marvholly
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Post by marvholly on Sept 3, 2013 4:55:51 GMT -5
I am getting more and more enamored with some of the deals at the dollar store. NOTE: I only have Dollar Tree conveniently located. I have 2: small one near Dominicks (no refrigerated/frozen) and a larger one near my good Aldi.
So far I am regularly buying spices, no cal sweetener, frozen potatoes, baggies, plastic wrap, cotten balls, nail polish remover and low dose aspirin. I did buy some preserves and it is ok, NOT great-Aldi is MUCH better. I have bought books, art and craft type stuff for the grands. the small toys and/or dress up stuff is HORRIBLE quality. Does NOT last a day. Target $1 is much better stuff.
I do NOT like the pancake mix or syrup. Will go back to Aldi items or name brand sales + coupon. Don’t care for their pine cleaner either. Will be using Aldi or WAG brands (or name brand sale w/coupon).
I bought a pkg of small sticky notes for $1 that would be $4ish elsewhere. Will have to see how well those work.
Some items are just NOT a bargain. I can buy white vinegar for $1.29-1.59/gal so $1 for 32 oz is NO go.
And at the other extreme we are getting 2 Mariano's (like Whole Foods s/$$ to match) in my general travel areas.
What are the items you buy at the CHEAP stores. What at the UPSCALE stores. Why?
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Shooby
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Post by Shooby on Sept 3, 2013 5:27:11 GMT -5
We have Dollar General and Family Dollar. I buy a lot of stuff there from toiletries , food items etc. Yes some of the generic food items are not good and i don't buy them. But I like shopping there.
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Ombud
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Post by Ombud on Sept 3, 2013 5:53:33 GMT -5
I only buy there if I need a smaller quantity as I can get more oz per $ @ a regular store. Ex:
Duncan Hines cake mix makes 12 cupcakes for $1 @ Dollar Tree vs 18 cupcakes for $1.25 at Safeway. (On sale but 2 boxes last a more than a month & it's on sale once a month, last time for 99c) Great if I only want 12, but more costly per cupcake
8 oz dish detergent for $1 vs 32 oz for $2.29 @ Safeway
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Shooby
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Post by Shooby on Sept 3, 2013 5:56:47 GMT -5
I live in a small town. And, the closest mall or big box stores are a 40 mile round trip. I only get 17 mpg in my Sienna minivan so that is 2+ gallons of gas at almost $4 a gallon. So, i have to consider that cost as well. And, the Dollar stores are right around the block. For the most part, i am pleased with their prices.
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Blonde Granny
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Post by Blonde Granny on Sept 3, 2013 6:05:58 GMT -5
I prefer Dollar Tree also. Have bought small goofy stocking stuffers for grand kids when they were small. DT has some good products, gift wrap being one of them. Maybe the best thing is that everything actually IS a dollar unlike the others.
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Ombud
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Post by Ombud on Sept 3, 2013 7:03:26 GMT -5
I don't like big box stores either -- why 96 rolls of TP or 4 loaves of bread? Opposite problem from Dollar Tree stores but both have their purpose. And Shooby, you're right. Gotta factor in the gas to get there
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mrsdutt
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Post by mrsdutt on Sept 3, 2013 7:35:28 GMT -5
The chocolate covered graham cookies are very good. I buy wrapping paper and ribbon, bubbles for the grands (large bottle), coloring books, learning aids such as flash cards, etc. Also a brand name tape, stickers, and aspirin.
In the pasta section - if you look on a bottom shelf - Dollar Tree sells 2 pounds of elbows for 1.00. The frozen perogies are good too as are the squirt guns. We have a lot of boys in the family. Hair ribbons for the girls and sometimes kid's socks. Small garden pots and most definitely seeds. For the most part, I keep the seeds private because they are not GMO and I'd not like it if there was a glut on them. I only share the information with a few people. Since there are only a few of us that visit this board, I don't mind sharing.
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cronewitch
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Post by cronewitch on Sept 3, 2013 13:18:57 GMT -5
I like 160 drinking straws for a dollar and disposable plastics like ice cube trays. I consider them disposable because they break after a couple dozen uses but at 3/$1 and for the camper they last years. I buy some cleaning supplies like bathtub bubble cleaner and they have tiny little brillo pads 10/$1. I like brillo pads but the big ones need to be frozen between uses or they rust and I can use up a little one.
