jusplay4fun wrote:We have lots around here in Richmond, VA. There must be lots of poor people here. They even built one near some rather new and nice apartments. They are several chains: Dollar General, Dollar Tree, Family Dollar, and maybe more. There is a 5 and Below, nearby too and I did go there 1-2 times.
I think most of the time I go to Family Dollar, so maybe I am OFF-topic. I went into one after buying some Hanes T-Shirts and got some on sale, but one, get other for a penny or half off. I then a day later went into Family Dollar because my Mom was looking for something. I found the same T-Shirt, by Hanes FOR LESS than the sale price at JCP (different packing, 4 versus 3 or 6, so I did unit price comparison). I suspected lower quality, thinner, SOMETHING. I saw NO difference in quality.
I think the key is knowing prices, to see if one really saves AND SHOP brands you know. Hanes makes good stuff, so I thought the RISK was low for a bad purchase. I now go there first, if convenient, to see if they have the item I want (name brand) before shopping elsewhere. They carry limited brands (I suspect they get over stock or special production runs by manufacturer, but never researched their profit plan or business model.) I do know they have really popped up ALL over my area and decided to try a few more items.
I did same with anti-perspirant and found it at least one dollar LESS than regular price at nearby grocery store. So I am convinced to go there to look for a a few items.
I did go to a DOLLAR GENERAL years ago, found it to be dirty, boxes for stoking in the aisles, no (or almost NO) brand names and lots of JUNK (in my opinion) so I did not go back for years. Now the newer ones are Clean, reasonably well-stocked, and not too much junk.
I have looked at nearly all the different Dollar chains in the past year; most are new, clean and well-stocked and I see LOTS of people there. And NOT JUS those who look obviously POOR.
I agree that trying to keep everything at $1 is nearly impossible. I mean, does any want to buy a $1 T-shirt?
btw: 2 of those Dollar Stores merged; not sure which Dollar General and Dollar Tree?
I am curious why the question is asked, initially..?
JP
Post of the Thread!