2023 Game Changers: Jackie Li, Dollar General
As consumer demand for private label products grows, retailers and suppliers continue to up their game bringing to market a bevy of new products across multiple categories. Product launches over the past year show a continued effort to give consumers high value items that offer retailers the opportunity to differentiate from their competitors.
For the third year, Store Brands is honoring those in private label that are pushing the boundaries and driving the industry forward. Below are the people, product innovations and brands that are this year’s Game Changers.
Jackie Li, Senior Vice President, Private Brands & Global Sourcing, Dollar General
Focused on providing its shoppers a product selection with affordable options is the daily goal for Dollar General, and that effort on the private label side is led by Jackie Li.
Since 2018, he has overseen the retailer’s private brand strategy that includes merchandising, sales, marketing, branding and product development. He also oversees Dollar General’s company-wide global sourcing strategy as well as managing the company’s global operation offices in Hong Kong, Shenzhen, Shanghai and satellite offices in Southeast Asia, Mexico and Europe.
As a 2023 Store Brands Game Changer, Li said his passion for his job has been a key to his success. “I also believe in being customer-centric,” he said. “You must think beyond your business and make a connection to what your customers really want and need.”
To meet the needs of shoppers, Li said his willingness to innovate and challenge the status quo allows for idea generation that goes beyond the norm. He also values the team around him.
“Teamwork is critical,” he said. “I value having the ability to rally cross-functional teams to execute on the goal based on our global mission of serving others."
In his six years at Dollar General Li said his greatest accomplishment was building a “fantastic” private brand merchandising team as well as a top-notch global sourcing and operations team around the world with members from 11 countries.
“Our team completely revamped Dollar General’s private brand, Clover Valley, and launched multiple new brands in 2022 including OhGood! vitamins, Nature’s Menu super-premium pet food, Wild Tropics Sun Care and more,” he said.“Overall, our consumable private brand sales have and continue to grow."
Li also feels there are several factors that make him a game changer.
“Staying curious with a beginner’s mindset helps me to see different points of view and new ideas from employees, peers, and industry experts,” he said.“I always set ambitious goals with a forward-thinking vision for the area of the business I am responsible for. I never settle for mediocrity and recognize you must be resilient no matter what is thrown your way. I believe in being courageous when faced with disruptions and seek to uncover new growth opportunities. Finally, I pride myself on my ability to pull people, processes, innovation, and technology together to execute a vision.”