BOSTON - With nearly 10,000 stores in 38 states, Dollar General will enter California and Massachusetts this year, part of an aggressive 625-store expansion plan, the Boston Herald reports.

The discount retailer (at least one-third of its merchandise is sold for a dollar or less) already claims to have more U.S. stores than any other retailer, and it has realized strong growth the past several years during the economic downturn.

"Dollar General distinguishes itself with small stores that are designed to draw from a three- to five-mile radius," said company spokesperson Tawn Earnest. "Shoppers pull right up to the door, and get in and out in an average of about 10 minutes."

The publicly traded company generated more than $13 billion in sales last year and joins rivals Family Dollar and Dollar Tree as it enters Massachusetts.

"(Dollar General is) a great competitor, and we co-exist in a lot of markets," Family Dollar spokesman Josh Braverman said. "It€™s business as usual for us, and we€™re growing and expanding by hundreds of stores as well."

Dollar General plans to open 50 new stores and a distribution center in California in 2012, creating more than 1,300 jobs in Southern and Central California.

"California presents an extraordinary opportunity for Dollar General to fulfill its mission of serving other by delivering convenience and value," said Rick Dreiling, chairman and CEO. "Our plans bring new opportunities for Californians, including hundreds of new jobs."