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Non-Road Boards => Off-Topic => Topic started by: US71 on December 28, 2018, 01:43:51 PM

Title: Dollar Store Backlash
Post by: US71 on December 28, 2018, 01:43:51 PM
https://www.citylab.com/equity/2018/12/closest-grocery-store-to-me-dollar-store-food-desert-bargain/577777/

Finally found the story I read.

I rarely shop there and usually only in the Fall when their flower pots are on clearance.
Title: Re: Dollar Store Backlash
Post by: ET21 on December 28, 2018, 03:29:23 PM
I've gone to the one next door to my apartment only twice since I moved in the summer of 2017, both times for Christmas gift supplies. Otherwise I don't do Dollar Tree shopping.
Title: Re: Dollar Store Backlash
Post by: nexus73 on December 28, 2018, 08:12:26 PM
One time I wanted a pair of glass candy dishes.  My sister told me the dollar store had them.  They did!  Later on I was looking over the goods at a Salvation Army store.  They had the same one and it was stickered at $1.50...LOL!

Rick
Title: Re: Dollar Store Backlash
Post by: abefroman329 on December 28, 2018, 08:14:14 PM
The baby loves it when we tie Mylar balloons to his hands and feet, so we get those at the dollar store. I don't get anything else there. Like I said in the other thread, it's substandard crap.
Title: Re: Dollar Store Backlash
Post by: US71 on December 28, 2018, 08:44:31 PM
Quote from: nexus73 on December 28, 2018, 08:12:26 PM
One time I wanted a pair of glass candy dishes.  My sister told me the dollar store had them.  They did!  Later on I was looking over the goods at a Salvation Army store.  They had the same one and it was stickered at $1.50...LOL!

Rick

Thrift stores aren't always a bargain. I've known some Salvation Armies to actively shop around. If Wal-Mart has a similar item for $3, SA will price theirs at $2.50. Savers (aka Big Brothers/Big Sisters) is always overpriced.
Title: Re: Dollar Store Backlash
Post by: formulanone on December 28, 2018, 09:07:25 PM
I don't get the appeal. I think the dollar stores figure that if you're paying just a buck for it, you're automatically getting a great deal. Once or twice I've found a few cheesy stocking stuffers and some odd Matchbox cars. It's usually substandard merchandise and the food is rarely a better deal (if edible).

I feel the same way about Dollar General and that ilk. No deals better than the typical big box nor grocery store, but in the small/unincorporated communities they're sometimes the only option...something is better than nothing.
Title: Re: Dollar Store Backlash
Post by: froggie on December 28, 2018, 09:07:50 PM
Even in towns where they're facing public opposition and developmental regulations, the dollar stores are still finding ways to sneak in.  An example near me is Johnson, VT, where a large number of residents were against Dollar General building a store.  They managed to build a store anyway by building on a lot small enough (just under 1 acre) that it didn't trigger the state's Act 250 law for environmental/traffic review and mitigation for commercial development.
Title: Re: Dollar Store Backlash
Post by: US71 on December 28, 2018, 09:33:24 PM
Quote from: formulanone on December 28, 2018, 09:07:25 PM
I don't get the appeal. I think the dollar stores figure that if you're paying just a buck for it, you're automatically getting a great deal. Once or twice I've found a few cheesy stocking stuffers and some odd Matchbox cars. It's usually substandard merchandise and the food is rarely a better deal (if edible).

I feel the same way about Dollar General and that ilk. No deals better than the typical big box nor grocery store, but in the small/unincorporated communities they're sometimes the only option...something is better than nothing.

