Family Ties Forever!
05-17-2010, 11:22 PM
Do you like the dollar store?
I just saw on the 10pm NBC local news that more dollar stores are popping up because of the economy. Former First Lady Barbara Bush bought a pair of 99 cents reading glasses for former President George Bush.
Apparently some dollar stores are statting to accept coupons, that surprised me.
link (http://www.click2houston.com/news/23582155/detail.html)
What Are Dollar Store Deals, Duds?
Posted: Monday, May 17, 2010 Updated: 4:13 pm CDT May 17, 2010
Houston -- If you think you're seeing more dollar stores when you drive around town, you're not mistaken. A number of new dollar stores have popped up since last year. Some viewers asked KPRC Local 2 investigative reporter Amy Davis if shopping at a dollar store chain will really save you money.
Davis is showing you the good, the bad and the the downright steals at area dollar stores. There's something about a dollar. They're easy to earn and even easier to spend. It may be why people are dropping them like pennies at local dollar stores. "The economy definitely has increased our business," said 99 Cent Only store manager Michael King.
The point is to save. But, some shoppers say it can have the opposite affect. "You come for one item and you end up leaving with 15 items," explained shopper Tony Saaverdra. So, before you throw another item into your basket, ask yourself, "Is this really a good deal?" "I picked up some razor blades-- Dollar General brand -- they work just as well," shopper Don Lockett said.
If you are willing to try to the store brand, you can save a lot. When it comes to name brands, you should double-check how much you're actually getting for a buck. At Dollar General, where not everything is exactly a dollar, Davis bought a four-pack of Cottonelle for $2.50. At Walmart, the 12-pack costs $6.97. Do a little math and you'll see you save 4 cents a roll at Walmart.
Comet cleaner is 99 cents at the 99 Cent Only store. At Walmart, it's 92 cents. But a closer look reveals the Walmart can has 4 ounces less, making it a better deal at the dollar store. Every once in awhile, you can find a closeout deal at the dollar store. We found Kraft mayonnaise with olive oil for 99 cents. At Walmart, it was $1.30 more.
Watch for expiration dates. Sometimes the foods you find in dollar stores do not have much shelf life left. So what are the best buys? Gift wrap and gift bags: You can't beat them for a buck. Kitchen gadgets and tools: Why pay more if you don't have to? Children's books that can take a real beating and school supplies. Remember this one come August.
And last on our list of good deals is cleaning supplies. All kinds of shoppers are catching on to the thrill of the hunt for a bargain, so you never know who you might run into.
"We have Barbara Bush that shops at our stores," said King. "She gets the little glasses for George and she tells our cashier, 'George lost another pair.' It's very funny and unique that she's buying 99 cent reading glasses for a former president."
We also noticed that some stores, like Dollar General, now accept coupons. The 99 Cent Only store sells produce, making it easier to get all of your groceries in one low-cost trip.
Copyright 2010 by Click2Houston.com. All rights reserved.
I just saw on the 10pm NBC local news that more dollar stores are popping up because of the economy. Former First Lady Barbara Bush bought a pair of 99 cents reading glasses for former President George Bush.
Apparently some dollar stores are statting to accept coupons, that surprised me.
link (http://www.click2houston.com/news/23582155/detail.html)
What Are Dollar Store Deals, Duds?
Posted: Monday, May 17, 2010 Updated: 4:13 pm CDT May 17, 2010
Houston -- If you think you're seeing more dollar stores when you drive around town, you're not mistaken. A number of new dollar stores have popped up since last year. Some viewers asked KPRC Local 2 investigative reporter Amy Davis if shopping at a dollar store chain will really save you money.
Davis is showing you the good, the bad and the the downright steals at area dollar stores. There's something about a dollar. They're easy to earn and even easier to spend. It may be why people are dropping them like pennies at local dollar stores. "The economy definitely has increased our business," said 99 Cent Only store manager Michael King.
The point is to save. But, some shoppers say it can have the opposite affect. "You come for one item and you end up leaving with 15 items," explained shopper Tony Saaverdra. So, before you throw another item into your basket, ask yourself, "Is this really a good deal?" "I picked up some razor blades-- Dollar General brand -- they work just as well," shopper Don Lockett said.
If you are willing to try to the store brand, you can save a lot. When it comes to name brands, you should double-check how much you're actually getting for a buck. At Dollar General, where not everything is exactly a dollar, Davis bought a four-pack of Cottonelle for $2.50. At Walmart, the 12-pack costs $6.97. Do a little math and you'll see you save 4 cents a roll at Walmart.
Comet cleaner is 99 cents at the 99 Cent Only store. At Walmart, it's 92 cents. But a closer look reveals the Walmart can has 4 ounces less, making it a better deal at the dollar store. Every once in awhile, you can find a closeout deal at the dollar store. We found Kraft mayonnaise with olive oil for 99 cents. At Walmart, it was $1.30 more.
Watch for expiration dates. Sometimes the foods you find in dollar stores do not have much shelf life left. So what are the best buys? Gift wrap and gift bags: You can't beat them for a buck. Kitchen gadgets and tools: Why pay more if you don't have to? Children's books that can take a real beating and school supplies. Remember this one come August.
And last on our list of good deals is cleaning supplies. All kinds of shoppers are catching on to the thrill of the hunt for a bargain, so you never know who you might run into.
"We have Barbara Bush that shops at our stores," said King. "She gets the little glasses for George and she tells our cashier, 'George lost another pair.' It's very funny and unique that she's buying 99 cent reading glasses for a former president."
We also noticed that some stores, like Dollar General, now accept coupons. The 99 Cent Only store sells produce, making it easier to get all of your groceries in one low-cost trip.
Copyright 2010 by Click2Houston.com. All rights reserved.