Column: My experience with dollar stores and the value they give

  • Melissa Herrera (COLUMN)
  • February 18, 2013
  • 338
                        
Column summary: If you've never experienced the joys of finding cheap, name-brand products at a dollar store then you're in for a treat. Read on to find out what is available and what you should and shouldn't buy. Oh, you dollar stores and your enticing displays of genius. You pull us in with your ads full of colorful merchandise that is only one dollar – yes, one dollar. I’m not speaking of Dollar General, which is located everywhere. I’m not speaking of Family Dollar which is in most towns also. I’m speaking of my favorite store: Dollar Tree. Although there isn’t one in Holmes County (How can we get one along with an Aldi?) they are located in the neighboring counties of Wayne, Tuscarawas, and Stark. If I’m anywhere near a Dollar Tree I inevitably find a way to stop in - because after all, their merchandise is killer. I’ve decided to compile a list of things that I regularly buy at Dollar Tree. You might be sticking your nose in the air saying, “That stuff is cheap and definitely not worth it.” Read on, snooty reader, as I give you a lesson in Dollar Tree shopping and what you should and shouldn’t buy. Remember also, that Dollar Tree now accepts coupons – two per visit. This could net you items for free. Soap. Did you know you can buy three packs of Dial Basic there for one dollar? They also have Softsoap brand hand soap in all the yummy scents. Remember your coupon and these could be next to free. I load up on bar soap, hand soap, and also body washes. White Rain Tropical body wash is like heaven for a dollar. Some of the generic brand body washes are thin so I try to stick with the name brand. Cleaning products. Dollar Tree carries The Works brand products, as well as Comet and Spic & Span. They also have numerous slightly off-brand or generic cleaners. Their window cleaner is awesome and I have recently found that they carry wipes to clean stainless steel. These are invaluable if you have any stainless steel appliances. Paper products. Dollar Tree toilet paper, I kid you not, is excellent. Granted they don’t carry the huge packs that you can get a good deal on, but in a pinch the toilet paper is very durable and not thin at all. I also stock up on their paper towels, plates, cups, napkins, and plastic utensils. These products are all just as good as any you would find at any other store and cheaper to boot. We stock up on tin foil, plastic wrap, and baggies also. They carry all sizes of baggies – from snack size to quart size. I am disappointed in their trash bags so I usually stay away from buying them. Party supplies. They have tons of gift bags, balloons, candy for piñatas or treat bags, and just lots and lots of great things to outfit a party. This is a go to place when I know I have to put on a party on the cheap. All Dollar Trees carry food and it’s mostly basic stuff. They also have lots of candy. I’ve tried several things from their food section and have never been disappointed. The one thing we do love and buy every time we go is the drinks from Mexico. My husband (and us as well) were elated to find that they carry 20 oz. bottles of the sangria, tamarindo, apple, and orange pops. They also carry Gatorade and jugs of grape juice and cranberry juice. I buy these as well. There are so many things I could list that I buy here: batteries, lightbulbs, and toothbrushes, soup bowls, glasses, coffee cups, office supplies…and how could I forget the toothbrushes and toothpaste? They carry name-brand Colgate, Aquafresh, and Crest with toothbrushes to match. Cotton balls, Q-tips, generic aspirin and Tylenol – also smaller quantities of Aleve and Advil. This store has a diverse selection of items to help you maintain your household while staying on your budget. It’s not a store for “poor people” – it’s a store for people who are smart and want to find a deal while keeping on track. If you’ve never been there, check your local one out soon. The sooner you get there, the sooner you will know why I’m extolling their wares. Smart, affordable, and fun – that’s Dollar Tree.


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