"There's a sucker born every minute" (maybe) PT Barnham.  People see $1 and think it's a great deal (same with 99 cent stores). Some people shop there to avoid Wal-Mart's "Made in China" merchandise (not knowing almost everything at $1 Tree comes from China).  Dollar General opened two new stores in my are within the last 6 months. One was an "expansion" of a smaller store, the other was at the far south end of town away from almost everything.
The last time I bought anything at $1Tree was a phone charge/sync cable because I was on the road and had left my good one at home. It did the job, but barely. My phone kept trying to reject it as incomparable. When I do my Renaissance shows, I sometimes put things in little zipper bags. The dollar store bags are cheap quality, but do what I need them to do for less money than Ziploc bags, though I would never use them for food storage). I bought flashlight batteries ONCE, and they didn't even work.
Title: Re: Dollar Store Backlash
Post by: jp the roadgeek on December 28, 2018, 09:54:03 PM
The only true dollar store is Dollar Tree.  Dollar General and Family Dollar have items for more than a dollar.  I have a Dollar Tree within walking distance of my house.  And it's amazing how quickly Dollar General sneaks in.  My town didn't have one as of this time last year, but by September, we had 2.  There's even one now within sight of ESPN headquarters.
Title: Re: Dollar Store Backlash
Post by: US71 on December 28, 2018, 10:04:09 PM
Quote from: jp the roadgeek on December 28, 2018, 09:54:03 PM
The only true dollar store is Dollar Tree.  Dollar General and Family Dollar have items for more than a dollar.  I have a Dollar Tree within walking distance of my house.  And it's amazing how quickly Dollar General sneaks in.  My town didn't have one as of this time last year, but by September, we had 2.  There's even one now within sight of ESPN headquarters.

There used to be $! Shop that was based in Branson, MO and had several stores in the Springfield area. I have no idea if they are still around since all the Springfield stores have been gone a long time. They were more of a variety store than Dollar Tree is. They sold cheap Chinese boot knives, cloth tote bags, whoopie cushions, cheap necklaces and other jewelry, The selection was constantly changing. The Muzak was  always poking fun at Dollar General, though not by name.
Title: Re: Dollar Store Backlash
Post by: 74/171FAN on December 28, 2018, 10:10:52 PM
I will go to Dollar Tree for greeting cards (2 for $1).  Otherwise I believe that I am getting ripped off if I get them elsewhere.
Title: Re: Dollar Store Backlash
Post by: KEVIN_224 on December 28, 2018, 10:13:27 PM
Now the mayor of New Britain, CT, Erin Stewart (R), is complaining about these stores. Her point is how these stores pop up in urban areas, rarely offering any real healthy food options. I thought it was going to be cool to have a Dollar General open up only two blocks from my old house. Safe to say that store went "hood" pretty damn quick! :(
Title: Re: Dollar Store Backlash
Post by: ce929wax on December 28, 2018, 11:07:21 PM
Dollar Tree's are hit and miss.  I have gotten some good stuff there and not so good stuff.  I don't recommend buying sour cream there.
Title: Re: Dollar Store Backlash
Post by: US71 on December 28, 2018, 11:10:28 PM
Quote from: 74/171FAN on December 28, 2018, 10:10:52 PM
I will go to Dollar Tree for greeting cards (2 for $1).  Otherwise I believe that I am getting ripped off if I get them elsewhere.

You are! :)  :pan:

DT's are likely last years leftovers ;)
Title: Re: Dollar Store Backlash
Post by: abefroman329 on December 29, 2018, 07:10:37 AM
Quote from: formulanone on December 28, 2018, 09:07:25 PM
I don't get the appeal.
Can't afford to shop anywhere else, don't have the time to take 3 buses to get to the nearest grocery store...It's not all beer and skittles when you're poor.
Title: Re: Dollar Store Backlash
Post by: US71 on December 29, 2018, 08:40:08 AM
Quote from: abefroman329 on December 29, 2018, 07:10:37 AM
Quote from: formulanone on December 28, 2018, 09:07:25 PM
I don't get the appeal.
Can't afford to shop anywhere else, don't have the time to take 3 buses to get to the nearest grocery store...It's not all beer and skittles when you're poor.

Their produce and meat departments leave a lot to be desired, though. Closest thing they have to fresh oranges is Sunny D
Title: Re: Dollar Store Backlash
Post by: jeffandnicole on December 29, 2018, 09:29:35 AM
I've seen steaks in the freezers at Dollar Tree for $1! I would love to hear from someone who ate one and survived!

If your bring a dish or a platter to someone's house and don't mind leaving it there, some of the Dollar Tree platters are actually really nice. And you don't care if you never see it again or it breaks the next day.

