshare program. The Committee weighted the ROIC measure and the adjusted EBITDA measure at 10% and 90%, respectively, of the total Teamshare bonus, recognizing the importance of EBITDA in the measurement of our current performance, the ability to repay our debt and funding our growth and day-to-day operation, while ROIC reflects the importance of achieving an appropriate return on our invested capital and managing investments necessary to achieve superior performance.

              For purposes of the 2012 Teamshare program, adjusted EBITDA is computed in accordance with our credit agreements, and ROIC is calculated as total return (calculated as the sum of operating income, depreciation and amortization and minimum rentals, less taxes) divided by average invested capital (calculated as the sum of total assets and accumulated depreciation and amortization, less cash, goodwill, accounts payable, other payables, accrued liabilities, plus 8x minimum rentals). Each of the adjusted EBITDA and ROIC calculations shall be further adjusted to exclude the impact of:

              The Committee established threshold (below which no bonus may be paid) and target performance levels, discussed below, for each of the adjusted EBITDA and ROIC performance measures. Since 2008, there has not been a maximum level of adjusted EBITDA or ROIC performance associated with the Teamshare program, although any individual payout is capped at $5 million (in 2012) and $10 million (in 2013 and thereafter), in order to avoid discouraging employees from striving to achieve performance results beyond maximum levels.

              For 2008 through 2011, we achieved an adjusted EBITDA performance level ranging from 101.79% (in 2011) to 112.47% (in 2008) of the target. For 2010 and 2011, we achieved an ROIC performance level of 100.9% of the target and 100.78% of the target, respectively.

              The target adjusted EBITDA performance level for the 2012 Teamshare program was $1.992 billion which, consistent with prior practice, was the same level as our 2012 annual financial plan objective. The Committee considered that level to be challenging and more difficult to achieve than performance targets for prior years, requiring superior execution and success on many of our new business initiatives. As it has done since 2008, the Committee also established the adjusted EBITDA threshold at 95% of target.

              The Committee established the target ROIC performance level for the 2012 Teamshare program at 20.95% which was the same level as our 2012 annual financial plan objective. Again, the Committee viewed the target as challenging to achieve. The threshold ROIC performance level was set


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at 20.45%, or 50 basis points lower than the target level, and the 200% achievement level was set at 21.95%, or 100 basis points higher than the threshold level.

              The bonus payable to each named executive officer if we reached the 2012 target performance levels for each of the financial performance measures is equal to the applicable percentage of salary as set forth in the chart below. For all named executive officers, such percentages are consistent with those for the prior year. In addition, for all named executive officers, such percentages reflect a blend of the approximate median of the payout percentages for the market comparator group (other than for the CEO for whom the market value was not blended). Mr. Dreiling's employment agreement with us requires minimum threshold (50%) and minimum target (125%) bonus percentages, but in 2011 the Committee determined his target bonus percentage should be 130% in order to more closely align Mr. Dreiling's bonus target and total cash compensation with the median of the market comparator group.

NameTarget Payout Percentage

Mr. Dreiling

130%

Mr. Tehle

65%

Mr. Vasos

65%

Ms. Lanigan

65%

Mr. Sparks

65%

              Bonus payments for financial performance below or above the applicable target levels are prorated on a graduated scale commensurate with financial performance levels in accordance with the schedule below. For 2012, the ROIC graduated scale was modified to more closely align the ROIC achievement levels with the EBITDA achievement levels.

Adjusted EBITDA ROIC Total 
% of
Performance
Target
 % of
Bonus
Payable
 % of
Performance
Target
 % of
Bonus
Payable
 Bonus at
Target (%)
 
 95  45  97.61              5  50 
 96  54  98.09              6  60 
 97  63  98.57              7  70 
 98  72  99.05              8  80 
 99  81  99.52              9  90 
 100  90  100.00              10  100 
 101  99  100.48              11  110 
 102  108  100.95              12  120 
 103  117  101.43              13  130 
 104  126  101.91             ��14  140 
 105  135  102.39              15  150 
 106  144  102.86              16  160 
 107  153  103.34              17  170 
 108  162  103.82              18  180 
 109  171  104.30              19  190 
 110  180  104.77              20  200 

              For each 1% adjusted EBITDA increase in the percent of performance target level between the threshold performance level and 110% of the target performance level, the corresponding payout increases by 9% of the officer's target payout amount (based upon the officer's target payout percentage). For each 1% adjusted EBITDA increase above 110% of the target performance level, the corresponding payout increases by 10.865% of the officer's target payout amount (based upon the


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officer's target payout percentage). For ROIC, each .477% increase in the percent of performance target level between the threshold performance level and 104.77% of the target performance level increases the payout percentage by 1% of the officer's target payout amount (based upon the officer's target payout percentages). For each .477% increase in ROIC above the 104.77% of the target performance level, the bonus payout increases by 1.207% of the officer's target payout amount (based upon the officer's target payout percentage). Payout percentages greater than 200% of the target payout levels are based on an approximate sharing between Dollar General (80%) and the Teamshare participants (20%) of the incremental adjusted EBITDA dollars earned above 110% of the adjusted EBITDA performance level, split 90% to adjusted EBITDA and 10% to ROIC.

              This proration schedule, through 110% of the target performance level, is consistent with the schedule approved by the Committee in 2007 in reliance upon benchmarking data which, at that time, indicated that the typical practice was to set the threshold payout percentage at half of the target and the maximum payout percentage at twice the target. The Committee determined in 2008 that the proration schedule for adjusted EBITDA performance above 110% of target should approximate a sharing between Dollar General (80%) and the Teamshare participants (20%) of the adjusted EBITDA dollars earned above that level.

              (b)    2012 Teamshare Results.    The Compensation Committee approved the adjusted EBITDA and ROIC performance results at $1,986,617,000 (97.3% of target) and 21.06% (111.0% of target), respectively, which equate to a payout of 98.67% of individual bonus targets under the 2012 Teamshare program. Accordingly, a 2012 Teamshare payout was made to each named executive officer at the following percentages of base salary earned: Mr. Dreiling, 128.3%; and each of Mr. Tehle, Mr. Vasos, Ms. Lanigan and Mr. Sparks, 64.1%. Such amounts are reflected in the "Non-Equity Incentive Plan Compensation" column of the Summary Compensation Table.

              (c)    2013 Teamshare Structure.    The Compensation Committee has approved a 2013 Teamshare structure similar to that which was approved for 2012. However, the 2013 performance measure has been determined to beselected adjusted EBIT as the financial performance measure for the 2013 Teamshare program. The Committee believedbelieves that this wasEBIT is a more comprehensive measure of the Company's performance since it includes the cost of capital investments in achieving the current year's financial results and should provideprovides a different but complementary focus for the short-term incentive program than that used for the long-term incentive program.

              AdjustedFor purposes of the 2013 Teamshare program, adjusted EBIT is defined as the Company's operating profit as calculated in accordance with United States generalU.S. generally accepted accounting principles ("GAAP"), but shall exclude:


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              The Committee established threshold (below which no bonus may be paid) and target performance levels, discussed below, for the adjusted EBIT performance measure. From 2008 to 2013, there was not a maximum level of financial performance associated with the Teamshare program, in order to avoid possibly discouraging employees from striving to achieve performance results beyond maximum levels. However, any individual payout was capped at the Amended and Restated Annual Incentive Plan limit (which was $10 million for 2013 in accordance with Section 162(m) of the Internal Revenue Code).

              The target adjusted EBIT performance level for the 2013 Teamshare program was $1.849 billion which, consistent with prior practice, was the same level as our 2013 annual financial plan objective. As it had done since 2008 for adjusted EBITDA, the Committee also established the adjusted EBIT financial performance threshold at 95% of target.

              The bonus payable to each named executive officer if we reached the 2013 target performance level for the adjusted EBIT financial performance measure was equal to the applicable target percentage, as set forth in the chart below, of the applicable salary. For all named executive officers except Mr. Vasos, such percentages are consistent with those for the prior year. The target payout percentage of salary for Mr. Vasos was increased from 65% to 80% in connection with his promotion to Chief Operating Officer in November 2013 (prorated for the portion of fiscal year 2013 that he served as Chief Operating Officer) in order to align with the median range of the market comparator group data for the comparable position. In addition, for all named executive officers except Messrs. Dreiling (for whom the market value was not blended) and Vasos (for whom the market value was not blended for his 80% target percentage payout), such percentages reflect a blend of the approximate median of the payout percentages for the market comparator group. Mr. Dreiling's employment agreement with us requires minimum threshold (50%) and minimum target (125%) bonus percentages, but in 2011 the Committee determined his target bonus percentage should be increased to 130% to more closely align Mr. Dreiling's bonus target and total cash compensation with the median of the market comparator group.

