Mystery Shoppers Reveal Dollar Store Secrets

Consumer Reports reveals where the deals are — and aren’t — at the discount stores.

June 17, 2014

NEW YORK – According to a new article in Business Insider, there’s a reason why three out of four women admitted to shopping at dollar stores more than they used to, according to a recent survey.

The Consumer Reports survey showed that many everyday household items cost significantly less at a dollar store than they do at the grocery store, pharmacy or a big box store.

Dollar stores (the biggest ones include Family Dollar, Dollar General, and Dollar Tree) have classed themselves up in the last few years. They’ve become much cleaner, and often sell brand name products for up to 28% less than they go for at supermarkets.

That said, not everything at dollar stores (where 77% of items cost more than $1) is a deal.

Consumer Reports sent mystery shoppers to 100 dollar stores across the country to check prices on 38 everyday products. They then compared those prices with Target, Walmart and some supermarkets. Top value dollar store buys include: aluminum foil, wrapping paper and gift bags, cotton balls, and private label goods such as the dollar store brand of breakfast foods, cleaners, and juices. 

The survey also discovered what consumers shouldn’t buy at dollar stores, including Coffee, name brand laundry detergent, off-brand vitamins or electrical supplies.

Advertisement
Advertisement
Advertisement