Mylar balloons for $1 are nice as well.
Title: Re: Dollar Store Backlash
Post by: abefroman329 on December 29, 2018, 09:35:53 AM
Quote from: jeffandnicole on December 29, 2018, 09:29:35 AMI've seen steaks in the freezers at Dollar Tree for $1! I would love to hear from someone who ate one and survived!
If ever I was going to eat a steak that was cooked beyond medium rare, it would be a frozen steak purchased from Dollar Tree.
Title: Re: Dollar Store Backlash
Post by: hotdogPi on December 29, 2018, 09:41:39 AM
Quote from: jp the roadgeek on December 28, 2018, 09:54:03 PM
The only true dollar store is Dollar Tree.

There are a few non-chain dollar stores. I know of one in Lawrence that has a lot of items on the ground; they must not have enough workers. Everything's $1 (plus tax or bottle deposit), except they have a few "2 for $1" or "3 for $1" items, and their 2 liter sodas are $1.19.
Title: Re: Dollar Store Backlash
Post by: US71 on December 29, 2018, 09:46:13 AM
Quote from: jeffandnicole on December 29, 2018, 09:29:35 AM
I've seen steaks in the freezers at Dollar Tree for $1! I would love to hear from someone who ate one and survived!

If your bring a dish or a platter to someone's house and don't mind leaving it there, some of the Dollar Tree platters are actually really nice. And you don't care if you never see it again or it breaks the next day.

Mylar balloons for $1 are nice as well.

My neighbor the "cat whisperer" buys the cheap cereal bowls to feed her "colony". If the bowls get damaged, she just trashes them.
Title: Re: Dollar Store Backlash
Post by: jp the roadgeek on December 29, 2018, 09:58:02 AM
Quote from: jeffandnicole on December 29, 2018, 09:29:35 AM
I've seen steaks in the freezers at Dollar Tree for $1! I would love to hear from someone who ate one and survived!

If your bring a dish or a platter to someone's house and don't mind leaving it there, some of the Dollar Tree platters are actually really nice. And you don't care if you never see it again or it breaks the next day.

Mylar balloons for $1 are nice as well.

Those mylar balloons last FOREVER.  Something about the helium they use.  I've received a balloon from them for my birthday in early November, and the thing stayed afloat till April. 

An update to my Dollar General post upthread: just got a mailer today advertising yet another new location opening next Saturday just across the town line from me.  That makes 3 now within a 5 mile radius.  Might as well just pair them with Dunkins and be done.
Title: Re: Dollar Store Backlash
Post by: nexus73 on December 29, 2018, 10:24:12 AM
Safeway store brand frozen garlic bread on sale is $1.99 for 8 slices.  The close-to-it dollar store sells frozen garlic bread for $1 with 6 slices being in the bag.  Given that the quality is better from the dollar store, then it just remains to do the math to figure out the really best deal.  If the dollar store garlic bread was 8 pieces, the price would be $1.33.  That is 66 cents cheaper than Safeway's best sale price. 

Guess where I buy my frozen garlic bread at? 

The deal gets even better when comparing to the Texas Toast brand.  How that product ever sells is beyond me.  I used to catch it on a super duper sale occasionally but that was it.  Quality was no different.  Why pay more?

Shop selectively and get the best of what someone has.  It works across the board for anything.  Hey, if I can get a truly great deal for $1, I will.  Wasting $1 is not in my wheelhouse though.

Rick
Title: Re: Dollar Store Backlash
Post by: abefroman329 on December 29, 2018, 10:26:11 AM
Quote from: jp the roadgeek on December 29, 2018, 09:58:02 AM
Quote from: jeffandnicole on December 29, 2018, 09:29:35 AM
I've seen steaks in the freezers at Dollar Tree for $1! I would love to hear from someone who ate one and survived!

If your bring a dish or a platter to someone's house and don't mind leaving it there, some of the Dollar Tree platters are actually really nice. And you don't care if you never see it again or it breaks the next day.

Mylar balloons for $1 are nice as well.

Those mylar balloons last FOREVER.  Something about the helium they use.  I've received a balloon from them for my birthday in early November, and the thing stayed afloat till April. 