NameTarget Payout Percentage

Mr. Dreiling

   130%

Mr. Vasos

65/80%

Mr. Tehle

     65%

Mr. Flanigan

     65%

Mr. Sparks

     65%

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              Bonus payments for financial performance below or above the applicable target levels are prorated on a graduated scale commensurate with financial performance levels in accordance with the schedule below.

Adjusted EBIT 
% of
Performance
Target(1)
 % of
Bonus
Payable(1)
 
 95  50 
 96  60 
 97  70 
 98  80 
 99  90 
 100  100 
 101  110 
 102  120 
 103  130 
 104  140 
 105  150 
 106  160 
 107  170 
 108  180 
 109  190 
 110  200 

(1)
For each 1% increase above 110% of the target performance level, the corresponding payout increases by 11.21% of the officer's target payout amount (based upon the officer's target payout percentage), consistent with the schedule approved by the Committee in 2007 in reliance upon benchmarking data which, at that time, indicated that the typical practice was to set the threshold payout percentage at half of the target and the maximum payout percentage at twice the target. Payout percentages greater than 200% of the target payout levels are based on an approximate sharing between Dollar General (80%) and the Teamshare participants (20%) of the incremental adjusted EBIT dollars earned above 110% of the financial performance level.

              (b)    2013 Teamshare Results.    The Compensation Committee confirmed the adjusted EBIT performance result at $1.742 billion (94.2% of target), which was below the threshold performance level of 95% of the target required for a bonus to be earned. Accordingly, no Teamshare bonus was earned by our named executive officers.

              (c)    2014 Teamshare Structure.    The Compensation Committee has approved a 2014 Teamshare structure similar to that which was approved for 2013. The target percentage of each named executive officer's salary upon which his or her bonus is based for the 2014 Teamshare program remains unchanged from 2013 Teamshare plan is also(for Mr. Vasos, this means 80%).

              Following the same as in 2012. Those target percentages are based on2007 merger, to be more consistent with the practices of KKR's other portfolio companies, the threshold for a blend of the medianbonus payout was increased from 90% to 95% of the target percentages forlevel of financial performance and the 2012performance cap was removed. Following KKR's exit from Dollar General in December 2013, the Committee determined that the 2014 Teamshare program should more closely reflect the practices of our market comparator group, including a threshold requirement of 90% of the target level of financial performance and a performance cap. Therefore, under the 2014 Teamshare program approved by the Committee in March 2014, performance below 90% of the target level of financial performance will result in no bonus payout and performance at or above 120% of the


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target level of financial performance will result in a maximum bonus payout of 300% of the individual's target payout percentage. Performance between 90% (threshold) and 100% of the financial performance target, as well as between 100% and 120% (maximum) of the financial performance target, will be interpolated on a straight-line basis on actual results for each position, other thana bonus payout of between 50% (at threshold), 100% (at target) and 300% (at the CEO.maximum) of the individual's target payout percentage.

              Long-Term Equity Incentive Program.    Long-term equity incentives motivate named executive officers to focus on long-term success for shareholders. These incentives help provide a balanced focus on both short-term and long-term goals and are important to our compensation program's recruiting and retention objectives. Such incentives are designed to compensate named executive officers for a long-term commitment to us, while motivating sustained increases in our financial performance and shareholder value.

              Equity awards are made under our shareholder-approved Amended and Restated 2007 Stock Incentive Plan and options are granted with a per share exercise price equal to the fair market value of one share of our common stock on the date of grant.

              (a)    Pre-2012 Equity Awards.    Until March 2012, the Compensation Committee had not made annual equity awards since our 2007 merger because the long-term equity granted at the time of that merger or at the time of hire has been sufficiently retentive and otherwise has adequately met our compensation objectives. However, in connection with the amendment of his employment agreement in April 2010, Mr. Dreiling also received a special one-time stock option grant that fully vested in April 2011.merger. The options granted to the named executive officers prior to 2012 (other than Mr. Dreiling's April 2010 option award) aregenerally were divided so that half arewere time-vested (over 4 to 5 years) and half arewere performance-vested (generally over 5 or 6 years) based on a comparison of an EBITDA-based performance metric, as described below, against pre-set goalsgoals. Messrs. Dreiling and Flanigan are the only named executive officers for that performance metric. The combinationwhom these pre-2012 options remain outstanding, and Mr. Flanigan is the only named executive officer for whom a portion of time and performance-based vesting criteria is designed to compensate executives for long-term commitment to us, while motivating sustained increases in our financial performance.any such options remains unvested.

              The vesting of theMr. Flanigan's performance-based options granted to the named executive officers prior to March 2012 is subject to continued employment with us over the performance period and the Board's determination that we have achieved for each of the relevant fiscal years the specified annual performance target based on EBITDA and adjusted as described below. For fiscal years 2008-2012,2010-2013, those adjusted EBITDA targets were $828 million, $961 million, $1.139$1.400 billion, $1.35$1.584 billion, $1.754 billion and $1.517$1.930 billion, respectively, which were based on the long-term financial plan, less any anticipated permissible adjustments, primarily to account for unique expenses related to our 2007 merger. If a performance target for a given fiscal year is not met, the performance-based options may still vest and become exercisable on a "catch up" basis if, at the end of a subsequent fiscal year, a specified cumulative adjusted EBITDA performance target is achieved. The annual and cumulative adjusted EBITDA performance targets are based on our long-term financial plans in existence at the time of grant. Accordingly, in each case at the time of grant, we believed those levels, while attainable, would require strong performance and execution.

              For purposes of calculating the achievement of performance targets for our long-term equity incentive grants prior to March 2012, "EBITDA" means earnings before interest, taxes, depreciation and amortization plus transaction, management and/or similar fees paid to KKR and/or its affiliates. In addition, the Board is required to fairly and appropriately adjust the calculation of EBITDA to reflect, to the extent not contemplated in our financial plan, the following: acquisitions, divestitures, any change required by GAAP relating to share-based compensation or for other changes in GAAP promulgated by accounting standard setters that, in each case, the Board in good faith determines require adjustment to the EBITDA performance measure we use for our long-term equity incentive


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program. Adjustments to EBITDA for purposes of calculating performance targets for our long-term equity incentive program may not in all circumstances be identical to adjustments to EBITDA for other purposes, including the covenants contained in our principal financial agreements. Accordingly, comparability of such measures is limited.

              All performance-based options and time-based options granted to the named executive officers prior to 2012, except for those granted to Mr. Vasos, are vested.              We have surpassed the cumulative adjusted EBITDA performance targets through fiscal 2012,2013, and we anticipate surpassing the cumulative adjusted EBITDA performance target through fiscal 2013,2014 for Mr. Vasos'Flanigan's options.

              (b)    2012 Equity Awards.    Since 2010, the Compensation Committee has worked with its consultant and management to develop a new long-term equity incentive structure that is more in line with typical public company equity structures. The new structure was finalized and implemented in March 2012. Under the new program, each of the named executive officers received a grant of time-based stock options and a grant of performance share units. The combination of time and performance-based vesting criteria is designed to compensate executives for long-term commitment to us, while motivating sustained increases in our shareholder value and financial performance.

              Consistent with our compensation philosophy and objectives, the value of the long-term incentive awards was based on the median of the long-term equity target values of our 2012 market comparator group. The market value for each named executive officer's position other than the CEO was blended to establish a single long-term incentive value on which awards are based for all named executive officers (other than the CEO for whom the market value was not blended). This blending practice is similar to that which we used in establishing the short-term cash incentive where the targets for each of the named executive officers' positions (other than the CEO) are also the same.

              For the 2012 grant, the long-term incentive values were awarded 75% in time-based stock options and 25% in performance share units recognizing that splits between performance and time-based awards and between options and units are common within our 2012 market comparator group. The Committee believes this is the appropriate allocation to achieve both the retention and incentive goals of the awards. The actual number of stock options and performance share units awarded were determined by applying a Black Scholes formula provided by Meridian to the selected long-term incentive values.

              The options will vest 25% on each of the first four anniversaries of the grant date, subject to the executive officer's continued employment with us and certain accelerated vesting provisions.