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NomoreDramaQ1015
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Post by NomoreDramaQ1015 on Sept 3, 2013 13:29:59 GMT -5
It's very hit/miss here with Family Dollar and Dollar General. I haven't found them to be that much cheaper than any other store and in several instances have been more expensive. There were no real deals to be had with groceries at either chain.
Kids clothes can be a good deal, so can picture frames. I also found a really nice video game system stand there for DH once. Wrapping paper and tape are always cheaper at the dollar stores. Tin disposable pans are usually cheaper there too.
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jeep108
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Post by jeep108 on Sept 3, 2013 13:35:06 GMT -5
I usually buy my bleach from Dollar Tree if there are no good sales on it when my stockpile is low. I love to buy my gift bags from them, wet floor wipes for my swifter. I found some cute candy dishes that I use for my bunco games. They have acne wipes that are like Clearasil acne wipes I buy for my daughter. Much cheaper than Clearasil. I bought my bucket there that I use to mop my floors with.
My daughter likes to buy silly string and have fights with her friends when they come over.
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Ombud
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Post by Ombud on Sept 3, 2013 19:40:16 GMT -5
160 drinking straws for a dollar ... tiny little brillo pads 10/$1. Thanks for validating my point. Personally prefer full size cleaning pads and don't need 160 of anything. But these type of stores do serve a certain clientele ... just not me
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Deleted
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Post by Deleted on Sept 4, 2013 8:24:13 GMT -5
I find them a lot like a second hand store, you have to stop in to see what they have today. I don't buy food there at all. I find it is all old and stale. Picture frames are good, kids toys for summer time, craft stuff. I got a yoga mat there last Christmas. The other day I got a really nice pair of olive green linen pants for $3. I like to get nylons there. Nylons never last more than one or two wears for me so it doesn't hurt as much if I only spent $1 on them.
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TheOtherMe
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Post by TheOtherMe on Sept 4, 2013 20:51:11 GMT -5
Cleaning lady gave me list of supplies to buy at Dollar Store. Stuff was much cheaper than at grocery store where I normally shop--like the swiffer wet pads. She gave me good advice on that type of stuff. Some of the stuff in there I wouldn't bring home, but that is true of most stores.
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Happy prose
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Post by Happy prose on Sept 4, 2013 20:53:56 GMT -5
I go to the Dollar store about once a month. I stock up on greeting cards at 2/$1, and gift bags when I need them. I also buy my reading glasses there. They're great for a $1. I have quite a few pairs so I can leave them all over. I don't think their cleaning products and household goods are such a bargain.
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marvholly
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Post by marvholly on Sept 5, 2013 5:42:11 GMT -5
Forgot the greeting cards. Been doing those for several years. Also, my dollar store sells our normally $2 Sunday paper w/ all the ads & coupon inserts for $1. Therefore, I get there almost EVERY week. The smaller one is also right next to my Dominick's (Safeway).
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zibazinski
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Post by zibazinski on Sept 6, 2013 21:26:56 GMT -5
I stock up on those cards big time. 2 for a dollar can't be beat!
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ZaireinHD
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Post by ZaireinHD on Sept 6, 2013 21:44:19 GMT -5
too funny! my nose is too far in the air to step foot in a dollar store. when people mention one I "act" confused and say what's a dollar store? I heard of it but don't know what one is at.
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ՏՇԾԵԵʅՏɧ_LԹՏՏʅҼ
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Post by ՏՇԾԵԵʅՏɧ_LԹՏՏʅҼ on Sept 6, 2013 22:07:55 GMT -5
Some dollar store items range in price from $1 to 55 - depending on the item - or the store. We've got a few scattered around here and there where I am. Some aren't part of a "chain" though - they're family-owned.
I got a 2c Pyrex measuring cup there for $1. I also got a set of 3 stainless steel mixing bowls for $2.
Sometimes I buy wrapping paper, tape, pens, etc. I don't make a special trip to Dollar stores but if I happen to be near one, I might go in to browse and see what their latest stock is - since they're always bringing in new items - or clearing out older merchandise at 2/$1.
