Yesterday I stopped into the 99 Cents Only store. This L.A. chain claims to have invented the concept of the dollar store. I just kinda wanted to see what kinds of things they sell, and if there were really deals to be had. I suspected that the store was filled with things I wouldn't pay fifty cents for, let alone 99. I was half right. There were actually some really good deals and more name brand items than I expected, especially in weird sizes or packaging that you don't see in regular stores. Of course, there were also items that I would never buy in a dollar store and don't recommend that anyone else buy either. Thus, I've compiled this handy list as a service to my readers.
Shopping Smart At The Dollar Store
Do buy...
- Paper goods
- Garish Jesus-themed candles
- Cleaning products
- Name brand foods
- Cacti
- Toiletries
- Venus Flytraps (I shit you not)
Do NOT buy...
- Easter candy in August
- Expired batteries
- Lingerie
- Melmac dishes (as a matter of taste, you should not purchase these at any store)
- Food items with packaging that has been bleached by the sun
- Wine
- Produce
- Condoms
Finally - I know it's tempting, but do NOT buy lingerie, wine and condoms at the dollar store and call it the "$3 Date Kit". Trust me.