              The performance share units awarded are equal to a target number of performance share units that can be earned if certain performance measures are achieved during the performance period (which was fiscal year 2012) and if certain additional vesting requirements are met. The performance measures are goals related to adjusted EBITDA (weighted 90%) and ROIC (weighted 10%) as established by the Compensation Committee on the grant date, using the same adjusted EBITDA/ROIC-based performance criteria used to determine performance under the Teamshare program discussed under "Short-Term Cash Incentive Plan" above. The number of performance share units earned could vary between 0% and 200% of the target number based on actual performance compared to target performance on the same graduated scale that determines incentive payouts under our Teamshare program discussed above. The actual number of performance shares earned for 2012 for each of the named executive officers was 39,278 for Mr. Dreiling and 6,443 for each of the other named executive officers. One-third of the performance share units earned based on 2012 financial performance vested on the last day of the one-year performance period, and the remaining two-thirds of the performance share units vest on the second and third anniversaries of the grant date, subject to the named executive officer's continued employment with us and certain accelerated vesting provisions. All vested performance share units will be settled in shares of our common stock.


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              In addition, in March 2012 the Committee awarded Mr. Dreiling a retention grant of 326,037 performance-based restricted shares of our common stock which he can earn if certain earnings per share ("EPS") performance targets are met for fiscal years 2014 and 2015. This award iswas designed to retain Mr. Dreiling, whose 2008 stock option award fully vested and whose transfer restrictions on shares of our common stock expired in 2012, while simultaneously incenting him to continue to drive superior financial performance. In structuring the award, the Committee reviewed retention grant practices of the 2012 market comparator group and determined that a grant value equivalent to 1.5 times the value of the annual long-term incentive award would approximate the median range of retention grants awarded by the market comparator group. The EPS goals were established by the Committee on the grant date based upon EPS forecasts contained in our long-term strategic plan. Half of the performance-based restricted stock will vest after the end of our 2014 fiscal year if the EPS goal for that year is achieved, and the other half will vest after the end of our 2015 fiscal year if the EPS goal for that year is achieved, in each case subject to continued employment with us and certain accelerated vesting provisions. For purposes of calculating the achievement of the EPS targets for each of 2014 and 2015, EPS shall be calculated as the quotient of (x) net income earned in the applicable fiscal year (as calculated in accordance with generally accepted accounting principlesGAAP applicable to the Company at the relevant time), with such net income calculation to exclude the items identified below, by (y) the weighted average number of shares of our common stock outstanding during the applicable fiscal year. The net income calculation will exclude the impact of theall items that are excluded from the EBITDA2013 Teamshare program adjusted EBIT calculation for Teamshare purposes identifiedoutlined above, under "Short-Term Cash Incentive Program" except that adjustments relating toas well as share-based compensation charges. Additionally, the calculation of net income will exclude (unless the Committee disallows such exclusion) any material and demonstrable impact resulting from changes in tax or other legislation or accounting changes enacted after the beginning of the 2012 fiscal year must be material and demonstrable and must not have been contemplated in our 2012-2016 financial plan.plan (as opposed to the 2013 Teamshare program adjusted EBIT calculation, which excludes, unless the Committee disallows, the losses due to changes in tax or other legislation or accounting changes enacted after the beginning of the 2013 fiscal year).

              (b)    2013 Equity Awards.    A new long-term equity structure was finalized and implemented in March 2012 to more closely align with typical public company equity structures, and this program was revised in 2013 so that each of the named executive officers now receives restricted stock units, in addition to the time-based stock options and performance share units previously received in 2012. The mix of the equity value is delivered 50% in options, 25% in performance share units and 25% in restricted stock units, as opposed to the previous equity value delivery mix of 75% options and 25% in performance share units, to more closely match the equity mix of our market comparator group. The Committee believes this is the appropriate allocation to achieve both the incentive and retention goals of the awards.

              Consistent with our compensation philosophy and objectives, the value of the long-term incentive awards was based on the median of the long-term equity target values of our market comparator group. The market value for each named executive officer's position was blended to establish a single long-term incentive value on which awards are based for all named executive officers (other than the CEO for whom the market value was not blended). This blending practice is similar to the one described under "Short—Term Cash Incentive Plan" above.

              The actual number of stock options, performance share units and restricted stock units awarded were determined by applying a formula provided by Meridian (Black Scholes for stock options) to the selected long-term incentive values.

              The options will vest 25% on each of the first four anniversaries of the grant date, subject to the named executive officer's continued employment with us and certain accelerated vesting provisions.


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              The performance share units can be earned if certain performance measures are achieved during the performance period (which was fiscal year 2013) and if certain additional vesting requirements are met. The performance measures are goals related to adjusted EBITDA (weighted 50%) and ROIC (weighted 50%) as established by the Compensation Committee on the grant date, using the adjusted EBITDA/ROIC-based performance criteria as outlined below:

Adjusted EBITDA
Shares Earned
 ROIC Shares Earned  
 
EBITDA
Result
v. Target (%)
 Shares
Earned
(%)
 ROIC
Result
v. Target (%)
 Shares
Earned
(%)
 Total
Shares
Earned (%)
 
<95           0  <97.51              0  0 
  95           25  97.51              25  50 
  96           30  98.01              30  60 
  97           35  98.51              35  70 
  98           40  99.00              40  80 
  99           45  99.50              45  90 
100           50  100.00              50  100 
101           55  100.50              55  110 
102           60  101.00              60  120 
103           65  101.49              65  130 
104           70  101.99              70  140 
105           75  102.49              75  150 
106           80  102.99              80  160 
107           85  103.48              85  170 
108           90  103.98              90  180 
109           95  104.48              95  190 
110           100  104.98              100  200
 

              The revised weighting (formerly 90% adjusted EBITDA and 10% ROIC) puts greater emphasis on maintaining ROIC at an acceptable level to help ensure that invested capital is providing an appropriate return over time. The number of performance share units earned could vary between 0% and 200% of the target number based on actual performance compared to target performance on the same graduated scale that determines incentive payouts under our Teamshare program discussed above. The target performance levels for 2013 adjusted EBITDA and ROIC were $2.210 billion and 20.10%, respectively. Actual 2013 adjusted EBITDA and adjusted ROIC results were $2.090 billion (94.58% of adjusted EBITDA target) and 19.89% (98.96% of ROIC target), respectively. Accordingly, 39.5% of the target number of performance share units were earned as a result of 2013 performance. The 2013 target adjusted EBITDA and ROIC performance levels, consistent with prior practice, were the same levels as our 2013 annual financial plan objectives.

              The actual number of performance share units earned for 2013 for each of the named executive officers was 14,088 for Mr. Dreiling and 2,562 for each of the other named executive officers. One-third of the performance share units earned based on 2013 financial performance vested on the last day of the one-year performance period, and the remaining two-thirds of the performance share units vest equally on the second and third anniversaries of the grant date, subject to the named executive officer's continued employment with us and certain accelerated vesting provisions. All vested performance share units will be settled in shares of our common stock.

              The adjusted EBITDA performance target is computed in accordance with our credit agreements in place at the time of the grant without regard to any amendments after the grant date but exclude the impact of all items excluded from the 2013 Teamshare program adjusted EBIT calculation outlined above, as well as share-based compensation charges. The ROIC performance target


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is calculated as (a) the result of (x) the sum of (i) our operating income, plus (ii) depreciation and amortization, plus (iii) minimum rentals, minus (y) taxes, divided by (b) the result of (x) the sum of the averages of: (i) total assets, plus (ii) accumulated depreciation and amortization, minus (y) (i) cash, minus (ii) goodwill, minus (iii) accounts payable, minus (iv) other payables, minus (v) accrued liabilities, plus (vi) 8x minimum rentals (with all of the foregoing terms as determined per our financial statements) but excludes the impact of all items excluded from the 2013 Teamshare program adjusted EBIT calculation outlined above, as well as share-based compensation charges.

              The restricted stock units awarded are time-based awards, payable in shares of our common stock and vest in equal installments over 3 years from the grant date, subject to continued employment with us and certain accelerated vesting conditions.

              Upon his promotion to Chief Operating Officer, Mr. Vasos received an additional stock option grant. The amount of the equity grant was derived from market comparator group data and targeted the median range for the comparable position and was prorated for the portion of fiscal year 2013 that he served as Chief Operating Officer.

