Have You Visited An All-Things-Are-Cheap Store Lately?
May 15, 2009 – 6:43 amWhether you call it a Dollar Store, Dollar General Store, or a Family Dollar Store, these reduced-price stores are popping up all over the place, in large cities and small towns alike. We have an abundance right here so I’m lucky to be able to shop around even when it comes to these types of stores. My favorite store actually sells everything for a dollar, which not all stores do, even though they might be called a Dollar Store. So, before you load up your cart, ask.
The amazing thing I’ve found at these stores is the variety of products they carry. A couple of my favorite finds are cleaning products, paper products, and gift wrapping items. Another great find if you just watch carefully is frames. I’ve found wonderful picture frames in excellent condition that I know would be ten times or more the price. I filled a box with smaller photo size frames and it cost me less than $10. I bought them in a wide variety of styles, some specially made for baby pictures, pet pictures, and grandparent pictures, so I’m ready if I need a quick small gift for someone celebrating one of those events.
None of that comes as a surprise to most of you readers because you’re smart shoppers. But, if you haven’t been to your favorite store lately, it’s really time for a visit. What surprised me the most about my own local store was that they started carrying more food items. I actually am a little leery of the food items, but have recently found that section greatly improved. Since I’m trying to cut my grocery budget, I thought it would worth it to find out the truth about buying groceries in this kind of store. I asked the manager if she could explain the reason behind the increased stock and overall improvement in the food section. She explained that, because of the current economy, she had more shoppers. With more shoppers there comes a faster turnover in product, so she can get more food in, sell it faster, and get even more in.
This turnover in product certainly made sense to me, so I gave it a try. I actually bought a big bag of lemons for $1. When I got the lemons home, I found them to be perfectly fresh and they lasted a long time. I guess I’ll go back next and try something else. Maybe the bread, then the cereal, working my way right up to the finale… the milk. That’s a leap of faith for me, but I’m willing to take the baby-steps I need to take in order to save some serious cash.
Why don’t you meet me at the Dollar Store and save some serious cash for your family, too.