Save Money by Shopping at Dollar Stores
72I Could'nt Believe What I Found at the Dollar Store!
My first venture into a dollar store (or 99 cent store as some are called), was about 5 or 6 years ago. At first I was a little hesitant, I mean really, just what in the heck could you buy for a dollar nowadays? It was reminiscent to me of the five and dime stores of years ago, and I really didn't think I would find anything worthwhile.
WRONG.
Although I wouldn't say that you will find anything of truly great value at a dollar store, what I can say with absolute certainty is that if you shop faithfully at the dollar store YOU WILL SAVE LOTS OF MONEY!! (Probably hundreds of dollars a year!)
Nowadays I am absolutely hooked on the dollar store, and with the withering economy I have even more reason to make those trips to the dollar store to save lots of money on stuff I actually NEED and USE.
Dollar Store Shopping
My Favorite 99 Cent Store
My favorite store that I found a couple years ago is about 4 miles from my house. In it I can buy food, plants, household goods, pet food and toys, automotive things, gifts, seasonal decorations, party-ware and just about everything under the sun. Some of the better "finds" that I got there for just 99 cents are:
* My black flower sandals (which had a $6.99 price tag on them)
* My live lavender plants (which retail at the store for $3.99)
* My favorite little ceramic nightlight (which had been in a boutique earlier for $9.99)
* A car charger for my phone (which would have cost me $15.00 at the cell phone store)
At this particular store the stock changes - some things are overstocks, over-runs and discontinued items, so when I see the item I pick it up right then and there. Waiting and thinking about it will probably mean if I go back it's gone! Other items are usually there like the shampoos and such - except - when brand name shampoos come in they usually go fast!
A Baby Shower on a Budget
Throwing a Baby Shower With Dollar Store Items
The latest big savings that I had at the dollar store was at another little local dollar store I found. Although this one is smaller and doesn't have as much stuff, the stuff they do have is more specific for some things. I was thrilled when I found all the partyware and decorations for my daughter-in-laws baby shower that I was going to be giving her. I bought matching quality cups, plates, napkins, party favors, invitations, baby shower game gifts,streamers, balloons and even the door decorations and a cute little baby shower book. The total cost of my baby shower booty came to about $25.00 and I'm sure that I had gone to a a party store I would have easily sank about $75.00 into the same amount of partyware!
Dollar Store Shopping
|
250 Pocket Knife Tool Dollar Store Wholesale Lot #679
Current Bid: $99.00
|
|
Brass C. & R. Stores, Inc. ONE DOLLAR token Picayun MS
Current Bid: $.99
|
|
Heroscape Dollar Store - Zettian Guards
Current Bid: $2.00
|
|
Heroscape Dollar Store - Shiori
Current Bid: $2.00
|
Who Doesn't Like To Save a Dollar?
I could go on and on all about the good things I get at the dollar store, but I would probably need to end up writing a book about it because the savings have been amazing. In these tough economic times, it has really paid for me to shop at the dollar store first before even entering either the grocery store or other retail stores as I invariably find something I need that I can save money on.
And in this day and age, who doesn't like to do that?
Have You Ever Shopped at a Dollar Store?
Have You Ever Shopped At A Dollar or 99 Cent Store?
See results without votingMore On Saving Money
|
Amazing Insider Secrets: 1703 Money Saving Tips
Price: $6.38
List Price: $15.95 |
|
Saving Money with the Tightwad Twins: More Than 1,000 Practical Tips for Women on a Budget
Price: $4.00
List Price: $10.95 |
|
The Insider's Guide to Saving Money: Tips and Examples You Can Use to Save Money, Time, and Aggravation
Price: $14.69
List Price: $21.95 |
|
Moms Saving Money
Price: $2.00
List Price: $9.99 |
This Weeks Hub Mob Writes About Saving Money!
Saving Money
- Teens Saving Money / How To Stretch A Buck
Is this what your kids pockets look like? Teaching teens how to save money and stretch a buck can be an overwhelming challenge especially when we as parents are not so great at it ourselves. Teaching for me... - 13 months ago
- The value of a penny
When I was little, my grandpa used to save up all his pennies (and an occasional nickel or dime) in a basket on the tv shelf. When the basket got full, he dumped it into a coffee can, then the basket would... - 13 months ago
- Money-Saving Garden Tips
A beautiful garden doesn't have to be an expensive garden. Here are some tips to save money in the garden. Choose Plants Wisely Your choice of plants can mean the difference between a beautiful garden that... - 13 months ago
PrintShare it! — Rate it: up down flag this hub
Comments
I do go to the Dollar Store sometimes. I buy note books, alarm clocks, envelopes and scarves. The stores are quite popular. When you compare the prices on the market, you will be surprised and I cannot understand how the stores can survive with their low prices. We find Dollar Stores even on Yonge Street. Toronto main street.
I Love dollar/.99 cent stores too! I used to sell stuff at flea markets and here's a little secret... a lot of stuff I sold were unique usefull items I found at dollar stores and just marked up for a cool profit. Many dollar store items are better prices & quality than I could get from buying through wholesellers.
Great hub, Dorsi. I think dollar stores are great! The dollar store where I live gets shipments of Sara Lee bread products at least twice a week. I can get loaves of bread, hamburger buns, hotdog buns, bagels, and more for only 1.00 per package. I'd never find those prices at the grocery store!
Good hub, Dorsi. I first learned about shopping at dollar stores from friends in CA who had a lot of money. I guess such wise spending habits is why they had so much money!
I do like the look for bargains at the dollar stores (and we have a lot of them in my area) whenever possible, but as you said above, if I'm concerned about the quality of what I'm looking for, I have to go elsewhere.
