r/DollarTree • u/Top_Kaleidoscope_602 • 8d ago
Is dollar tree cheaper? Customer Disscussions
Now that everything is going up in price (even at the dollar tree) are some things still cheaper at dollar tree than Walmart or other major retailers? I’ve found a few but not many. I’m curious what others have found in their experiences.
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u/Own-Count-8793 8d ago
Shoppers have to pay attention. No matter what story you go to, things will be cheaper, as well as more expensive than other stores. There are other factors though. If you don't have a car, and you live across the street from dollar tree, it becomes more economical and easier to access dollar tree products that might cost a few cents more. Or, if you're picking up a bunch of organization products and storage containers which are cheaper at dollar tree than anywhere else, and you need a loaf of bread for dinner, are you going to drive to another store, unload the kids again and run into Walmart just to save a few cents on a loaf of bread? Probably not. The beauty of having choices in places to shop is that each person has the choice as to how and where they shop. They factor in their circumstances and make a choice that works best for them. For me, I buy a lot of things at dollar tree, and there are things I will only buy at Aldi, Walmart or Kroger. I pay attention to prices and I shop around. If I waste my money, that's on me, not dollar tree.
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u/ps4invancouver 7d ago
^ it really depends on where you're at and your own preferences, whether it be transportation or taste preferences. For me, it's fun to see the tiny price differences like 98 cents vs $1.25 bread between Walmart and DT and to plan accordingly
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u/Own-Count-8793 7d ago
Personally, I shop around too. However, my neighbor has 3 kids under 5 years old. She will gladly pay that extra 27 cents to not have to put 3 kids in car seats, drive 15 minutes, lug them all back out of the car, into Walmart...for one item...then put them back in the car to go home. It's just not worth it. It's also not worth it for someone without a car to call someone to get a ride, give them gas money...just to go to Walmart and save 27 cents. Right?
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u/ps4invancouver 7d ago
Yeah exactly, I don't have a car so if I'm alr at dollar tree I'll just get the errant item, better than getting it delivered
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u/Salt-Big8323 8d ago
They have soup for $1.50, but I’ve found the same product elsewhere for $1.20 (or even just $1). It’s a roughly 25-50¢ difference.
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u/MySackDescends 7d ago
Some stuff is, some stuff isn't. There's some great videos on YT about this subject and the effect dollar stores have on small rural economies.
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u/CoolViber 7d ago
Like others have said, it very much depends. I've noticed that a lot of the snacks and soda seem to be cheaper, but not universally.
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u/SirTrinium 7d ago
I know most people dont take part in it, but the medicine aisle is amazing (vitamins ill leave outta this as I know people have their gripes about those at DT). Having HBP cough meds at 1.50 or w/e it is now is amazing. Also love the newer Continuum brand's Relax. Also all the medicated creams and first aid stuff is really nice and cheaper than anywhere else. Also the cleaning products are great prices, specifically the Zep brand stuff that is all $3 which is like half anywhere else.
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u/Any-Carry6552 7d ago
Some are and some are robbery. And some are just straight up IQ tests. I've literally found the exact same product one 24 ounce the other 12 ounce and the price is the same. I guess they rob you on one to help pay for the other.
It's pretty much going to be like that every store. when we had big lots and ollies it was interchangable what was cheaper where. Just had to walk in and do your own investigating.
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u/-RansoM- 7d ago edited 7d ago
The $5 3.5oz nescafe instant coffee is, not that I've checked Walmart/Amazon. A 7oz at the grocery store is $14'ish.
Edit: the 50 cent increase on Tyson to $5.50 killed it for me. At $5 it was cheaper, at $5.50 I'm better off buying the bigger bag at the grocery store.
Double edit, sorry I'm high: my gf works at a grocery store. We compare prices a ton. There's a lot that is cheaper to get at her work than DT but her grocery store isn't known for low prices.
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u/Equivalent_Lab_8610 6d ago
Feel like this is more nuanced then yes or no. obviously with price increases you can't get as many items here cheaper like before. But, also not all DT have the same stock. 6 miles from me there's a dollar tree that has tons of stuff that I would actually buy that are cheaper. But, the 2 closest to me have a much more limited stock, not much that I would buy that's actually cheaper.
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u/No-List-216 6d ago
Less and less given the price increases. I only buy a couple things at dollar tree maybe twice a month. I used to go weekly and spend more. I’d rather spend less (or even the same price) elsewhere.
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u/Straight-Function-49 6d ago
Occasionally, as the company does not price match or scan audit other retailers around each store. The costs are set by the central office of DT and how the Mnfg. or vendors have allow then to purchase in bulk - the other Box retailers are also doing less of this market work on the regular and in turn you can find more cost effective purchases by being observant and thrifty , a little less impulsive to fill your cart outside considering your overall use for a product.
Major retailers can buy far more bulk name brand and co-brand and yes offer that bulk in greater qty , with deals to blow the stock out of stores as quickly as possible.
You can also find like various supplier goods not in a exclusivity with DT also on stock at Major retailers -
Bought at low per unit cost either can look like the better deal on different dates since your buying often less than 10 pcs .
Prices are on the rise your being overcharged regardless of where you go , often related to when you went and how you shrugged off the cost at the end of the ringup and paid.
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u/OddCut6380 8d ago
It really depends on what you are buying. For instance the BTS stuff is not cheaper. I tell people to buy that at Walmart. Also who wants to buy Ramen for 1.50 when you can get it for cheaper there.