NEW YORK (CNNMoney) -- Dollar General plans to create 6,000 new jobs in the next year, the discount retailer said Monday.

The increased hiring is part of Dollar General's plan to open 625 new stores during the year, the company said in a statement.

The retailer said the hiring is the latest phase in its ongoing expansion. Dollar General will have created more than 15,000 new jobs from 2009 to 2011, the company said.

In addition to the 35 states where Dollar General already operates, the retailer will open stores in Connecticut, Nevada and New Hampshire. It is also planning to "remodel or relocate" 550 stores.

Shares of Dollar General rose 0.4% in Monday trading.

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