Growing up, I fondly remember going to a store in my hometown called Grants. It was a variety store, selling a little of this and a little of that. It was similar to the 5 and 10-cent stores that existed in many small towns and some cities years ago. These locations were an easy way for our parents and grandparents to go to one location and shop before the days of shopping malls and Internet shopping. Many people could even walk to the store and carry their purchases home.
One of today's version of the variety store is known as the dollar store. Some are true dollar stores where item is one dollar while other stores sell items in one dollar increments like a 64-oz. bottle of laundry detergent for $3.00. The array of items they sell can save you money on many products, if you know what to look for while shopping. Determining the deal depends upon many factors.
1. Know what you would pay in another store. What is the price for the size? The dollar store size may be smaller in size, so do the math and determine if the price is worth it per ounce.
2. Be familiar with the label. Some of the stores sell major brands as well as look-a-likes, products that are similar to major brands in appearance and name. Counterfeits do exist, so be familiar with the company's logo and their packaging colors. Recently CNN reported on fakes in certain products. Here is the link to the story: http://www.cnn.com/2014/03/08/justice/new-york-counterfeit-beauty-supplies/index.html
3. Review the products packaging the manufacturing location and the ingredients. Many of the products are made outside the United States with ingredients that do not match those in the name brand product. There may be items like shampoo or toothpaste where you will not want to try another product due to the differences in the ingredients. There may be additives that change the quality of the product.
4. If the item is something that could expire, check for the expiration date. Buying out of date or about to expire products would be a waste of your money and could be dangerous to use or eat.
5. Shop at well established chains. Some are nationwide while others are regional.
6. Be careful of impulse buying. Keep to your list so you keep to your budget. Knowing you can fill your cart for less does not mean you should.
7. Look at the quality of the product. Is it well made or something that could break easily. One item I have seen with a major difference is aluminum foil. The dollar store version is a very thin foil in a smaller size.
Just like any other shopping, you can find deals. Try their items and see if you like the quality as much as that of the name brand item. One of the we sites that rates items in categories as a deal or not a deal for the dollar stores is Kiplinger. http://www.kiplinger.com/article/spending/T050-C000-S001-dollar-store-deal-or-no-deal.html
In the end, it is your decision where to shop and what to purchase. Be a conscious consumer while keeping money in your pocket.