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dancinmama
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Post by dancinmama on Sept 7, 2013 19:41:23 GMT -5
I don't have a Dollar General or Family Dollar, but do have Dollar Tree and a 99 Cent Store. Our absolute fave is the 99 Cent Store and we go there regularly for fresh produce. Here are some items that are $1 ($.9999) at the 99 Cent Store: A bag of Fresh Express salad A bunch of fresh asparagus A bag of grapes that's over 1 lb. (we've bought red, black, and green there) A bag of (6) Persian cucumbers A pint of grape or cherry tomatoes A pint of Kraft sour cream A pint of cottage cheese An 8 oz. block of Philly A watermelon (been buying them all summer) A 1 lb. bag of baby carrots A 4-pk. of bagels A 6-pk. of English muffins So most of our fresh fruit and all of our salad makings come from the 99 Cent Store. I'll walk out of there and spend $10 for produce that is fresh and would cost at least 3x the price at Safeway. BTW, I ALWAYS get my greeting cards at Dollar Tree. Can't beat $.50!!
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marvholly
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Post by marvholly on Sept 8, 2013 5:00:57 GMT -5
I only have dollar Tree. NONE sell fresh produce. Too short a shelf life I guess.
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mrsdutt
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Post by mrsdutt on Sept 10, 2013 8:04:48 GMT -5
I don't have a Dollar General or Family Dollar, but do have Dollar Tree and a 99 Cent Store. Our absolute fave is the 99 Cent Store and we go there regularly for fresh produce. Here are some items that are $1 ($.9999) at the 99 Cent Store: A bag of Fresh Express salad A bunch of fresh asparagus A bag of grapes that's over 1 lb. (we've bought red, black, and green there) A bag of (6) Persian cucumbers A pint of grape or cherry tomatoes A pint of Kraft sour cream A pint of cottage cheese An 8 oz. block of Philly A watermelon (been buying them all summer) A 1 lb. bag of baby carrots A 4-pk. of bagels A 6-pk. of English muffins So most of our fresh fruit and all of our salad makings come from the 99 Cent Store. I'll walk out of there and spend $10 for produce that is fresh and would cost at least 3x the price at Safeway. BTW, I ALWAYS get my greeting cards at Dollar Tree. Can't beat $.50!! I want a .99 cent store! My city is the hub of Dollar Tree, though. I doubt if we'll ever get one. DT corporate is down the street. I do get the cards there also.
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pepperdoo
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Post by pepperdoo on Sept 10, 2013 15:08:06 GMT -5
I don't have a Dollar General or Family Dollar, but do have Dollar Tree and a 99 Cent Store. Our absolute fave is the 99 Cent Store and we go there regularly for fresh produce. Here are some items that are $1 ($.9999) at the 99 Cent Store: A bag of Fresh Express salad A bunch of fresh asparagus A bag of grapes that's over 1 lb. (we've bought red, black, and green there) A bag of (6) Persian cucumbers A pint of grape or cherry tomatoes A pint of Kraft sour cream A pint of cottage cheese An 8 oz. block of Philly A watermelon (been buying them all summer) A 1 lb. bag of baby carrots A 4-pk. of bagels A 6-pk. of English muffins So most of our fresh fruit and all of our salad makings come from the 99 Cent Store. I'll walk out of there and spend $10 for produce that is fresh and would cost at least 3x the price at Safeway. BTW, I ALWAYS get my greeting cards at Dollar Tree. Can't beat $.50!! I love the 99 cent store!! I just got back from there, and bought the persian cucumbers too. I love them I was too jet lagged to stay too long, but I bought tonight's dinner: Lettuce just like you got, croutons, Sargento cheese and carrots. Who can beat the price of a home salad for that?? No one, I say. Tomorrow's stock the pantry day, and I plan to get 4 months worth of staples for under $25.00. Easily done :
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dancinmama
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Post by dancinmama on Sept 11, 2013 8:14:14 GMT -5
I don't have a Dollar General or Family Dollar, but do have Dollar Tree and a 99 Cent Store. Our absolute fave is the 99 Cent Store and we go there regularly for fresh produce. Here are some items that are $1 ($.9999) at the 99 Cent Store: A bag of Fresh Express salad A bunch of fresh asparagus A bag of grapes that's over 1 lb. (we've bought red, black, and green there) A bag of (6) Persian cucumbers A pint of grape or cherry tomatoes A pint of Kraft sour cream A pint of cottage cheese An 8 oz. block of Philly A watermelon (been buying them all summer) A 1 lb. bag of baby carrots A 4-pk. of bagels A 6-pk. of English muffins So most of our fresh fruit and all of our salad makings come from the 99 Cent Store. I'll walk out of there and spend $10 for produce that is fresh and would cost at least 3x the price at Safeway. BTW, I ALWAYS get my greeting cards at Dollar Tree. Can't beat $.50!! I love the 99 cent store!! I just got back from there, and bought the persian cucumbers too. I love them I was too jet lagged to stay too long, but I bought tonight's dinner: Lettuce just like you got, croutons, Sargento cheese and carrots. Who can beat the price of a home salad for that?? No one, I say. Tomorrow's stock the pantry day, and I plan to get 4 months worth of staples for under $25.00. Easily done : Without the 99 Cent Store our grocery bill would be A LOT higher cuz we love fresh fruits and veggies.
