About once a week I drop in the 99 Cent Only store to explore the produce selection and yesterday it occured to me…do my readers know what kind of amazing deals can be found here?!? My local store carries an extensive produce selection that is always changing daily and at only $0.99, the prices often can’t be beat. I’ve even scored organic produce there too.
Check out my latest trip pictured above, versus the cost of the same items at Vons (Safeway):
| (2) Hydroponic Butter Lettuce – $0.99 each | (Vons: $3.99 each) |
| (3) San Luis Sliced Sourdough Bread – $0.99 each | (Vons: $4.99 each) |
| (1) Guerro Corn Tortillas – $0.99 | (Vons: $1.99) |
| (1) Limes, 3-lb. – $0.99 | (Vons: $3.29) |
| (1) Garlic, 4-ct. – $0.99 | (Vons:: $0.50 each) |
| (1) Blackberries, 6-oz. – $0.99 | (Vons: $3.99) |
| (1) Cilantro, 3-bunches – $0.99 | (Vons: $0.99 per bunch) |
99¢ Only Total: $10.00 | Vons Total: $37.19
Total Savings: 73%
4 Tips for Shopping at the 99¢ Only Store:
- Watch expiration dates.
A lot of the items that make their way to this discount store have a short shelf life so always be sure to read the expiration dates on products before throwing them in your cart. This is especially true with perishables, such as produce. - Ask when deliveries are made for the best selection.
Because the selection of items is always changing, if you know when deliveries are made you can often get first dibs on name brand products & produce. At my store, fresh produce is delivered every other day and dry goods come in on Tuesday & Thursday. Knowing this has helped me snag some awesome finds, like the San Luis Soudough Bread I snatched up for just $0.99. I’ve had great success with freezing bread, so I picked up an extra two to throw in the freezer. - Not everything is a good deal – look at unit size.
As you become more familiar with price points and sale cycles at your local grocery store, you’ll start to notice that some of the “deals” found at your local 99 cent store are far from great. When it comes to refrigerated grocery items, which are often sold in smaller sizes than what you might find at the regular store, look at the unit size. Does it make sense to buy it for $0.99? What do you usually pay at the grocery store with a sale and coupon? - Don’t stock up until you try it.
One time I thought I majorly scored on several 3-count boxes of microwave “caramel” flavored popcorn made by a name brand. Caramel popcorn, that has to be tasty right? It would have been, if each bag didn’t catch on fire in the microwave. Sometimes there is a reason products end up at the discount store.
What hidden treasures have you found at the 99¢ store? Do you have any additional tips for shopping at the dollar store? Share below!
{ 14 comments }
at mine as well as other newly released movies. The check out times on these items are going to vary greatly from the books, so make sure you know your library’s policy when you check out any movies.