              (c)    20132014 Equity Awards.    The Compensation Committee authorized additional long-term equity incentive awards to our named executive officers in March 20132014 on substantially similar terms as those set forth above. However, the Committee changed the mixThe threshold and maximum levels of the equity value to 50% options, 25%performance criteria for performance share units were revised from 95% and 25% restricted stock units to more closely match the equity mix110% of our market comparator group. The restricted stock units are time-based awards, payable in shares of our common stock and vest in equal installments over 3 years from the date of grant, subject to continued employment with us and certain accelerated vesting conditions. The Committee also rebalanced the weighting of the performance measurestarget, respectively, for the performance share units to be evenly weighted at 50% adjusted EBITDA, and 50%97.51% and 104.98% of target, respectively, for ROIC, to put greater emphasis90% and 120% of target, respectively, for adjusted EBITDA, and 94.86% and 110.29% of target, respectively, for ROIC, with performance in between such levels to be determined on maintaining ROIC atthe same graduated scale used to determine incentive cash payouts under our 2014 Teamshare program discussed above between 50% for threshold performance and 300% for maximum performance. This change reflects the Committee's desire to align the payout and performance scale of the short-term and long-term incentive programs.

              Share Ownership Guidelines.    We have adopted share ownership guidelines for Board members and senior officers. See "Are there share ownership guidelines for Board members and senior officers?" in "Corporate Governance" above for more information.

              Policy Against Hedging and Pledging Transactions.    Our Insider Trading Policy prohibits Board members and executive officers from pledging Dollar General securities as collateral, from holding Dollar General securities in a consistent level since that will help ensure that capital invested is providing an appropriate return over time.margin account, and from hedging their ownership of Dollar General stock. Examples of hedging ownership include entering into or trading prepaid variable forward contracts, equity swaps, collars, puts, calls, options (other than those granted under a Dollar General compensation plan) or other derivative instruments related to Dollar General stock.

              Benefits and Perquisites.    Along with certain benefits offered to named executive officers on the same terms that are offered to all of our salaried employees (such as health and welfare benefits, disability insurance and matching contributions under our 401(k) plan), we provide our named executive officers with certain additional benefits and perquisites for retention and recruiting purposes to promote tax efficiency for such persons, and to replace benefit opportunities lost due to regulatory limits. We also provide named executive officers with benefits and perquisites as additional forms of compensation that we believe to be consistent and competitive with benefits and perquisites provided to executives with similar positions in our market comparator group and in our industry.

              The named executive officers have the opportunity to participate in the Compensation Deferral Plan (the "CDP") and, other than Messrs. Sparks and Vasos, the defined contribution Supplemental Executive Retirement Plan (the "SERP", and together with the CDP, the "CDP/SERP Plan"). SERP participation is not available to persons to whom employment offers are made after May 28, 2008, including Messrs. Sparks and Vasos.


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              We providepay the premiums for each named executive officer aofficer's life insurance benefit equal to 2.5 times his or her base salary up to a maximum of $3 million and a disability insurance benefit that provides income


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replacement of 60% of base salary up to a maximum monthly benefit of $20,000.million. We pay the premiums and, through December 31, 2012, grossed up each named executive officer's income to pay the tax costs associated with the life insurance benefit and through June 30, 2012 for tax costs associated with the disability benefits (with respect to the disability benefit, only to the extent necessary to provide a comparable cost for this benefit to the named executive officer as the cost applicable to all salaried employees). As discussed under "Executive Overview" above, we eliminated the tax gross-up for the life insurance benefits effective December 31, 2012 in exchange for one-time base salary adjustments for the named executive officers.on this perquisite beginning with tax year 2013.

              We also provide a relocation assistance program to named executive officers under a policy applicable to officer-level employees which policy isand similar to that offered to certain other employees. The significant differences between the relocation assistance available to officers from the relocation assistance available to non-officers are as follows:include:

              In fiscal 2012, we incurred $27,559 in expenses related2013, Mr. Sparks was granted an additional 12 return trips to Mr. Sparks' relocation.his origination location to use over a longer period of time because his family was not able to immediately relocate with him.

              We provide through a third party a personal financial and advisory service benefit to the named executive officers, including financial planning, estate planning and tax preparation services, in an annual amount of up to $20,000 per person in addition to the advisor's related travel expenses and through December 31, 2012, related tax costs. As discussed under "Executive Overview" above, we eliminated the tax gross-up for the financial planning benefit effective December 31, 2012 in exchange for one-time base salary adjustments for the named executive officers.person. The Committee believes the financial services program reduces the amount of time and attention that executives must spend on these matters, furthering their ability to focus on their responsibilities to us, and maximizes the executive's net financial reward of compensation received from us. We eliminated the tax gross-up on this perquisite beginning with tax year 2013.

              Mr. Dreiling is entitled to certain additional perquisites as a result of the terms of his employment agreement with us, including:

Severance Arrangements

              As noted above, we have an employment agreement with each of our named executive officers that, among other things, provides for such executive's rights upon a termination of employment. We believe that reasonable severance benefits are appropriate to protect the named executive officer


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non-disclosure, non-competition, non-solicitation and non-interference that we require in our employment agreements. A change in control, by itself, does not trigger any severance provision applicable to our named executive officers, except for the provisions related to long-term equity incentives under our Amended and Restated 2007 Stock Incentive Plan.

Considerations Associated with Regulatory Requirements

              Section 162(m) of the Internal Revenue Code generally disallows a tax deduction to any publicly held corporation for individual compensation over $1 million paid in any taxable year to each of the persons who were, at the end of the fiscal year, Dollar General's CEO or one of the other named executive officers (other than our Chief Financial Officer)CFO). Section 162(m) specifically exempts certain performance-based compensation from the deduction limit.

              If our Compensation Committee determines that our shareholders' interests are best served by the implementation of compensation policies that are affected by Section 162(m), our policies will not restrict the Committee from exercising discretion to approve compensation packages even though that flexibility may result in certain non-deductible compensation expenses.

              We believe that our Amended and Restated 2007 Stock Incentive Plan currently satisfies the requirements of Section 162(m), so that compensation expense realized in connection with stock options and stock appreciation rights, if any, and in connection with performance-based restricted stock and restricted stock unit awards, if any, can be deductible. However, restricted stock or restricted stock units granted to executive officers that solely vest over time are not "performance-based compensation" under Section 162(m), so that compensation expense realized in connection with those time-vested awards to executive officers covered by Section 162(m) will not be deductible by Dollar General.

              In addition, any salary, signing bonuses or other annual compensation paid or imputed to the executive officers covered by Section 162(m) that causes non-performance-based compensation to exceed the $1 million limit will not be deductible by Dollar General. However, we believe that our Amended and Restated Annual Incentive Plan currently satisfies the requirements of Section 162(m), so that compensation expense realized in connection with short-term incentive payments under our Teamshare program, if any, will be deductible.

              The Committee administers our executive compensation program with the good faith intention of complying with Section 409A of the Internal Revenue Code, which relates to the taxation of nonqualified deferred compensation arrangements.


Compensation Committee Report

              The Compensation Committee of our Board of Directors reviewed and discussed with management the Compensation Discussion and Analysis required by Item 402(b) of Regulation S-K and, based on such review and discussions, the Compensation Committee recommended to the Board that the Compensation Discussion and Analysis be included in this document.

              This report has been furnished by the members of the Compensation Committee:

              The above Compensation Committee Report does not constitute soliciting material and should not be deemed filed or incorporated by reference into any other Dollar General filing under the Securities Act of 1933 or the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, except to the extent Dollar General specifically incorporates this report by reference therein.


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Summary Compensation Table

              The following table summarizes compensation paid to or earned by our named executive officers in each of the 2013, 2012 and 2011 fiscal 2012, fiscal 2011 and fiscal 2010.years. We have omitted from this table the columns for Bonus and Change in Pension Value and Nonqualified Deferred Compensation Earnings as no amounts are required to be reported in such columns for any named executive officer.