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Sam_2.0
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Post by Sam_2.0 on Sept 26, 2013 16:54:19 GMT -5
Dollar Tree is very different than Family Dollar/Dollar General.
Dollar Tree (where everything is actually $1) I buy: -Swiffer dry cloths -dryer sheets -toys for DD. I get creative here & don't necessarily go for the "toys." Got 6 cupcake dog toys (popped out the squeekers!) and a muffin tin. She loves it! -coloring books -crayons (she breaks them - not buying the good ones for her for awhile) -greeting cards -gift wraps -holiday decorations -picture frames
Family Dollar & Dollar General are where I run in for things when I don't want to fight the lines at Walmart. I can get in & out of there in 5 minutes with all that I need. But the last time I took DD to Dollar General they got robbed right as we left. I am so glad we were 10 seconds ahead of the guy and well out of his way as he ran out of the store. Not sure I can go back after that.
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busymom
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Post by busymom on Sept 26, 2013 18:46:54 GMT -5
I like Family Dollar. I can get aluminum foil (the name brand stuff), garbage bags, sandwich bags, & occasionally a few holiday decorations on the cheap there.
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motherto2
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Post by motherto2 on Sept 26, 2013 19:46:01 GMT -5
I love Dollar Tree. My biggest purchases there are wrapping paper and cards. I also love to buy balloons there. They last a good long time. One of the bigger ones sells food, but the one closest to me (which is still more than 10 miles away) doesn't sell stuff other than shelf type items. We have a Family Dollar and Dollar General in my county. I heard the other day we were getting another store just like those 2. All three will be within a couple of miles of each other. Our Board of Supervisors are idiots. Nothing anywhere in the rest of the county, although we do have a new Walmart near the Navy base. The one in the next county over is closer to me than the one in my county. So I usually go there. And then if they don't have what I want, I have the rest of town to try to find it. If I went to the other one in my county and they didn't have what I wanted, I'd have to back track over ten miles just to go ten plus miles to the one towards town
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greeniis10
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Post by greeniis10 on Sept 27, 2013 14:06:25 GMT -5
We have a ton of Dollar Trees and Family Dollars. No $0.99 store, but from I've read here I sure wish we did! I go to Family Dollar the most because it is closest to me and because they usually have a $5.00 off any purchase $25.00 or more coupon each week.
Food you have to be careful with: check expirations dates and sizes / qty. Cleaning products I've found to be watered down. Also, I think they "get" you with their rounded-off prices. If you look closely a lot of the items are cheaper at Wal-Mart.
But, I do like to get all my paper and disposable products there and occasionally toiletries. Oh, and cheap Halooween candy!
But, here's my gripe: what did we do before automatic doors?! Family Dollar does NOT have automatic doors so I've forgotten what a hassle it is to wrestle a full buggy out the door and down the curb (they also have no ramp!)! Guess they don't want bulk-shoppers there or something...
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Ombud
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Post by Ombud on Oct 10, 2013 20:12:07 GMT -5
I went to a 99c Store yesterday. Found fiber bars, cheese nips, Kelloggs breakfast bars, baking soda. Bought 1 of each = 3.80. Not sure of the quality as they were close to pull date
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Sum Dum Gai
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Post by Sum Dum Gai on Oct 10, 2013 20:18:32 GMT -5
I'm really jealous of the dollar stores with fresh fruit and veg. Ours have canned/boxed stuff only. Good deals on crackers and stuff though.
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Ombud
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Post by Ombud on Oct 10, 2013 20:29:06 GMT -5
I guess I'm not a candidate for their produce. It's already packaged so you cannot pick and choose
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