An update to my Dollar General post upthread: just got a mailer today advertising yet another new location opening next Saturday just across the town line from me.  That makes 3 now within a 5 mile radius.  Might as well just pair them with Dunkins and be done.
I feel like they only last forever if they inflate them immediately before you buy them - when I buy them "off the rack,"  they're dead within a week.
Title: Re: Dollar Store Backlash
Post by: US71 on December 29, 2018, 11:17:14 AM
Quote from: nexus73 on December 29, 2018, 10:24:12 AM
Safeway store brand frozen garlic bread on sale is $1.99 for 8 slices.  The close-to-it dollar store sells frozen garlic bread for $1 with 6 slices being in the bag.  Given that the quality is better from the dollar store, then it just remains to do the math to figure out the really best deal.  If the dollar store garlic bread was 8 pieces, the price would be $1.33.  That is 66 cents cheaper than Safeway's best sale price. 

Guess where I buy my frozen garlic bread at? 


Aldi? ;)

Title: Re: Dollar Store Backlash
Post by: hbelkins on December 29, 2018, 05:27:27 PM
Guess I need to go copy and paste my comment in the Sears thread in this one.

I like Dollar Tree for a number of things. And yes, I bought one of the Dollar Tree $1 3 oz. ribeyes, ate it, and survived. It was a little tough but not too bad. Dollar Tree recently bought out Family Dollar, and existing Family Dollar stores are being remodeled to include "Dollar Tree dollar spots" where you can find some decent buys, although Family Dollar already had a decent section of $1 merchandise.

They are hit and miss, though. I've been in some really nice, clean ones with a decent selection of merchandise. And some look like they're in perpetual tornado cleanup mode.
Title: Re: Dollar Store Backlash
Post by: nexus73 on December 29, 2018, 06:38:59 PM
Quote from: hbelkins on December 29, 2018, 05:27:27 PM
Guess I need to go copy and paste my comment in the Sears thread in this one.

I like Dollar Tree for a number of things. And yes, I bought one of the Dollar Tree $1 3 oz. ribeyes, ate it, and survived. It was a little tough but not too bad. Dollar Tree recently bought out Family Dollar, and existing Family Dollar stores are being remodeled to include "Dollar Tree dollar spots" where you can find some decent buys, although Family Dollar already had a decent section of $1 merchandise.

They are hit and miss, though. I've been in some really nice, clean ones with a decent selection of merchandise. And some look like they're in perpetual tornado cleanup mode.

Try slow cooking tougher meats.  You can also use a tenderizing hammer on a piece so long as it is not frozen.  After that I would be interested in your take on something which could be tougher than a $2 Texas steak.  In Oregon we ate a lot of venison back in the day.  You want a tough meat?  There ya' go!  Properly cooked it smooths right out though. 

Rick
Title: Re: Dollar Store Backlash
Post by: txstateends on December 30, 2018, 02:06:16 AM
Quote from: hbelkins on December 29, 2018, 05:27:27 PM
And some look like they're in perpetual tornado cleanup mode.

That's one thing I have about dollar stores, messy, scattered, don't look like they care or feel it.  It wouldn't take a whole lot to re-planogram (if the store shelves/items are off kilter at all) or renovate (if it's in worse shape), but I guess that would take a combo-meal of the company putting more $$$ into their stores (might or might not happen) and the store employees making sure everything is stocked and faced well and properly (considering the employees care or are paid more than pocket change).  But judging from what I've seen in my few retail jobs, much of either situation could be a toss-up if the customers don't care and shop (and sample?) like they're rude tornados.
Title: Re: Dollar Store Backlash
Post by: US71 on December 30, 2018, 09:57:23 AM
Quote from: txstateends on December 30, 2018, 02:06:16 AM
Quote from: hbelkins on December 29, 2018, 05:27:27 PM
And some look like they're in perpetual tornado cleanup mode.

That's one thing I have about dollar stores, messy, scattered, don't look like they care or feel it.  It wouldn't take a whole lot to re-planogram (if the store shelves/items are off kilter at all) or renovate (if it's in worse shape), but I guess that would take a combo-meal of the company putting more $$$ into their stores (might or might not happen) and the store employees making sure everything is stocked and faced well and properly (considering the employees care or are paid more than pocket change).  But judging from what I've seen in my few retail jobs, much of either situation could be a toss-up if the customers don't care and shop (and sample?) like they're rude tornados.

