Dollar Store Showdown: Which Offers Better Value - Dollar Tree or Dollar General? The Answer May Shock You!

Dollar Stores

With the rise of multiple dollar store chains, the question arises: which one offers better value? In this article, we will take a closer look at two of the major stores in the dollar store industry, Dollar Tree and Dollar General, and see who comes out on top in the dollar store showdown.

Let me clarify something. I have been shopping at both stores for a long time, but only occasionally.

A lot of the information in this article is based on the experiences I've had at both stores. What I have to say about each store is merely my opinion.

I will tell you my choice at the end of this article.

Product Variety and Quality

When it comes to product variety, Dollar General is the leader. They offer a wider range of products than Dollar Tree, including groceries, home decor, and beauty products. This gives shoppers more items to choose from and makes it a one-stop-shop for all their needs.

However, Dollar Tree prides itself on selling only items priced at $1.25. This used to be $1, but Dollar Tree raised the base price of items to $1.25 in 2021. Very soon, this is expected to be raised to $1.50.

Basically this means you won't find products that are priced higher than the base price. This is a disadvantage for customers looking for a specific item or brand that is not available at Dollar Tree. Also, this is very misleading. Paying the base price for an item at Dollar Tree may seem like a good deal, but at other stores, such as Wal Mart, Target and Aldi, you can get similar products for less than $1.

In terms of product quality, both stores offer a mix of name-brand and generic products.

Some shoppers have reported that the quality of Dollar Tree's items can be hit or miss, while Dollar General's products tend to be more consistently good. I have even heard some people say that most of the products sold by Dollar Tree are nothing but junk.

It's worth noting that Dollar General has a larger selection of name-brand items, which may be more appealing to some shoppers. However, this is also misleading. Name brand products can have seconds, which are products that have minor design flaws.

For example, about a year ago, I purchased a bottle of Ajax Dishwashing Liquid from Dollar General. When I used it to clean my dishes, I poured almost half the bottle in the sink before there were any suds.

Also, when the same product was purchased at a local grocery store by the name of Food Giant, a very reputable store that has been around for years, I didn't have this problem.

The same old saying still holds true: You get what you pay for !.

Pricing

As the name once suggested, both stores offer products for a dollar (or the base price). However, all of Dollar Tree's prices are fixed at $1.25, while Dollar General has a range of products priced at $1.25, $5, and even $10.

By the way, I noticed that Dollar General raised its base price from $1 to $1.25 shortly after Dollar Tree raised theres. However, Dollar General. didn't publicize it as much.

The way Dollar General handles their pricing is an advantage for those looking for a wider range of products and don't mind spending a little more. On the other hand, Dollar Tree's prices can be a huge draw for those on a tight budget, especially for those looking for party supplies or household items.

Coupons and Deals

Both Dollar Tree and Dollar General offer coupons and deals that can help shoppers save even more money. Dollar General's weekly ad circular features sales and promotions, while Dollar Tree has a loyalty program that offers exclusive deals and discounts to members. It's worth keeping an eye out for these promotions, as they can help stretch your dollar even further.

Being an occasional shopper at both stores, I haven't had much experience with their coupons and deals, but they are worth mentioning here.

Store Layout and Shopping Experience

In terms of store layout and overall shopping experience, Dollar General is much better. Their stores are larger and more organized, making it easier for shoppers to navigate and find what they need. Also, their employees are very courteous, and treat customers like they are supposed to be treated. Also, if a checkout register has a long line, they will always open another register.

Dollar Tree's stores, on the other hand, are smaller and more cramped, making it harder to find specific items. I have also heard people complain about some of their stores being filthy. As far as the way they treat customers, Dollar Tree has cleaned up their act during the last several months. However, before this, many customers felt like they had to wear a bullet proof vest when shopping there (of course, this is an exaggeration, but it was bad). Finally, fast checkout, like the products, is a hit or miss situation.

So! Which is better?

Ordinarily, my choice would be Dollar General, for three specific reasons.

First, I've noticed over the years that Dollar Tree is bad about short-changing customers. For example, if you buy a bag of potato chips, you will notice that the bag is only half full. Ever since I've been shopping, I've noticed that every year, I end up paying more, for less. Of course, you will notice this in the store before you even buy the product.

Second, I've had problems with the quality of Dollar Tree's products. Not only are some of the products bad, but so is the packaging. For example, I bought a roll of aluminum foil there, and when I opened it, the box it was in literally came apart. To use it, I had to cut it with a pair or scissors.

Finally, Dollar Tree has all its eggs in one basket. They sell only their own exclusive products, and do not make way for name brand items. While some products have name brand labels on them, it's not the same as buying them from a store, such as, Wal Mart or Publix.

As far as my choice is concerned, one thing has happened at Dollar General that has given me a change of heart. Recently, I've noticed that they have drastically increased many of their prices. It seems like they are trying to get out of the dollar store business and become a regular store. If the reason for going there is better value, this kind of defeats the purpose.

My choice? The truth is, I prefer not shopping at either store unless I have to, as a last resort. But I anticipate that I will continue shopping at both stores occasionally, just as I have been doing for several years.

I've had good and bad experiences at both stores. However, your situation may be different. Therefore, I encourage you to continue shopping at both stores, if this is what you're presently doing. But with the recent changes in the economy, Dollar Stores will suddenly become something very different from what they were originally intended to be.

I hope this article has helped you.

Thank you for visiting us. Please visit us again. You are always welcome.

AND:

Remember! At SurfSideSafe, we are here to make your life much better.

Images of Dollar Tree and Dollar General, courtesy of Creative Commons.