Dollar General shoppers know that timing is everything — and one of the best ways to score huge savings before the new weekly ad even begins is by taking advantage of Dollar General Early Activation. This powerful shopping hack allows customers to access next week’s sale prices on Saturday night, giving you a head start on coupon matchups, instant savings, and stock-up deals before anyone else. If you’re serious about maximizing your savings at DG, understanding how Early Activation works is a must. This guide walks you through exactly what Early Activation is, how to know if your store participates, how to get it, and why it’s worth planning your trips around.
What is in this post:
What Is Early Activation at Dollar General?
Dollar General Early Activation is when select items from the upcoming weekly ad activate at 7:00 PM local time on the night before a sale starts.
That means:
- You can shop next week’s sale prices early — for example, shop Saturday night at 7 p.m. local time for Sunday’s deals.
- Instant savings typically activate early.
- You can stack currently active coupons with upcoming sale prices.
How Do You Get Early Activation At Dollar General?
Early Activation activates automatically in the Dollar General system at 7 PM local time every Saturday, provided your store participates. Most stores do participate, but the only 100% guaranteed way to know is by checking the Dollar General app at 7 PM local time.
Here’s exactly how to shop Early Activation:
- Check the upcoming weekly ad for deals starting Sunday.
- Check your app after 7 PM local time to see which items reflect the next day’s sale price.
- Head to Dollar General after 7 PM on Saturday.
- Scan your items in the DG app to confirm the new price.
- Go to checkout and verify the early activation price rings up.
You can use the $5/$25 Saturday coupon during Early Activation to drop prices even lower — many shoppers create scenarios using next week’s sale prices PLUS this week’s $5/$25.
Why You Should Take Advantage of Early Activation
Early Activation is one of the BEST ways to maximize your savings at Dollar General. Here’s why shoppers plan their Saturdays around it:
-
You Beat the Sunday Rush
Hot deals tend to sell out the moment the Sunday ad starts. Shopping Saturday gives you first pick and increases your chances of scoring the deal before shelves run empty. -
You Combine This Week’s Coupons With Next Week’s Sales
This is where the real magic happens. Sometimes high-value coupons may expire before a great sale begins — Early Activation lets you pair them together for HOT savings.
Example:
• This week’s DG digital coupon
• Next week’s lower sale price -
You Can Use the $5/$25 Coupon
This is huge. The $5/$25 coupon is only valid on Saturday, so using it during Early Activation allows savings that are impossible to get on Sunday.
Early Activation = Massive Dollar General Savings
If you love saving at Dollar General, Early Activation is something you should absolutely incorporate into your shopping routine. It gives you early access to the best deals, lets you use those expiring coupons, and helps you beat crowds and sell-outs.
Whether you’re stocking up on weekly essentials, holiday items, or high-value promotions like gift cards and soda deals, Early Activation can stretch your budget even further and help you score savings before anyone else.
Dollar General Early Activation FAQ
What time does Early Activation start at Dollar General?
Early Activation begins at 7 PM local time every Saturday. This allows shoppers to get next week’s sale prices the night before the new ad starts.
Does every Dollar General store offer Early Activation?
Most stores do, but not all. The only guaranteed way to confirm is by checking the Dollar General app at 7 PM local time. If the item shows next week’s sale price — your store participates.
Do digital coupons work during Early Activation?
Only digital coupons that are already active will work. New coupons starting Sunday do NOT activate early. Early Activation applies to sale prices and instant savings only.
Can I use the $5/$25 coupon during Early Activation?
Yes! The $5/$25 is valid on Saturdays only, making it one of the best ways to pair Early Activation with huge savings.
How do I check if the Early Activation price is working?
Simply open the DG app and scan the item after 7 PM. If the Sunday price appears, Early Activation is active at your store.
What items work with Early Activation?
Most sale items, soda deals, instant savings promotions, holiday items, and weekly specials will activate early. Digital coupons set to start Sunday will not.
Can I get clearance or penny items early during Early Activation?
No — Early Activation does not affect clearance drops or penny items. It applies only to the upcoming weekly ad sales and instant savings promotions.
My app is showing two deals — this week’s sale and the Early Activation price. Which one will ring up?
You will get the best deal. Dollar General’s system automatically applies the lowest price. Normally, the deal shown on top in the app is the price that will ring up at the register.
