FOUR TIPS ON HOW TO SHOP AT THE DOLLAR STORE

 

1. For convenience, choose a dollar store chain that is large, neat and stocked like a mini department store. You'll save time by always knowing which aisle to look in for a notebook or a picture hanging kit. 

 

2. When you have the time, don't discount the smaller, less orgainized stores entirely. They may take a little longer to find but treasures can be found anywhere.

 

3. I find it best to buy an item I like when I see it. If you think it's pretty/useful/decorative, chances are others will too and you may not be able to find it again when you come back the following week or even the next day. This is especially true of seasonal merchandise.

 4. Tastes vary and any store can be guilty of tacky merchandise but, as a guide, look for items that are similar to those you might find in a larger department store or your favourite decorating magazine and that are made of sturdy materials. 

Marlene Alexander:

1. For convenience, choose a dollar store chain that is large, neat and stocked like a mini department store. You'll save time by always knowing which aisle to look in for a notebook or a picture hanging kit. 

Do the dollar store chains in your area usually set up their stores in the same way?

I wish the stores here would consider this. Very few whether they are dollar stores or not do this. I shop in different towns and usually stop at chain stores in those areas. It would help me to quickly find what I need if I wasn't having to recall where this particular store puts items.

 

 

 There's a Dollar General here that's a mess. It's set up so awkwardly that it's even hard to find the cash register, and it's crammed full of stuff. I never go there unless I have plenty of time, but they do have some good buys on groceries especially.

Brandy:

I wish the stores here would consider this. Very few whether they are dollar stores or not do this. I shop in different towns and usually stop at chain stores in those areas. It would help me to quickly find what I need if I wasn't having to recall where this particular store puts items.

This must be the brainchild of Dollarama. This company is based in Quebec. The Buck of Two here is pretty well organized but I still find that they're a bit "all over the place" with certain things. You're right, 'though, Brandy. If every store would take the aisle by aisle approach, they would attract more business.

Pat:

 There's a Dollar General here that's a mess. It's set up so awkwardly that it's even hard to find the cash register, and it's crammed full of stuff. I never go there unless I have plenty of time, but they do have some good buys on groceries especially.

Oh Dear! This would be what my mom used to call a "junk store." They flourished here for quite a time but the larger franchises seem to have snuffed them out. If only these little stores would organize! They must think that "more is better" but if nobody can find what they're looking for and can't take the time to find it, what's the point? If things are too cluttered, you can walk right by what you're looking for without even seeing it.

Marlene Alexander:

If things are too cluttered, you can walk right by what you're looking for without even seeing it.

 

I'm sure I've done that!. Sometimes the only way I can find things is because I remember finding them before and make a real effort to see if they still have them.

The stores here are well organized, just the same stuff though.  I know what to go looking for at the dollar stores..cards, gift wrap, seasonal decorative stuff, cheap craft/kids stuff, some cheap household stuff like rubber gloves.  food wise is it mostly the same things so unless I need cheap cookies/candy there is not much else I use there.

 

Pat:

There's a Dollar General here that's a mess. It's set up so awkwardly that it's even hard to find the cash register

I can find the register for our Dollar General but they often have extra things shoved near the door and down the center of the store. They also often have boxes stacked in front of the aisles making it impossible to reach some things.

 

Marlene,

The Dollar General and Family Dollar  are the large chain discount general merchandise stores. The Dollar Tree is the chain everything $1 store and the only one in my area at all now.

 

My Family's Interests:

The stores here are well organized, just the same stuff though.  I know what to go looking for at the dollar stores..cards, gift wrap, seasonal decorative stuff, cheap craft/kids stuff, some cheap household stuff like rubber gloves.  food wise is it mostly the same things so unless I need cheap cookies/candy there is not much else I use there.

Do you have Dollarama in B.C?