What is it with dollar stores, anyway? Sure they’re cheap, but shouldn’t people feel ashamed for paying such low prices for an endless variety of food stuffs and candles?
The 99 Cents Only Store on Mount Vernon Avenue, is a veritable mecca of low prices. I decided to prowl the aisles, see what I could purchase with just $5, and ask people, “Why dollar stores?”
As I walk in through the entrance, a large sign proclaims “Mother’s Day Headquarters.” Now, I know your mother will be thrilled when you buy her a gift from here. They even have (gasp) brand names. In the toothpaste section there was Crest and Colgate, on top of lesser known brands, like Gleem.
My first purchase was a men’s grooming travel kit. Included is one razor, tweezers, scissors, clippers, a comb and a sixth item that I didn’t recognize but I wouldn’t recommend trying to sneak on an airplane.
One reason why people do shop here is because the same brand names that are at the grocery store for $4, are here for $1.
“They have the same stuff, and they’re cheap,” said Julio Jonzalez, 19. “I come here every two weeks or so.”
I noticed, during my wandering of the aisles, a large painted logo on the wall. “Open 9 to 9. 9 days a week.” However, a sign outside said “Open at 8 a.m.” now. Underneath the “9 to 9,” a flashing neon sign said “99 thanks!” Hmmm … a theme here?
Next up was a large container of Hawaiian Punch (strawberry surfin’ flavor). And it was more than enough for one person.
The shampoo selection was vast, but did not include my usual brand of Pantene Pro-V. And in the deodorant section they did not have Secret, or for that matter any recognizable brand. So I picked up Aleeda, ladies scent, of course, with the same color scheme as Secret … hmm …
While traveling throughout the aisles, an old, sentimental Rod Stewart song played in the background. I didn’t remember the title, but I know it wasn’t “Maggie May.”
Next up was a pink toilet cleaner, quite cute and … pink. You always want one of those around the house.
BC student Juana Fowler shops here to save money and buys a variety of things.
“I come 10 times a month, because they get new stuff in.”
In the housewares sections, among the gaudily colored plates that wouldn’t last a day in my house, I came across a set of three ice cube trays. This was my last purchase.
So with my random purchases in my cart, I headed toward the checkout register. My grand total? $5.74. Apparently taxes aren’t included. Still, for just that, I got some pretty handy stuff.