These difficult economic times are forcing people to be more resourceful about their shopping habits. One very easy way by which anyone can do this is to shop at Dollar Stores, and they can be found under a variety of different names, including Dollar General, Family Dollar and Dollar Tree, just to name a few. These stores have adapted to the times to such a great extent that it is now possible to find a host of things that one would never have expected to buy there.
In an attempt to cater to the needs of the general public and lure more shoppers into their stores, dollar stores are beginning to carry some of the well established brand names that people typically buy. The availability of brand name merchandise at considerably lower prices is likely to attract shoppers who are desperate to find ways to save money even when it comes to purchasing things that are necessities.
Here is a look at the top ten items that one can purchase at a dollar store.
1. Paper products –
Dollar stores are now beginning to carry brand name products, so you may be able to find everything from toilet paper and paper towels to paper napkins and more there.
2. Pool, beach or summertime play toys –
Dollar stores have a great selection of stuff to play with in a swimming pool, They also have things such as ear plugs, goggles and nose plugs. It is also the best and most reasonable place to find things such as flotation devices, inflatable arm bands for kids, inexpensive beach towels, sunscreen and insect sprays.
3. Condiments –
When it comes to thinks like ketchup, mustard and pickles, you can buy these things at a dollar store for a substantial savings over the grocery store.
4. Bread and Milk –
Believe it or not, Dollar General actually sells food at their stores. You can buy all sorts of canned foods and staples like bread and milk. A half gallon or gallon of milk will cost you less than what you’d pay for it at your local Walmart. Bread is also cheaper.
5. Personal Care products –
There are many personal care products that are significantly cheaper at a dollar store. Some things may be available as regular brand name products, while others will be that dollar store’s generic equivalent. You will likely pay less than half of what you’d pay for something at the regular grocery store, at Walgreen’s or at CVS.
6. School Supplies –
Dollar stores are a great place to buy school supplies. You will find everything from packages of pens and pencils for little more than a dollar when you’d pay more than twice that at any other retailer, including Walmart. They have notebooks, paper, folders and everything else one would need.
7. Cleaning Supplies –
Dollar Stores regularly sell cleaning supplies for a fraction of what you’d pay for them at the grocery store or elsewhere. Even the brand name products they have started to carry are significantly cheaper than you are likely to find elsewhere.
8. Food storage and other containers –
Dollar stores have some great storage containers, plastic pitchers and a host of other things, and they cost a fraction of what you’d pay for them elsewhere. If you need something like a dish pan or dish drainer, a dollar store will have the best price you are likely to find. The same goes for plastic wastebaskets, laundry baskets and that sort of thing.
9. Wax paper, lunch bags and food storage bags.
You can find all of these things at a dollar store for considerably less than what you’d pay for them at a major retailer. You will also find that you are paying less to get more for your money, and that’s a savings that is hard to pass up.
10. First aid items and over the counter medicines –
When it comes to basic first aid products like band-aids, alcohol, cotton swabs, antibiotic ointment, vapor rub, generic Benadryl or other over the counter drugs such as aspirin, ibuprofen, cough drops, cough medicine and more, a dollar store is likely to be your best bet. Their prices will be significantly cheaper than major retailers, and the ingredients will be no different than that of brand name products.
These are just ten of the top items that one can find at a dollar store. Given the instability of the economy and the uncertainty that people constantly face about their own financial security and stability, the dollar store will likely take on greater importance in terms of where people shop and the things that they buy. As brand name merchandise finds its way onto the shelves of dollar stores, savvy consumers who are looking to find a good deal will almost certainly do more of their shopping at the dollar stores than they ever did in the past.