Do you shop at the $.99 store? If you do, chances are you love to tell the world about your trips – finds, and the fact that they just simply have GREAT deals.
But, unfortunately there is a stigma associated with shopping there ~ and that stigma can cause your friends and even family to give you the side eye……. we have seen it, heard it, and we READ about it all the time. But we are confident that we are succeeding far beyond anyone for making the BEST choice for our money.
When you hear your family and friends complain about the cost of food going UP, and there not being any GREAT deals on the things that they have purchased in the past… just remember that your perception of the cost of food is all directly related to your willingness to do a little legwork – sometimes that means finding NEW places to go, and doing a little extra work to keep more money in your pocket.
Here are EIGHT misconceptions about the $.99 store…
1. Food is Expired
Sorry.. but not the case. Although they may have some KILLER deals at the $.99 store, many of the items are overstock from other local stores, or, items that may no longer be carried at national stores.
They could even be limited flavors (ie. Pumpkin Flavored Cereal from the fall) — but I have YET to find anything expired.
2. Cheap, but Smaller Sizes
Once again, that’s an assumption. Their food items are full size items, as are hair care items too – cereal is an incredibly great deal and sometimes you can find Brand Name Items for $.99!
3. Their items are from China or Mexico
We hear this all the time, and it makes us giggle. Some of their toy items and kitchen items are from China. But don’t you realize that so are the cheap items you find in Target? Dollar Tree? Believe it or not, many of the National Stores here in the U.S. get cheap toys imported from out of country. If you shop at Party City that’s a given.
If it bothers you, then don’t shop there. But I can guarantee that imports from countries will not be slowing down any time soon.
4. It’s ALL STORE Brand Items!
NO! FAR from the truth! If that was true we wouldn’t visit daily. Check out these items we found at our local store today – do they look like store brand items? Thank you.
5. They do not carry Gluten-Free Items
WRONG – they DO. And quite a few of them too! If you haven’t found them at your store, we suggest driving to another store in your area. Always try to shop mid-morning (9 – 10 a.m.) when their delivery trucks drop off.
If you are in the Phoenix area, Country Club location is a GOLD MINE for Gluten-Free items – we have always kept that a bit of a secret.. hopefully you can take advantage of that!
6. You CANNOT Use Coupons
If we had a nickel for every time we heard this… we would be quitting our bloggy jobs and raking in the cash. You CAN use coupons at the $.99 store – in the form of Shopmium, Checkout51, SNAP, and even the Shrink App.
We just helped put money in your pocket.
Read more about those apps HERE.
7. Everything is Processed and Unhealthy
WRONG! That’s a common misnomer ~ and we have heard it far too long…
The $.99 store carries FRESH produce, Organic items, and even fresh dairy to include milk and eggs. You probably won’t find Organic eggs, or Organic milk but they DO have Organic salad and some Organic produce.
In fact… you can often times find Fresh Garlic, Strawberries, Peppers, Mushrooms and even Asparagus.
8. It’s Only for America’s Poorest Shoppers
I hate to be the bearer of BAD news, but this is simply not true. Some of the most frugal minded shop at the $.99 store – no matter what their status. It’s simply just a GREAT place to save money.
Why go and spend MORE at another store when you might be able to get something for less?
Just remember that next time you get the side eye from your friends for saying that you went to the $.99 store for groceries ;)
Read our tips for shopping at the $.99 store to get the best experience.
I have found expired food at the 99 Cent Store but I find it just as much, if not more, at Safeway and Albertsons.