SUMMARY OF SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES (Narrative) (Details) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2023 USD ($) segment store entity state	Dec. 31, 2022 USD ($) segment	Dec. 31, 2021 USD ($)
Summary of Significant Accounting Policies
Number of reportable segments | segment	1
Allowance for doubtful supplier receivables	$ 0	$ 0
Replacement cost of inventory	$ 4,940,000	$ 4,700,000
Number of reporting units | segment	1	1
Goodwill impairment	$ 0	$ 0	$ 0
Self-insurance reserves, current	128,548	138,926
Investment tax credit amount	336,500	167,600	177,100
Advertising expense, net	85,700	81,500	72,500
Total interest costs capitalized	7,200	5,500	7,000
Deferred debt issuance costs, net of amortization	25,500	24,700
Original issuance discounts, net of accretion	7,100	6,300
Valuation allowance for deferred tax assets	$ 0	0
Variable Interest Entity, Not Primary Beneficiary [Member]
Summary of Significant Accounting Policies
Number of unconsolidated tax credit fund entities that were considered to be Variable Interest Entities | entity	6
Equity method investment in VIEs, net	$ 34,700
Investment tax credit amount	500	167,600	$ 177,100
Other Assets
Summary of Significant Accounting Policies
Deferred debt issuance costs, net of amortization	1,900	2,600
Related Party [Member]
Summary of Significant Accounting Policies
Accounts receivable due from employees to the Company	$ 900	$ 800
U.S.
Summary of Significant Accounting Policies
Number of stores | store	6,095
Number of states, in which the Company operates | state	48
Mexico
Summary of Significant Accounting Policies
Number of stores | store	62
Loyalty Program Points [Member] | Revenue, Remaining Performance Obligation, Expected Timing of Satisfaction, Start Date [Axis]: 2023-01-01
Summary of Significant Accounting Policies
Deferred revenue, period expect to be recognized within	12 months
Loyalty Program Coupon [Member] | Revenue, Remaining Performance Obligation, Expected Timing of Satisfaction, Start Date [Axis]: 2023-01-01
Summary of Significant Accounting Policies
Deferred revenue, period expect to be recognized within	3 months