Recession Shopping at Dollar Stores - Buyer Beware

There are news reports daily about people stocking up on food and other items. Fears are everywhere that our supplies will run out. Dollar stores to stock up might be one of the places you consider shopping at.

Recently, Retails Secrets for Savvy Consumers was quoted in an article on smartmoney.com about what not to buy at dollar stores. I like dollar stores but I am now cautious about what I buy at these stores.

Dollar stores can be great for purchasing brand name products that you recognize at a discount. However, there is a fine line between price and quality at dollar stores. I purchased a bathtub mat with small suctions cups on the bottom that were intended to stick to the bottom of the top for a $1. After about the fifth use, the mat stopped sticking to the bottom of the tub when it got wet. I learned that this was not a good idea when I was taking a shower and suddenly slipped backwards in the tub while simultaneously slamming my right arm across the track of the the shower door. I had severe contusions for 3 weeks on my arm and back. Clearly, the dollar bath tub mat is not the way to go. I now purchase bath tub mats at bath specialty stores.

In general, things that you want to last a long time are not going to cost you a dollar. Batteries, flashlights, smoke alarms and other items that you need to work during a possible emergency are best purchased at the regular retail price or on sale at a large discounter. The consumer must remember that any product that costs a $1 is worth LESS than one dollar. Otherwise what would be in it for the store owner? Bottles of water, instant soups and noodles and even some frozen foods can be okay at dollar stores. Just remember to check the expiration date and steer clear of the bathtub mats.

For discount shopping on the web. Remember you can increase the Savings with Rollback Items at Walmart.com

Retail Secrets Tip!
When you go to a physical Wal-Mart always remember to check the clearance aisle. Evey Wal-Mart has a clearance aisle that has discounts on seasonal or discontinued items. Be sure to compare the reduced price with the original. I have seen Wal-Mart reduce something by fifty cents and put it on the clearnace aisle.

Save Big with Clearance Items at Walmart.com