EXHIBIT 23.1


                         CONSENT OF INDEPENDENT AUDITORS




We consent to the incorporation by reference in the Registration Statement (Form
S-8,  Registration No. 333-65789)  pertaining to the Dollar General  Corporation
401(k)  Savings and  Retirement  Plan of our report  dated June 28,  2002,  with
respect  to  the  financial  statements  and  schedules  of the  Dollar  General
Corporation  401(k) Savings and  Retirement  Plan included in this Annual Report
(Form 11-K) for the year ended December 31, 2001.


                                                      /s/  Ernst & Young LLP
                                                      ----------------------
                                                      Ernst & Young LLP


Nashville, Tennessee
June 28, 2002