Name and Principal Position(1)
 Year
 Salary
($)(2)

 Stock
Awards
($)(3)

 Option
Awards
($)(4)

 Non-Equity
Incentive
Plan
Compensation
($)(5)

 All Other
Compensation
($)

 Total
($)

  Year
 Salary
($)(2)

 Stock
Awards
($)(3)

 Option
Awards
($)(4)

 Non-Equity
Incentive
Plan
Compensation
($)(5)

 All Other
Compensation
($)

 Total
($)

 
   

Richard W. Dreiling,

 2012 1,235,626 16,554,441 3,091,549 1,591,956 686,625(6) 23,160,197   2013 1,291,515 3,440,634 2,059,459       855,567 (6) 7,647,175 

Chairman &

 2011 1,196,947   1,850,386 785,036 3,832,369   2012 1,235,626 16,554,441 3,091,549 1,591,956 686,688 23,160,260 

Chief Executive Officer

 2010 1,143,231  1,193,210 2,186,595 640,293 5,163,329   2011 1,196,947   1,850,386 785,036 3,832,369 
   

David M. Tehle,

 2012 677,136 295,483 507,162 436,209 191,915(7) 2,107,905   2013 709,413 625,574 374,452       172,598 (7) 1,882,037 

Executive Vice President &

 2011 658,356   506,906 220,278 1,385,540   2012 677,136 295,483 507,162 436,209 191,915 2,107,905 

Chief Financial Officer

 2010 642,299   638,125 219,450 1,499,874   2011 658,356   506,906 220,278 1,385,540 
   

Todd J. Vasos,

 2012 654,617 295,483 507,162 421,698 76,435(8) 1,955,395   2013 699,549 625,574 422,846         72,464 (8) 1,820,433 

Chief Operating Officer

  2012 654,617 295,483 507,162 421,698   76,435 1,955,395 

  2011 636,614   490,165   71,712 1,198,491 
 

John W. Flanigan,

  2013 452,716 625,574 374,452       105,319 (9) 1,558,061 

Executive Vice President,

 2011 636,614   490,165 71,712 1,198,491                 

Division President, Chief

 2010 618,855   617,050 57,839 1,293,744 

Merchandising Officer

 
 

Susan S. Lanigan,

 2012 553,158 295,483 507,162 356,343 152,834(9) 1,864,980 

Executive Vice President &

 2011 530,326   414,102 122,171 1,066,599 

General Counsel

 

Global Supply Chain

                
   

Gregory A. Sparks,

 2012 523,618 295,483 507,162 338,643 65,404(10) 1,730,310   2013 620,178 625,574 374,452        300,228 (10) 1,920,432 

Executive Vice President,

   2012 523,618 295,483 507,162 338,643   65,404 1,730,310 

Store Operations

                 

(1)
Ms. LaniganMr. Flanigan joined Dollar General in July 2002May 2008 but was not a named executive officer for fiscal 2010.2012 or fiscal 2011. Mr. Sparks joined Dollar General in March 2012.

(2)
Each named executive officer deferred under the CDP a portion of his or hersalary earned in each of the fiscal 2012years for which salaries are reported above and, except for Mr. Sparks fiscal 2011 salaries reported above. Each of Messrs. Dreiling and Tehle and Ms. Lanigan also deferred under the CDPwho contributed a portion of only his or her fiscal 20102013 salary reported above. Each named executive officerto our 401(k) Plan, contributed to our 401(k) Plan a portion of his or hersalary earned in each of the fiscal 2012years for which salaries and, except for Mr. Sparks, a portion of his or her fiscal 2011 and fiscal 2010 salariesare reported above. The amounts of the fiscal 20122013 salary deferrals under the CDP are included in the Nonqualified Deferred Compensation Table.

(3)
The amounts reported represent the respective aggregate grant date fair value of performance share units awarded to the applicable named executive officer in the fiscal year indicated, as well as2013 and fiscal 2012, the aggregate grant date fair value of the performance-based restricted stock awarded to Mr. Dreiling in fiscal 2012 and the aggregate grant date fair value of the restricted stock units awarded to each named executive officer in fiscal 2013, in each case computed in accordance with FASB ASC Topic 718. The performance share units and the performance-based restricted stock are subject to performance conditions, and the reported value at the grant date is based upon the probable outcome of such conditions.conditions on such date. The values of the awards at the grant date assuming that the highest level of performance conditions will be achieved are as follows: $3,431,879 for Mr. Dreiling's performance share units granted in fiscal 2013, $3,602,534 for Mr. Dreiling's performance share units andgranted in fiscal 2012, $14,753,174 for hisMr. Dreiling's performance-based restricted stock, $623,987 for the performance share units granted to each of Messrs. Tehle, Vasos, Flanigan and Sparks in fiscal 2013, and $590,965 for the performance share units granted to each of the other named executive officers' performance share units.Messrs. Tehle, Vasos, Flanigan and Sparks in fiscal 2012. Information regarding the assumptions made in the valuation of these awards is set forth in see Note 1110 of the annual consolidated financial statements in our 20122013 Form 10-K.

(4)
The amounts reported represent the respective aggregate grant date fair value of stock options awarded to the applicable named executive officer in the fiscal year indicated, computed in accordance with FASB ASC Topic 718. Information regarding assumptions made in the valuation of these awards is set forth in Note 1110 of the annual consolidated financial statements in our 20122013 Form 10-K.

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(5)
Represents amounts earned pursuant to our Teamshare bonus program for each fiscal year reported. See the discussion of the "Short-Term Cash Incentive Plan" in "Compensation Discussion and Analysis" above. Mr. Vasos deferred 10% of his fiscal 2012 bonus payment under our CDP. No named executive officer for whom a Teamshare bonus payment for fiscal 2011 is reported above deferred any portion of his or her fiscal 2011 or fiscal 2010such bonus paymentspayment under the CDP.

(6)
Includes $292,727$273,655 for our contribution to the SERP and $49,048$51,681 and $12,722,$12,742, respectively, for our match contributions to the CDP and the 401(k) Plan; $9,751 for tax gross-ups related to the financial and estate planning perquisite, $8,744 for tax gross-ups related to life and disability insurance premiums, and $3,487 for other miscellaneous tax gross-ups related to perquisites; $7,775 for premiums paid under a personal portable long-term disability policies; $2,983policy; $1,692 for premiums paid under our life insurance program; and disability insurance programs; and $299,388$508,022 which represents the aggregate incremental cost of providing certain perquisites, including $266,311$481,658 for costs associated with personal airplane usage, $19,318$18,488 for costs associated with financial and estate planning services, and other amounts which individually did not equal or exceed the greater of $25,000 or 10% of total perquisites, including sporting and other entertainment events, miscellaneous gifts, and framing projects.projects, as well as participation in a group umbrella liability insurance program offered at no incremental cost to Dollar General through a third party vendor at a group rate paid by the executive. The aggregate incremental cost related to the personal airplane usage was calculated using costs we would not have incurred but for the personal usage (including costs incurred as a result of "deadhead" legs of personal flights), including fuel costs, variable maintenance costs, crew expenses, landing, parking and other associated fees, supplies and catering costs, as well as plane leasecharter costs incurred while our plane was undergoing mandatory maintenance.

(7)
Includes $112,227$108,683 for our contribution to the SERP and $21,222$22,641 and $12,629,$12,554, respectively, for our match contributions to the CDP and the 401(k) Plan; $9,751 for tax gross-ups related to the financial and estate planning perquisite, $5,045 for tax gross-ups related to life and disability insurance premiums, and $1,122 for other miscellaneous tax gross-ups related to perquisites; $1,956$1,001 for premiums paid under our life insurance program; and disability insurance programs; and $27,963$27,719 which represents the aggregate incremental cost of providing certain perquisites, including $19,318$18,488 for financial and estate planning services and other amounts which individually did not equal or exceed the greater of $25,000 or 10% of total perquisites, including a directed donation to charity, sporting and other entertainment events and miscellaneous gifts.gifts, as well as participation in a group umbrella liability insurance program offered at no incremental cost to Dollar General through a third party vendor at a group rate paid by the executive.

(8)
Includes $20,108$21,901 and $12,611,$12,518, respectively, for our match contributions to the CDP and the 401(k) Plan; $9,751 for tax gross-ups related to the financial and estate planning perquisite, $2,310 for a tax gross-up related to life insurance premiums, and $1,440 for other miscellaneous tax gross-ups related to perquisites; $924$988 for premiums paid under our life insurance program; and $29,291$37,057 which represents the aggregate incremental cost of providing certain perquisites, including $19,318$18,488 for financial and estate planning services and other amounts which individually did not equal or exceed the greater of $25,000 or 10% of total perquisites, including sporting and other entertainment events, miscellaneous gifts and minimal costs associated with personal airplane usage.usage, as well as participation in a group umbrella liability insurance program offered at no incremental cost to Dollar General through a third party vendor at a group rate paid by the executive.