Most have a planogram, but it changes frequently. Of course, the whole idea is to keep you wandering the store looking for more crap to buy.
But they also run on limited help, so there's probably no one to clean things up until the end of the day. I always see boxes left in the middle of an aisle because the stocker had to run the cash register.  It's like 3 people trying to do the work of 8
Title: Re: Dollar Store Backlash
Post by: cjk374 on December 30, 2018, 01:22:58 PM
We had a Family Dollar open in my hometown across from the school back in September. It is grocery-heavy compared to other F.D. stores. This is extremely convenient in case I need something small. It saves me a trip to Grambling (more dollar stores), Arcadia, or Ruston (major grocery stores).

Y'all have some fancy dollar stores if steaks are in their freezers.
Title: Re: Dollar Store Backlash
Post by: US71 on December 30, 2018, 01:34:41 PM
Quote from: cjk374 on December 30, 2018, 01:22:58 PM
We had a Family Dollar open in my hometown across from the school back in September. It is grocery-heavy compared to other F.D. stores. This is extremely convenient in case I need something small. It saves me a trip to Grambling (more dollar stores), Arcadia, or Ruston (major grocery stores).

Y'all have some fancy dollar stores if steaks are in their freezers.

If you can call them steaks. I've seen pancakes thicker than their steaks.
Title: Re: Dollar Store Backlash
Post by: LM117 on December 31, 2018, 12:32:01 PM
With the exception of one store (Dollar General Market), the DG stores near me are a disaster. Carts with empty cardboard boxes are blocking aisles instead of being kept in the stock room while everything is disorganized with very narrow aisles to boot. Trying to walk through is like running an obstacle course. One of them has seen plenty of managers come and go, all of them claiming they would clean it up, but they never do. Oh, and you better not be in a hurry since there will only be one register open with a long ass line while the other two employees behind the counter are goofing off and scratching their asses. :banghead:

The Family Dollar stores on the other hand, are clean and neat and will actually have more than one register open when needed. Just be sure to check the expiration dates if you buy groceries since, chances are, they're either expired or fixing to expire.

As for Dollar Tree, if the shitty parking lot layout doesn't raise your blood pressure, the store will. My comments about DG apply here, only it's usually crowded like it's Black Friday, so twice the fun! :ded:
Title: Re: Dollar Store Backlash
Post by: Buck87 on December 31, 2018, 02:10:33 PM
Quote from: LM117 on December 31, 2018, 12:32:01 PM
With the exception of one store (Dollar General Market), the DG stores near me are a disaster. Carts with empty cardboard boxes are blocking aisles instead of being kept in the stock room while everything is disorganized with very narrow aisles to boot. Trying to walk through is like running an obstacle course. One of them has seen plenty of managers come and go, all of them claiming they would clean it up, but they never do. Oh, and you better not be in a hurry since there will only be one register open with a long ass line while the other two employees behind the counter are goofing off and scratching their asses.

This pretty accurately describes my town's store, which is a location that dates back to the late 90's early 00's. The newer ones that have popped up in smaller towns in the surrounding area within the past 5 or so years are much better.

Title: Re: Dollar Store Backlash
Post by: inkyatari on December 31, 2018, 02:12:39 PM
Quote from: jeffandnicole on December 29, 2018, 09:29:35 AM
I've seen steaks in the freezers at Dollar Tree for $1! I would love to hear from someone who ate one and survived!


Title: Re: Dollar Store Backlash
Post by: abefroman329 on December 31, 2018, 02:18:04 PM
Quote from: inkyatari on December 31, 2018, 02:12:39 PM
Quote from: jeffandnicole on December 29, 2018, 09:29:35 AM
I've seen steaks in the freezers at Dollar Tree for $1! I would love to hear from someone who ate one and survived!



