There was a recent panel discussion of various ex-DGers (various higher-level positions). Apart from the well-publicized macro issues there seem to be some additional issues:
- no omni-channel driven traffic (like Starbucks, which makes the shopping more convenient) - they tried some of this in the past and only got 2 online orders per store so stopped doing it.
- DG has lost some consumer confidence with expired merchandise/pricing inaccuracies and staffing issues (both at store level but also regional). The consumer doesnt trust that the price they see in the aisle is the same as they pay at the register.
- staffing issues/store changes are slow to be addressed. Store visits by higher-ups are prescribed (scheduled, etc.) so that the stores show the best of themselves, not reality and therefore management has a skewed view of store-level issues. They estimate it would take adding 6-hr shift every day - which is costly but it would increase revenue/decrease shrink.

Other comments:
- DG knows how to staff stores correctly, they do it with popshelf concept.
- The closing of FD is a great opportunity but DG needs to get its staffing at store-level right to pull it off.