(9)
Includes $72,379$54,520 for our contribution to the SERP and $15,048$9,835 and $12,344,$12,798, respectively, for our match contributions to the CDP and the 401(k) Plan; $9,751 for tax gross-ups related to the financial and estate planning perquisite, $2,358 for tax gross-ups related to life and disability insurance premiums, and $1,122 for other miscellaneous tax gross-ups related to perquisites; $1,548$638 for premiums paid under our life insurance program; and disability insurance programs; and $38,284$27,528 which represents the aggregate incremental cost of providing certain perquisites, including $19,318$18,488 for financial and estate planning services and other amounts which individually did not equal or exceed the greater of $25,000 or 10% of total perquisites, including a directed donation to charity, sporting and other entertainment events, miscellaneous gifts, and minimal costs associated with personal airplane usage, as well as participation in a directed donationgroup umbrella liability insurance program offered at no incremental cost to charity, an executive physical and miscellaneous gifts.Dollar General through a third party vendor at a group rate paid by the executive.

(10)
Includes $2,526$15,663 and $15,202, respectively, for our match contributions to the CDP; $6,680CDP and the 401(k) Plan; $15,280 for tax gross-ups related to relocation; $4,539 for tax gross-ups related to the financial and estate planning perquisite; $1,722 for tax gross-ups related to life insurance premiums; and $667 for other miscellaneous tax gross-ups related to perquisites; $777$875 for premiums paid under our life insurance program; and $48,493$253,208 which represents the aggregate incremental cost of providing certain perquisites, including $27,559$226,179 for costs related to relocation, $16,356$18,488 for financial and estate planning services, and other amounts which individually did not equal or exceed the greater of $25,000 or 10% of total perquisites, including a directed donation to charity, sporting and other entertainment events and miscellaneous gifts and minimal costs associated with personal airplane usagegifts. The aggregate incremental cost related to relocation included temporary living expenses, costs of transporting his automobile, home finding expenses, reimbursement for the costs of trips to and a cash payment to cover miscellaneous relocation expenses.from his former home and home sale costs incurred in connection with the sale of his former home (such as appraisals, inspections, pre-title expenses, title and deed costs, broker's commission, document preparation fees, recording fees and legal fees).

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Grants of Plan-Based Awards in Fiscal 20122013

              The table below sets forth each named executive officer's annual Teamshare bonus opportunity for fiscal 2013 under "Estimated Possible Payouts Under Non-Equity Incentive Plan Awards." No bonus amounts were actually earned by any named executive officer under the fiscal 2013 Teamshare program. See "Short-Term Cash Incentive Plan" in "Compensation Discussion and Analysis" above for discussion of the fiscal 2013 Teamshare program.

              The table below also includes information regarding grants of plan-basedequity awards made to our named executive officers for fiscal 2012.2013. The awards listed under "Estimated Possible Payouts Under Equity Incentive Plan Awards" include (1) for each of the named executive officers, the threshold, target and maximum number of performance share units which maycould be earned by each named executive officer based upon the level of achievement of financial performance measures for fiscal 2012; and (2) for Mr. Dreiling, an additional award of performance-based2013. The awards listed under "All Other Stock Awards" represent restricted stock which he may earnunits payable in shares of common stock on a one-for-one basis that vest over time based upon achievement of financial performance measures for fiscal 2014 and 2015.the named executive officer's continued employment by Dollar General. The awards listed under "All Other Option Awards" include non-qualified stock options that vest over time based upon the named executive officer's continued employment by our Company. All of theDollar General. The awards listed in this table were granted pursuant to our Amended and Restated 2007 Stock Incentive Plan. See "Long-Term Equity Incentive Program" in "Compensation Discussion &and Analysis" above for further discussion of these awards. We have omitted the column for All Other Stock Awards: Number of Shares of Stock or Units because it is inapplicable.

              The table below also sets forth each named executive officer's annual Teamshare bonus opportunity for fiscal 2012. Actual bonus amounts earned by each named executive officer for fiscal 2012 are set forth in the Summary Compensation Table above and represent prorated payments on a graduated scale for financial performance between the threshold and target performance level. See "Short-Term Cash Incentive Plan" in "Compensation Discussion and Analysis" above for discussion of the fiscal 2012 Teamshare program.


  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
 Grant
Date Fair
Value of
Stock and
Option
Awards
($)(2)

 

  
 Estimated Possible Payouts Under
Non-Equity Incentive Plan Awards
 Estimated Possible Payouts Under
Equity Incentive Plan Awards
  
 Exercise
or Base
Price of
Option
Awards
($/Sh)(1)

   
  
  
  
  
  
  
 All Other
Stock
Awards:
Number
of Shares
of Stock
or Units
(#)

 All Other
Option
Awards:
Number of
Securities
Underlying
Options
(#)

  
 Grant
Date Fair
Value of
Stock and
Option
Awards
($)(2)

 

  
 All Other Option
Awards: Number of
Securities
Underlying Options
(#)

Grant
Date Fair
Value of
Stock and
Option
Awards
($)(2)

  
 
Estimated Possible Payouts Under
Non-Equity Incentive Plan Awards
 
Estimated Possible Payouts Under
Equity Incentive Plan Awards
 Exercise
or Base
Price of
Option
Awards
($/Sh)(1)

 
Name
 Grant Date
 Threshold
($)

 Target
($)

 Maximum
($)

 Threshold
(#)

 Target
(#)

 Maximum
(#)

 Grant
Date

 Threshold
($)

 Target
($)

 Maximum
($)

 Threshold
(#)

 Target
(#)

 Maximum
(#)

Grant
Date Fair
Value of
Stock and
Option
Awards
($)(2)

Mr. Dreiling

  806,725 1,613,450 5,000,000        843,214 1,686,428 10,000,000       

 3/20/12       228,226 45.25 3,091,549  3/18/13        151,204 48.11 2,059,459 

 3/20/12    19,904 39,807 79,614   1,801,267  3/18/13       35,849   1,724,695 

 3/20/12    163,019 326,037    14,753,174  3/18/13    17,834 35,667 71,334    1,715,939 
   

Mr. Tehle

  221,049 442,098 5,000,000         231,583 463,167 10,000,000        

 3/20/12       37,440 45.25 507,162  3/18/13        27,492 48.11 374,452 

 3/20/12    3,265 6,530 13,060   295,483  3/18/13       6,518   313,581 
  3/18/13    3,243 6,485 12,970    311,993 
 

Mr. Vasos

  213,696 427,391 5,000,000         242,061 484,122 10,000,000        

 3/20/12       37,440 45.25 507,162  3/18/13        27,492 48.11 374,452 

 3/20/12    3,265 6,530 13,060   295,483  12/3/13        2,880 56.48 48,394 
  3/18/13       6,518   313,581 

Ms. Lanigan

  180,577 361,154 5,000,000       

 3/18/13    3,243 6,485 12,970    311,993 
 

Mr. Flanigan

  147,786 295,573 10,000,000        

 3/18/13        27,492 48.11 374,452 

 3/20/12  ��     37,440 45.25 507,162  3/18/13       6,518   313,581 

 3/20/12    3,265 6,530 13,060   295,483  3/18/13    3,243 6,485 12,970    311,993 
   

Mr. Sparks

  171,607 343,215 5,000,000         202,453 404,906 10,000,000        

 3/20/12       37,440 45.25 507,162  3/18/13        27,492 48.11 374,452 

 3/20/12    3,265 6,530 13,060   295,483  3/18/13       6,518   313,581 

 3/18/13    3,243 6,485 12,970    311,993 

(1)
The per share exercise price was calculated based on the closing market price of one share of our common stock on the date of grant as reported by the NYSE.

(2)
Represents the aggregate grant date fair value of each equity award, computed in accordance with FASB ASC Topic 718. For equity awards that are subject to performance conditions, the value at the grant date is based upon the probable outcome of such conditions. For information regarding the assumptions made in the valuation of these awards, see Note 1110 of the annual consolidated financial statements included in our 20122013 Form 10-K.

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Outstanding Equity Awards at 20122013 Fiscal Year-End

              The table below sets forth information regarding awards granted under our Amended and Restated 2007 Stock Incentive Plan and held by our named executive officers as of the end of fiscal 2012.2013. The $7.9975 exercise prices set forth in the table below reflect an adjustment made in connection with a special dividend paid to our shareholders in September 2009 to reflect the effects of such dividend on such options, as required by the terms of such options. In October 2009, we completed a reverse split of 1 share for each 1.75 shares of common stock outstanding. The exercise prices of, and number of shares outstanding under, our equity awards existing at the time of the reverse stock split were retroactively adjusted to reflect the reverse split and are reflected below.