At least he has the good sense not to call it a "Philly cheesesteak."  Also, what kind of food blogger doesn't own a bread knife? I'm sure they also sell those at Dollar Tree.
Title: Re: Dollar Store Backlash
Post by: abefroman329 on December 31, 2018, 02:18:47 PM
Quote from: Buck87 on December 31, 2018, 02:10:33 PM
Quote from: LM117 on December 31, 2018, 12:32:01 PM
With the exception of one store (Dollar General Market), the DG stores near me are a disaster. Carts with empty cardboard boxes are blocking aisles instead of being kept in the stock room while everything is disorganized with very narrow aisles to boot. Trying to walk through is like running an obstacle course. One of them has seen plenty of managers come and go, all of them claiming they would clean it up, but they never do. Oh, and you better not be in a hurry since there will only be one register open with a long ass line while the other two employees behind the counter are goofing off and scratching their asses.

This pretty accurately describes my town's store, which is a location that dates back to the late 90's early 00's. The newer ones that have popped up in smaller towns in the surrounding area within the past 5 or so years are much better.
Every dollar store I've ever set foot in has been two steps from anarchy, regardless of its name.
Title: Re: Dollar Store Backlash
Post by: epzik8 on December 31, 2018, 02:28:52 PM
I like Dollar Tree and Dollar General. Not really Family Dollar though.
Title: Re: Dollar Store Backlash
Post by: LM117 on December 31, 2018, 04:09:15 PM
Quote from: Buck87 on December 31, 2018, 02:10:33 PM
Quote from: LM117 on December 31, 2018, 12:32:01 PM
With the exception of one store (Dollar General Market), the DG stores near me are a disaster. Carts with empty cardboard boxes are blocking aisles instead of being kept in the stock room while everything is disorganized with very narrow aisles to boot. Trying to walk through is like running an obstacle course. One of them has seen plenty of managers come and go, all of them claiming they would clean it up, but they never do. Oh, and you better not be in a hurry since there will only be one register open with a long ass line while the other two employees behind the counter are goofing off and scratching their asses.

This pretty accurately describes my town's store, which is a location that dates back to the late 90's early 00's. The newer ones that have popped up in smaller towns in the surrounding area within the past 5 or so years are much better.

Oddly enough, I've encountered the opposite. The older DG stores I've been in tend to be more organized with wider aisles, which makes navigating the store easier. The worst ones I've seen were built within the last 6 years.

In the town I grew up, Fremont NC, the DG there was built in 2003 and it had a nice layout. When I was in town last year, I stopped by DG for the first time since 2007 and it now has the same problems mentioned earlier. The only thing that stayed the same was the old store logo. Pikeville, 3 miles south of Fremont, got a pretty good upgrade when DG moved into the former Walmart Express building. They even sell cheap gas. Their old location was in an old Piggly Wiggly building, which has seen better days. That building is now a hardware store.
Title: Re: Dollar Store Backlash
Post by: hbelkins on December 31, 2018, 06:33:21 PM
For years around here, DG was in leased space and the store layout was subject to the whims of what space was available. Lately, DG has been building standalone stores. And even some of the newer standalone stores have had their floor plans changed a couple of times.
Title: Re: Dollar Store Backlash
Post by: texaskdog on December 31, 2018, 07:19:38 PM
Again why are we comparing the fake dollar stores to dollar tree?  Recently bought some bowls & cups there.  I always go there for batteries and pens and cards, stuff like that, reading glasses & sunglasses too.
Title: Re: Dollar Store Backlash
Post by: US71 on December 31, 2018, 08:00:26 PM
Quote from: texaskdog on December 31, 2018, 07:19:38 PM
Again why are we comparing the fake dollar stores to dollar tree?  Recently bought some bowls & cups there.  I always go there for batteries and pens and cards, stuff like that, reading glasses & sunglasses too.

I bought batteries at Dollar Tree once: they were dead. I was offered an exchange for new batteries, also dead.
Title: Re: Dollar Store Backlash
Post by: ErmineNotyours on January 01, 2019, 12:05:39 AM
I think I'll just leave this here:

https://www.youtube.com/embed/kiD5pC9DkBs
Title: Re: Dollar Store Backlash
Post by: abefroman329 on January 01, 2019, 05:59:41 AM
Quote from: US71 on December 31, 2018, 08:00:26 PM
Quote from: texaskdog on December 31, 2018, 07:19:38 PM
Again why are we comparing the fake dollar stores to dollar tree?  Recently bought some bowls & cups there.  I always go there for batteries and pens and cards, stuff like that, reading glasses & sunglasses too.