The local dollar store is a great place. I visit it regularly, in fact other than food it is almost the only place I shop.
I'm a little wary about buying food at the dollar store, but I love it for things like toothpaste and cleaning products, and of course as you mentioned, you can't beat 'em for party supplies! Great hub!
Great article :) Sheri
I love the Dollar Store. It's a great place to find a quick bargain.
Hello! Happy to find another Dollar Store Fan! I shop for FOOD at these stores!
The food and grocery buys at nearby Dollar stores keeps my family going.
(There are several dollar stores nearby-Bremerton,Belfair WA)
In a recent article on my blog, Washington Son, I told readers how I am coping with the high cost of food:
10 ways to beat the high cost of food:
http://washingtonson.blogspot.com
Some of my finds:
Fortune Cookies-30 calories-1$
whole black pepper and sea salt, in grinders
Large size clam chowder
chips
condiments
all 1$
If you know someone who is having a hard time with food, spend 20 dollars at the dollar store and drop it off to them! You'll be amazed at the amount of food
you can get and still stay in your budget!
I am placing a link to this Hub on Washington Son!
washingtonson.blogspot.com
I shop for Food at dollar stores here in WA. I enjoy the quality,variety and of course,the price!
I love the dollar store. I have about three withinn five miles of my home. Between the three - I can find almost anything I need there. Especially great around Christmas time - I can make lovely gift baskets for under $10.
I always jokingly say to my friends and family that it doesn't matter what kind of car you get into when you leave the store (Mercedes/Lexus/Etc.) - while I'm in there - I'm as rich as your are :-)
I swear by dollar stores (and the Family Dollar and thrift stores)!
I've bought the following at the 99 Cents: Expensive (originally) cologne for my boyfriend, 99 cent summer tank tops, two designer jackets, books, imported olive oil, sheet sets, blankets, bath and soap products, tools, a yoga mat, jewelry, kitchenware, wreaths, towels, sewing supplies, holiday items... You name it--the list goes on!
Well, they say the essence of creativity concerning finances is the ability to create a high standard of living for yourself with as little resources as possible.
Cool! Good to see a kindred spirit.
Excellent interpretation of the hubmob topic, Dorsi! Very, very timely advice (both with the economy being the way it is and the holidays coming up).
We are also dollar store converts. In addition to the items mentioned, I buy a lot of my greeting cards there -- why spend $3.99 when you can buy 4 cards for that amount? We buy candles there all the time, dish soap, room deodorizer... the list goes on.
I must admit I'm a bit leery about buying food from there. But my husband did score a true find. Whenever I wear it he says, "Hey, you've got your dollar store sweater on." I will admit to purchasing some gifts there also. For example, last year we made gift baskets for women at a drug recovery home that included a variety of bubble baths, soaps and other peronal items. They were a huge hit, and because of the price, we were able to give way more.
I love 'em, and am somewhat chagrined that I left them off my frugal gift-giving Hub!
I'd like to add this link to that Hub, and also on my blog. Hope that's OK.
Marian, I would love that! And everyone that stopped by, thanks, I LOVE shopping at the dollar stores. The first time I went into my favorite dollar store I spent $89.00. and my son said how in the heck do you spend 89 dollars at the dollar store mom??
I told him you buy 89 things, lol!!!!
My mother and I used to go to Dollar Stores all the time. I gave gifts at a wedding shower that came from there. They are great place to shop.
Dorsi ... done. Many thanks!
The deals are really there. And just think about the profits generated by the regular groceries and drug stores for the same items!
Yeah dollar store is a great place to save money. Being a working mom I don't really have time to go shopping. So I did some online research. I found a online retail store. Its called Big Saving Store. They have a lot of items for very low prices. I would highly suggest you check them out.
Http://www.bigsavingstore.com
Saving Money in the News
- Dollar Stretcher money saving tipsNaples Daily News2 days ago
Air travel chargesTo make your checked suitcases weigh less, be sure to board the plane wearing your heaviest items (hiking boots, heavy coat, etc.). You can take your feet out of the boots as soon as you’re seated and use your coat as a blanket.DMHGrease helpsIf you have leftover bacon grease or oil from frying, save it for later use. It’s perfect for cleaning and lubricating your cast iron ...
- Tri-City state liquor stores sales jumpTri-City Herald9 hours ago
Consumers may have cut their spending in this recession, but they're still buying booze from st
- Santa's job easier onlineThe New Zealand Herald22 hours ago
The countdown to Christmas has begun, and those looking to get a start on their shopping need look no further than their computer screens.From electronics to clothing and fragrances, money can be saved and bargains found online,...
More Ways To Save Money
- The best automated breadmaker.
The onset of winter is accompanied by numerous hassles—nagging colds, miserable commutes, enormous puffy coats—but for me the worst part is just getting out of bed in the morning. When the... - 2 weeks ago
- Shopping with coupons.
I am a Costco member. I use promo codes online and insist on relentless comparison shopping. I purchase clothes out of season to save cash. To put it kindly, I am careful with money. More directly, I... - 4 weeks ago
- The search for the best yogurt on the market.
To drink sour milk is human; to eat yogurt is divine. The Hindu god Krishna likes yogurt. So do the sensual French. In some translations of the Song of Songs, the "land of milk and honey" is a haven... - 2 months ago
Puss In Boots says:
13 months ago
There's a dollar store next to the grocery store that my boyfriend and i used to shop at and at first I was hesitant about getting anything there because things there looked so cheap, but then I discovered the snack food items they had. We bought these organic cheese puffs and I became absolutely hooked on them. Not to mention the strawberry banna taffy that i got hooked on and couldn't find anywhere else. I used to work in a party supply store and i know how expensive that stuff can be, and most of our overstock went to the same dollar store where I used to shop.