 Option Awards Stock Awards  Option Awards Stock Awards 
Name Number of
Securities
Underlying
Unexercised
Options
(#)
Exercisable
 Number of
Securities
Underlying
Unexercised
Options
(#)
Unexercisable
 Equity
Incentive
Plan Awards:
Number of
Securities
Underlying
Unexercised
Unearned
Options
(#)
 Option
Exercise
Price
($)
 Option
Expiration
Date
 Number of
Shares or
Units of
Stock That
Have Not
Vested
(#)
 Market
Value of
Shares or
Units of
Stock That
Have Not
Vested
($)
 Equity
Incentive
Plan Awards:
Number of
Unearned
Shares, Units
or Other
Rights That
Have Not
Vested
(#)
 Equity
Incentive Plan
Awards:
Market or
Payout Value
of Unearned
Shares, Units
or Other
Rights That
Have Not
Vested
($)
  Number of
Securities
Underlying
Unexercised
Options
(#)
Exercisable
 Number of
Securities
Underlying
Unexercised
Options
(#)
Unexercisable
 Equity
Incentive
Plan Awards:
Number of
Securities
Underlying
Unexercised
Unearned
Options
(#)
 Option
Exercise
Price
($)
 Option
Expiration
Date
 Number of
Shares or
Units of
Stock That
Have Not
Vested
(#)
 Market
Value of
Shares or
Units of
Stock That
Have Not
Vested
($)
 Equity
Incentive
Plan Awards:
Number of
Unearned
Shares, Units
or Other
Rights That
Have Not
Vested
(#)
 Equity
Incentive Plan
Awards:
Market or
Payout Value
of Unearned
Shares, Units
or Other
Rights That
Have Not
Vested
($)
 

Mr. Dreiling

 285,714(1)   7.9975 07/06/2017      11,653(1)   7.9975 07/06/2017     

 222,235(2)   7.9975 07/06/2017      100,000(2)   29.38 04/23/2020     

 100,000(3)   29.38 04/23/2020      57,058(3) 171,168(3)  45.25 03/20/2022     

  228,226(4)  45.25 03/20/2022       151,204(4)  48.11 03/18/2023     

        326,037(5) 15,088,992(5)        326,037(5) 18,362,404 (5) 

      26,184(6) 1,211,796(6)         26,184(6) 1,474,683(6)   
       9,392(7) 528,957(7)   

      35,849(8) 2,019,016(8)   
 

Mr. Tehle

  37,440(4)  45.25 03/20/2022      9,360(3) 28,080(3)  45.25 03/20/2022     

  27,492(4)  48.11 03/18/2023     

      4,294(6) 241,838(6)   

      1,708(7) 96,195(7)   

      4,294(6) 198,726(6)         6,518(8) 367,094(8)   
   

Mr. Vasos

 50,000(1) 50,000(1)  7.9975 12/19/2018      9,360(3) 28,080(3)  45.25 03/20/2022     

 84,623(7)  41,667(7) 7.9975 12/19/2018       27,492(4)  48.11 03/18/2023     

  37,440(4)  45.25 03/20/2022       2,880(9)  56.48 12/03/2023     

      4,294(6) 198,726(6)         4,294(6) 241,838(6)   
       1,708(7) 96,195(7)   

Ms. Lanigan

  37,440(4)  45.25 03/20/2022     

      6,518(8) 367,094(8)   
 

Mr. Flanigan

 1,198(10)   7.9975 08/28/2018     

 300(10)   12.1975 05/28/2019     

 12,439(11) 2,073(12)  25.25 03/24/2020     

  12,439(13)  25.25 03/24/2020     

 9,360(3) 28,080(3)  45.25 03/20/2022     

  27,492(4)  48.11 03/18/2023     

      4,294(6) 241,838(6)   

      1,708(7) 96,195(7)   

      4,294(6) 198,726(6)         6,518(8) 367,094(8)   
   

Mr. Sparks

  37,440(4)  45.25 03/20/2022      9,360(3) 28,080(3)  45.25 03/20/2022     

      4,294(6) 198,726(6)     27,492(4)  48.11 03/18/2023     

      4,294(6) 241,838(6)  ��� 

      1,708(7) 96,195(7)   

      6,518(8) 367,094(8)   

(1)
These options are part of a grant of time-based options which vested 20% per year on each of the first five anniversaries of July 6, 2007.

(2)
These options vested on April 23, 2011.

(3)
These options are part of a grant of time-based options which vested or are scheduled to vest 20%25% per year on each of the first fivefour anniversaries of (a) July 6, 2007 (in the case of all listed officers other than Mr. Vasos) or (b) December 1, 2008 (in the case of Mr. Vasos),March 20, 2012, subject to certain accelerated vesting provisions as described in "Potential Payments upon Termination or Change in Control" below.


(2)
These options are part

Table of a grant of performance-based options which vested 20% per year on each of February 1, 2008, January 30, 2009, January 29, 2010, January 28, 2011 and February 3, 2012, as a result of our achievement of annual adjusted EBITDA-based targets for the applicable fiscal year.

(3)
These options vested on April 23, 2011.

Contents

(4)
These options are part of a grant of time-based options which are scheduled to vest 25% per year on each of the first four anniversaries of March 20, 2012,18, 2013, subject to certain accelerated vesting provisions as described in "Potential Payments upon Termination or Change in Control" below.

(5)
Represents performance-based restricted stock scheduled to vest 50% on each of the dates on which it is determined that the applicable earnings per share target has been achieved for the fiscal year ending January 30, 2015 and the fiscal year ending January 29, 2016, respectively, subject to certain accelerated vesting provisions as described in "Potential Payments upon Termination or Change in Control" below. The market value was computed by multiplying the number of shares of such restricted stock by the closing market price of one share of our common stock on February 1, 2013.January 31, 2014.

(6)
Represents performance share units, to be paid in an equal number of shares of our common stock, earned as a result of our achievement ofperformance versus certain adjusted EBITDA and ROIC targets for fiscal 2012. These performance share units are scheduled to vest 50% on

Table of Contents

These performance share units are scheduled to vest 50% on March 18, 2015 and 50% on March 18, 2016, subject to certain accelerated vesting provisions as described in "Potential Payments upon Termination or Change in Control" below. The market value was computed by multiplying the number of such units by the closing market price of one share of our common stock on January 31, 2014.

(7)(8)
Represents restricted stock units, to be paid in an equal number of shares of our common stock, which are scheduled to vest in three equal installments on each of the first three anniversaries of March 18, 2013, subject to certain accelerated vesting provisions as described in "Potential Payments upon Termination or Change in Control" below. The market value was computed by multiplying the number of such units by the closing market price of one share of our common stock on January 31, 2014.

(9)
These options are part of a grant of performance-basedtime-based options that vested orwhich are scheduled to vest (a)25% per year on each of the first four anniversaries of December 3, 2013, subject to certain accelerated vesting provisions as described in "Potential Payments upon Termination or Change in Control" below.

(10)
These options vested on December 11, 2013.

(11)
These options vested on January 31, 2014.

(12)
These options are scheduled to 8,333 sharesvest on January 30, 2009, 50,000 shares on each of January 29, 2010, January 28, 2011, February 3, 2012 and February 1, 2013, and 41,667 shares on January 31, 2014,2015 if we achieve a specific annual adjusted EBITDA-based targetstarget for the applicable fiscal year;2014 or (b) on a "catch up" basis if we achieve an applicable cumulative adjusted EBITDA-based target is achieved at the end of fiscal year 2013 or 2014. These options are subject to certain accelerated vesting provisions as described in "Potential Payments upon Termination or Change in Control" below. We achieved the annual financial targets for each of the 2008- 2012 fiscal years, and a portion of the

(13)
These options reportedare scheduled to vest on March 24, 2014, subject to certain accelerated vesting provisions as exercisable vested on an accelerated basis on December 14, 2010 (417 shares), June 11, 2012 (2,917 shares), October 3, 2012 (28,250 shares), October 10, 2012 (4,250 shares), October 11, 2012 (3,750 shares), November 27, 2012 (1,250 shares), November 28, 2012 (1,000 shares), November 29, 2012 (2,250 shares) and November 30, 2012 (5,250 shares).described in "Potential Payments upon Termination or Change in Control" below.