I bought batteries at Dollar Tree once: they were dead. I was offered an exchange for new batteries, also dead.
One time I bought a boatload of AA batteries from a guy selling them at an intersection in DC, must've been 5 20-packs for $5 or $10. Most of them were oxidized. I learned an important lesson that day about buying goods that can't be returned or exchanged; fortunately I learned it cheaply.
Title: Re: Dollar Store Backlash
Post by: formulanone on January 01, 2019, 10:36:38 AM
Quote from: US71 on December 31, 2018, 08:00:26 PM
Quote from: texaskdog on December 31, 2018, 07:19:38 PM
Again why are we comparing the fake dollar stores to dollar tree?  Recently bought some bowls & cups there.  I always go there for batteries and pens and cards, stuff like that, reading glasses & sunglasses too.

I bought batteries at Dollar Tree once: they were dead. I was offered an exchange for new batteries, also dead.


I've had slightly better success with batteries at Harbor Freight Tools; they work, but usually last about one-third as long as Rayovac, Duracell, Energizer, Eveready, et al. I avoid the temptation to stock up on those "Thunderbolts" unless they're just stupid cheap or even free in some of their clear-out or sidewalk sales. When the kids were little, I used to use them around the holidays because there was the chance they'd never play with some of the toys for long.

(Side note, how do those odd-named third-party battery companies work? It seems they only exist in toys, but I guess being able to sell directly to the manufacturer saves millions in advertising and promotion.)
Title: Re: Dollar Store Backlash
Post by: abefroman329 on January 01, 2019, 10:49:06 AM
Quote from: formulanone on January 01, 2019, 10:36:38 AMSide note, how do those odd-named third-party battery companies work?
As far as I can tell, as well as name-brand batteries. I can't remember a time when I've had to replace the batteries that came with a device faster than I've had to replace name-brand batteries. One of my old housemates was a bit of a shutterbug and swore IKEA batteries lasted longer than others, but I couldn't say either way.
Title: Re: Dollar Store Backlash
Post by: US71 on January 01, 2019, 12:22:59 PM
Quote from: formulanone on January 01, 2019, 10:36:38 AM
Quote from: US71 on December 31, 2018, 08:00:26 PM
Quote from: texaskdog on December 31, 2018, 07:19:38 PM
Again why are we comparing the fake dollar stores to dollar tree?  Recently bought some bowls & cups there.  I always go there for batteries and pens and cards, stuff like that, reading glasses & sunglasses too.

I bought batteries at Dollar Tree once: they were dead. I was offered an exchange for new batteries, also dead.


I've had slightly better success with batteries at Harbor Freight Tools; they work, but usually last about one-third as long as Rayovac, Duracell, Energizer, Eveready, et al. I avoid the temptation to stock up on those "Thunderbolts" unless they're just stupid cheap or even free in some of their clear-out or sidewalk sales. When the kids were little, I used to use them around the holidays because there was the chance they'd never play with some of the toys for long.

(Side note, how do those odd-named third-party battery companies work? It seems they only exist in toys, but I guess being able to sell directly to the manufacturer saves millions in advertising and promotion.)

My portable CD player had 3rd party batteries when I bought it. They worked OK for what I used it for.
Title: Re: Dollar Store Backlash
Post by: texaskdog on January 01, 2019, 08:20:22 PM
Quote from: US71 on December 31, 2018, 08:00:26 PM
Quote from: texaskdog on December 31, 2018, 07:19:38 PM
Again why are we comparing the fake dollar stores to dollar tree?  Recently bought some bowls & cups there.  I always go there for batteries and pens and cards, stuff like that, reading glasses & sunglasses too.

I bought batteries at Dollar Tree once: they were dead. I was offered an exchange for new batteries, also dead.


sucks, i get batteries there all the time and they work great