3 hours ago
2
In a surprising twist, even the wealthiest Americans are turning to dollar stores. According to recent reporting from Barron’s and Business Insider, discount chains like Dollar General and Dollar Tree are seeing a marked rise in middle- and high-income customers—particularly households earning over $100,000. And, shoppers are increasingly buying more than just essentials. Experts say the shift is driven by a blend of inflation, stagnant wages, and mounting economic worries. All pointing to consumers being more budget-conscious (and cautious) than before, this trend is helping secure wallets for those feeling the pinch.
Seeing prices at your usual haunts rise? Dollar stores are a great solution. If you’re new to shopping at dollar stores, we can help you navigate and get the deepest discounts.
What Are the Best Dollar Stores?
While you might see local dollar stores in your area, the three biggest dollar stores in the United States are Dollar General, Dollar Tree and Family Dollar. Wondering which one is the best? We’re sharing what you need to know about each one so that you can decide for yourself!
Dollar General – Best for Coupons and Cash Back
Source: Dollar GeneralIf you’re a fan of coupons and cash back, Dollar General might be the best dollar store for you. This retailer distributes weekly digital coupons, including a $5 off $25 coupon every Saturday.
According to Elizabeth Rivelli of BestMoney, “You can often stack the digital coupons with manufacturer deals. This can bring prices on name-brand items, like detergent or paper towels, way down.”
Katie Ellison, director of public relations for Dollar General also stresses the importance of signing up for a myDG account. “To save the most at DG, we recommend signing up for a myDG account on our website or the DG app.”
As a member, you can earn cash back in the form of DG Cash. Plus, you’ll enjoy other perks:
- Annual birthday gift
- Product sneak peeks
- Personalized offers
Dollar Tree – Best for Party and Entertaining Essentials
Source: Dollar TreeDollar Tree used to stand out because every single item was just a dollar, but most items now range from $1.25 to $7. However, you can still find great bargains, especially on party and entertaining essentials.
From helium-filled balloons and gift wrap to foil pans and ice, Dollar Tree offers some of the best prices on celebratory items. Seasonal décor is another area where Dollar Tree tends to shine. According to David Kindness CPA of BestMoney, “I always recommend checking their seasonal aisles. Decorations, gift wrap and party supplies are usually worth the trip.”
Family Dollar – Best for BOGO and Bundle Offers
Source: Family DollarWhile Family Dollar also offers coupons that you can access using the app or FamilyDollar.com, BOGO deals and bundle offers are where it excels. As a result, you can find promotions like “Buy One Get One 50% Off” and “3 for $10.”
A little research can help you find the best of these bargains. “If you look through their weekly ad before going in, you’ll know exactly what to grab,” Rivelli explains.
Dos and Don’ts for Saving at the Best Dollar Stores
Although many people have been saving at dollar stores for years, some are just starting to discover these retailers. If you’re new to them, our tips for shopping at dollar stores can help you make the most of your money.
Don’t Be Surprised to See Items for More Than a Dollar
Yes, we know “dollar” is in the name of these retailers, but that doesn’t mean everything only costs a dollar. Like all of us, inflation and tariffs have hit these retailers, causing them to raise prices. While you can still find a good deal, some items might be closer to $5 or $10.
Do Visit the Grocery Department (and Check Expiration Dates)
You might think dollar stores aren’t places where you can do your grocery shopping, but more of them have enhanced grocery offerings. Just keep in mind that dollar stores may sell items that have been discounted for having an upcoming expiration date.
As a result, you’ll want to pay close attention to the expiration date of food and personal care products before placing them in your cart. “If you know you’ll use it soon, that’s an easy win,” Rivelli says.
Don’t Forget to Save Even More With Coupons and Cash Back
Too many people miss great opportunities for saving at dollar stores by not using coupons. This is a huge mistake! Dollar General, Dollar Tree and Family Dollar all accept manufacturer coupons and often have their own store coupons.
And don’t forget that Dollar General has its myDG rewards program. You can also sometimes find cash-back offers from RetailMeNot when you shop online with certain dollar stores.
Do Shop Early to Enjoy the Best Deals and Selection
Because dollar stores are becoming more popular, you might have some competition. That’s why we recommend shopping in the morning when the stores first open. Not only are the lines shorter, but you can also get first dibs on products that were freshly stocked the night before!
Don’t Think You Need to Be Loyal to Just One Store
Loyalty is beautiful, but you don’t need it in the world of dollar stores. You should shop at different stores and consider visiting multiple locations of the same store. In addition to finding unique products, you can grab items that may have sold out or weren’t stocked elsewhere.
Frequently Asked Questions About Shopping at Dollar Stores
If you still have questions about saving at the best dollar stores, no worries! We answer some frequently asked questions about dollar stores below.
Do You Really Save Money at Dollar Stores?
You can often find great deals and discounts at dollar stores. However, shopping at these retailers doesn’t always give you the best bargain. Doing comparison shopping before you buy can help you feel confident that you’re really saving money.
Why Do People Shop at Dollar Stores?
Dollar stores have always offered a low-cost and convenient shopping option. As shoppers look for ways to save money in this economy, more are turning to dollar stores to help.
What Is Worth Buying at Dollar Stores?
Typically, you can get the biggest bang for your buck when you go to dollar stores to buy items like paper products, party supplies, and storage solutions.
You can also sometimes find solid deals on groceries, cleaning supplies and grooming products. However, be sure to check the expiration date and brand when purchasing these types of items.
The post The Dollar Store Craze Isn’t Just for Bargain Hunters Anymore—Even the Rich Are In, So Here’s Your Ultimate Guide appeared first on The Real Deal by RetailMeNot.