Option Exercises and Stock Vested During Fiscal 20122013


 Option Awards Stock Awards  Option Awards Stock Awards 
Name
 Number of
Shares Acquired
on Exercise
(#)(1)
 Value Realized
on Exercise
($)(2)
 Number of
Shares Acquired
on Vesting
(#)(3)
 Value Realized
on Vesting
($)(4)
  Number of
Shares Acquired
on Exercise
(#)(1)
 Value Realized
on Exercise
($)(2)
 Number of
Shares Acquired
on Vesting
(#)(3)
 Value Realized
on Vesting
($)(4)
 

Mr. Dreiling

 425,512 17,572,324 13,094 605,990  496,296 21,317,154 4,696 264,479 

Mr. Tehle

 386,171 15,511,027 2,149 99,456    854 48,097 

Mr. Vasos

 228,760 9,154,305 2,149 99,456  226,290 10,380,244 854 48,097 

Ms. Lanigan

 235,256 9,459,266 2,149 99,456 

Mr. Flanigan

 113,856 4,088,426 854 48,097 

Mr. Sparks

   2,149 99,456    854 48,097
 

(1)
Represents the gross number of option shares exercised, without deduction for shares that may have been surrendered or withheld to satisfy the exercise price or applicable tax withholding obligations.

(2)
Value realized is calculated by multiplying the gross number of options exercised by the difference between the closing market price of our common stock on the date of exercise and the exercise price.

(3)
Represents the gross number of shares acquired upon vesting of performance share units.units, without deduction for shares that may have been withheld to satisfy applicable tax withholding obligations.

(4)
Value realized is calculated by multiplying the gross number of shares vested by the closing market price of our common stock on the vesting date.


Pension Benefits
Fiscal 2012

              We have omitted the Pension Benefits table as it is inapplicable.


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Pension Benefits
Fiscal 2013

              We have omitted the Pension Benefits table as it is inapplicable.


Nonqualified Deferred Compensation
Fiscal 20122013

              Information regarding each named executive officer's participation in our CDP/SERP Plan is included in the following table. The material terms of the CDP/SERP Plan are described after the table. Please also see "Benefits and Perquisites" in "Compensation Discussion and Analysis" above. We have omitted from this table the column pertaining to aggregate withdrawals/distributions during the fiscal year because it is inapplicable.

Name Executive
Contributions
in Last FY
($)(1)
 Registrant
Contributions
in Last FY
($)(2)
 Aggregate
Earnings
in Last FY
($)(3)
 Aggregate
Balance
at Last FYE
($)(4)
  Executive
Contributions
in Last FY
($)(1)
 Registrant
Contributions
in Last FY
($)(2)
 Aggregate
Earnings
in Last FY
($)(3)
 Aggregate
Balance
at Last FYE
($)(4)
 

Mr. Dreiling

 61,781 341,775 114,334 1,791,559  64,576 325,336 8,205 2,189,676 

Mr. Tehle

 33,857 133,448 134,440 1,405,253  38,440 131,324 271,294 1,846,311 

Mr. Vasos

 65,462 20,108 10,459 154,259  112,149 21,901 38,571 326,880 

Ms. Lanigan

 27,658 87,427 72,131 774,674 

Mr. Flanigan

 22,636 64,355 44,140 442,823 

Mr. Sparks

 2,526 2,526 3 5,055  31,009 15,663 340 52,067
 

(1)
Of the amounts reported, the following are reported in the Summary Compensation Table as "Salary" for 2012:2013: Mr. Dreiling ($61,781)64,576); Mr. Tehle ($33,857)38,440); Mr. Vasos ($65,462)69,979); Ms. LaniganMr. Flanigan ($27,658)22,636); and Mr. Sparks ($2,526)31,009).

(2)
Reported as "All Other Compensation" in the Summary Compensation Table.

(3)
The amounts shown are not reported in the Summary Compensation Table because they do not represent above-market or preferential earnings.

(4)
Of the amounts reported, the following were previously reported as compensation to the named executive officer for years prior to 20122013 in a Summary Compensation Table: Mr. Dreiling ($1,114,862)1,548,418); Mr. Tehle ($976,276)1,143,581); Mr. Vasos ($56,608)184,348); Mr. Flanigan ($62,978); and Ms. LaniganMr. Sparks ($195,474)5,052).

              Pursuant to the CDP, each named executive officer may annually elect to defer up to 65% of base salary if his or her compensation exceeds the limit set forth in Section 401(a)(17) of the Internal Revenue Code, and up to 100% of bonus pay if his or her compensation equals or exceeds the highly compensated limit under Section 414(q)(1)(B) of the Internal Revenue Code. We currently match base pay deferrals at a rate of 100%, up to 5% of annual salary, with annual salary offset by the amount of match-eligible salary under the 401(k) plan. All named executive officers are 100% vested in all compensation and matching deferrals and earnings on those deferrals.

              Pursuant to the SERP, we make an annual contribution equal to a certain percentage of a participant's annual salary and bonus to all participants who are actively employed in an eligible job grade on January 1 and continue to be employed as of December 31 of a given year. Persons hired after May 27, 2008 (the "Eligibility Freeze Date"), including Messrs. Vasos and Sparks, are not eligible to participate in the SERP. The contribution percentage is based on age, years of service and job grade. The fiscal 20122013 contribution percentage for each eligible named executive officer was 9.5% for each of Messrs. Dreiling and Mr. Tehle and 7.5% for Ms. Lanigan.Mr. Flanigan.


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              As a result of our 2007 merger, which constituted a change-in-controlchange in control under the CDP/SERP Plan, all previously unvested SERP amounts vested on July 6, 2007. For newly eligible SERP participants after July 6, 2007 but prior to the Eligibility Freeze Date, SERP amounts vest at the earlier of the participant's attainment of age 50 or the participant's being credited with 10 or more "years of service",service," or upon termination of employment due to death or "total and permanent disability" or upon a "change-in-control","change in control," all as defined in the CDP/SERP Plan. See "Potential Payments upon Termination or Change in Control as of February 1, 2013—January 31, 2014—Payments After a Change in Control" below for a general description of our change in control arrangements.


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              The amounts deferred or contributed to the CDP/SERP Plan are credited to a liability account, which is then invested at the participant's option in an account that mirrors the performance of a fund or funds selected by the Compensation Committee or its delegate. Beginning on August 2, 2008, these funds are identical to the funds offered in our 401(k) Plan.

              A participant who ceases employment with at least 10 years of service or after reaching age 50 and whose CDP account balance or SERP account balance exceeds $25,000 may elect for that account balance to be paid in cash by (a) lump sum, (b) monthly installments over a 5, 10 or 15-year period or (c) a combination of lump sum and installments. Otherwise, payment is made in a lump sum. The vested amount will be payable at the time designated by the Plan upon the participant's termination of employment. A participant's CDP/SERP benefit normally is payable in the following February if employment ceases during the first 6 months of a calendar year or is payable in the following August if employment ceases during the last 6 months of a calendar year. However, participants may elect to receive an in-service lump sum distribution of vested amounts credited to the CDP account, provided that the date of distribution is no sooner than 5 years after the end of the year in which the amounts were deferred. In addition, a participant who is actively employed may request an "unforeseeable emergency hardship" in-service lump sum distribution of vested amounts credited to the participant's CDP account. Account balances are payable in cash.

              As a result of our 2007 merger, the CDP/SERP Plan liabilities through July 6, 2007 were fully funded into an irrevocable rabbi trust. We also funded into the rabbi trust deferrals into the CDP/SERP Plan between July 6, 2007 and October 15, 2007. All CDP/SERP Plan liabilities incurred on or after October 15, 2007 are unfunded.


Potential Payments upon Termination or Change in Control

              Our employment agreements with our named executive officers, the award agreements for our equity awards, and certain plans and programs offered to or in which our named executive officers participate provide for benefits or payments to the officers upon certain termination of employment or change in control events. These benefits and payments are discussed below except to the extent a benefit or payment is available generally to all salaried employees and does not discriminate in favor of our executive officers.

Payments Upon Termination Due to Death or Disability

              Mr. Dreiling's 2012 Performance-Based Restricted Stock.    If Mr. Dreiling's employment with us terminates due to his death or disability, all or a portion of his performance-based restricted stock may vest, unless previously vested or forfeited, depending upon the timing of his termination due to death or disability:


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