You may be surprised to learn that, when compared to other markets, not everything sold at a dollar store is a bargain. So, what are the best and worst dollar store deals? Well, to find out, I recently took a little shopping trip and compared the prices of items found at my local dollar store to similar items at the local Walmart, Rite Aid pharmacy, and Albertsons supermarket.
Before I get to the results, here’s a quick history lesson: Believe it or not, dollar stores have been around since at least 1955 when Dollar General opened its first one in Springfield, Kentucky.
Granted, a dollar went a lot further back then. After all, a single greenback in 1955 was equivalent to more than $11 today.
By the way, my local dollar store carries so many products — including a limited selection of fresh produce — that I’m certain I’d get along just fine if it were the only store in town.
And with that, here are the best and worst dollar store bargains, based on my informal price survey:
The Best Dollar Store Deals
Razor blades. Any man who uses a traditional razor will tell you that replacement blades are not cheap. And just as my last dollar store survey discovered, the comparison didn’t result in a close shave this time either. Here’s the catch: The dollar store only sold an off-brand. The name-brand blades at Walmart, Rite Aid and Albertsons are about seven times more expensive.
Toilet Paper. On an equivalent per-roll basis, the dollar store rolled over the competition. Especially when you consider that runner-up Rite Aid was more than twice as expensive.
Batteries. Don’t let those claims that dollar stores sell inferior poor-performing carbon zinc batteries fool you. Mine had plenty of higher-quality alkalines on the shelf. And they were half the cost of those sold by my local grocer, which also happened to be its closest competitor.
Bananas. My local dollar store doesn’t sell a lot of produce, but what they had seemed reasonably prices. In fact, their bananas are cheaper than the ones for sale at both Walmart and, most surprisingly, my local grocery store.
Baby Shampoo. The dollar store baby shampoo was almost half the price of similar generic shampoo for sale at Walmart. The price disparity is even greater with Rite Aid and my local supermarket.
The Worst Dollar Store Deals
Chili powder. The conventional wisdom is that when it comes to price, dollar store spices can’t be beat. This survey turns that train of thought upside down, as Walmart once again had chili powder on sale for less than half the dollar store price. Talk about a spicy deal!
Bottled Water. If you’re a bottled water drinker, you’re better off buying at Walmart, which was offering it for 12% less than the dollar store.
The Bottom Line
Summing it all up, I’d say the most surprising thing to be learned from my little shopping experiment is that not everything at your local dollar store is a bargain. So you have to be a little bit careful.
On the other hand, if you aren’t afraid to purchase off-brands, there are lots of really great deals there. Especially when it come to razor blades.
Photo Credit: Steve A Johnson
Very interesting find. We do have few ‘dollar stores’ here, but most of the time the merchandise is really bad. We do purchase some plastic toys (which we don’t expect to last too long), but not too many things aside this.
I noticed the alkaline batteries I bought at the Dollar Tree work just as well as any other I’ve tried. Prune juice is cheaper there also and it’s from California prunes, not imports. Coloring books and stickers for my nieces are also a bargain. My sister-in-law shops there often for party favors and inexpensive decorations that will only be used for one party. Incandescent light bulbs are cheap there also but I haven’t bought any so not sure how long they would last. There are however many items that aren’t a baragins.
Thanks for the additional tips, Drew!
Cool post, Len. This is an interesting argument and I wonder what it would look like if you did it for a full month (challenge???) and a) saw if you could live off of only the dollar store and b) how much money you’d actually save. The dollar store by my house is disgusting, but I would argue that saving money is more important than weird smells and odd people. Please do a follow up on this! Thanks for sharing!
Thanks, Chris. Actually, if you think about it, this is a “follow-up” post to the first one I did way back in 2010 — although, admittedly, perhaps that is a bit too far to be considered a follow-up. 😛
I always go to a dollar store. You just have to be sometimes picky and spend some time to really inspect the product you’re getting.
I purchase padded envelopes, sudoku books cleaning products which are a bargain compared to other stores. One has to really comparison shop to make sure one is getting a better bargain. Also are you looking for quality or quantity?
Greeting cards are great value and sometimes priced at 2/$1.00. Great for kids inexpensive toys to keep them occupied when traveling.
I’m not actually sure where the closest dollar store is. I suspect it isn’t far, but it just doesn’t happen to be on one of my usual routes.
I do know where the closest Ocean State Joblot is though. They have great deals on gardening tools, gardening supplies, and surprisingly comfortable folding chairs, which we keep on hand for garden parties. They also sell nice gummy bears.
Paintbrushes. You can’t clean them for less than a dollar. So replace. For latex, sure just wash them out. For mineral paints wrap the used brushes in plastic and throw them in a freezer,,,they last for moths. Wrap them well so the ice doesn’t smell or taste weird. I do a lot of welding etc and use rust paint to finish off.
I always have junk brushes around but use good ones for house painting, etc. Dollar store brushes are great.
Guess what? One day buying brushes I was standing in line and looked at the racks. There I saw pregnancy kits for sale….for a buck. Didn’t see any condoms. Seriously, do you know anyone who would use a dollar store preg kit?
Great tips, Paul! I know where I will be buying my junk paint brushes from now on. 🙂