Dollar Stores - The good, the bad and the ugly
Increasing numbers of families are shopping at dollar stores these days to try and make their dollar stretch even further. There are several "dollar" stores to choose from but not all are the same. We had a chance to shop at three dollar stores last week and check out what they have to offer, the 99¢ only store, Dollar General and Family Dollar. I want to give you a break down of each one as we saw it.
99¢ only stores - The only store out of the three that had true 99¢ priced items. All items (with the exception of milk) were either 99¢ or 2 or more for 99¢.
They have a wide variety of items from dry goods to clothing to produce and everything in between.
They DO NOT take coupons.
You can special order large quantities and have it ready for pick up at the stores.
This chain was huge compared to the other two chains we visited.
Dollar General - This chain only has a small "one dollar" section. All other items are priced up from there.
Dollar General DOES take coupons and also offers in-store rebates.
Items get marked down and go on sale several times a season.
They have "store brand" items to save more also.
Dollar General carries food, clothing and household items.
Family Dollar - This chain also only had a small "one dollar" section. All other items are priced up from there.
They offer sales and discounts on their items.
Family Dollar WILL accept coupons.
They carry food, clothing and household items.
Overall, the three stores were very clean. The staff at all three stores was very attentive, checking if we needed anything. You always want to check the "best by" date when purchasing food from any store. If you are looking for particular items don't forget to ask the store manager if they can get it in. When you see an item you want at a price that is right for you, you are wise to jump on it while you can or they might be sold out the next time you shop there.
99¢ only stores is awesome and addictive!
I count on that place for a lot of goods.
Posted by: JessBottles | July 30, 2009 at 09:34 AM
I love the 99 Store. Great comparison Erin.
Posted by: Molly | July 30, 2009 at 06:00 PM
Erin- You forgot one of my favorite things at the ninety-nine store, the fresh fruits & veggies. Since coupons on these are so rare, I always check this. I got a big bag of grapes, a honey-dew melon, a package of four bell peppers, a large bag of potatoes, and a package of eight beautiful tomatoes there this week, all at ninety-nine cents. Occassionally I can find similar prices at the grocery store, but not very often (especially on the grapes and tomatoes). Last week I got a four pound bag of Fiji apples. Only place comparable is a Target if I buy two at a time with the Target coupon.
Posted by: Lisa | August 02, 2009 at 05:14 PM
I agree Lisa, the produce is GREAT. More was taped on this story but it got bumped because of the fire in Bryan the same day.
Posted by: Erin Libranda | August 02, 2009 at 05:43 PM
I agree Lisa, the produce is GREAT. More was taped on this story but it got bumped because of the fire in Bryan the same day.
Posted by: Erin Libranda | August 02, 2009 at 05:43 PM