3 Reasons Dollar Stores Aren't as Great as You Think They Are

If you're someone who likes to save money, then you may be grateful for the presence of a dollar store or two in your neighborhood. As the name implies, dollar stores allow you to load up on a host of goods for $1 or, in some cases, slightly more. And that could lead to a lower credit card tab all around. 

But dollar stores aren't perfect. Here are a few reasons why they may not be as wonderful an addition to your neighborhood as you think they are.

1. The selection is often limited

You may be able to snag certain grocery staples or personal care items at the dollar store. But generally speaking, dollar stores tend to have a limited selection. That could be a problem if you have specific needs. 

For example, let's say you're trying to do your back-to-school shopping at your local dollar store. You might only find six of the 12 items on your teacher's supply list, thereby forcing you to run to another store. Dollar store inventory also tends to be inconsistent, so you might find an item you need one week only to not see it again for months.

2. Some items are lower in quality

If you buy a can of soup from the dollar store, and it's a brand you know with an expiration date that's reasonable, then there's no reason to expect it to taste any different than the soup you'd buy at a regular supermarket. But while not every dollar store item is lower in quality than what you'd find elsewhere, some items are.

Let's face it -- a doll you buy for $1 isn't going to hold up as well as a $15 doll you buy at a toy store, or from a big-box retailer. So if you're going to shop at dollar stores, you'll need to have realistic expectations about what you're getting.

3. They can displace small businesses

Consumers are often drawn to dollar stores because of the low price point. As a result, when dollar stores open up, they can pull consumers away from small businesses, thereby leading to closures. But that has the potential to be bad for communities in the long run, which explains why some have been quick to protest against dollar stores in recent years. 

Since 2019, at least 75 communities have blocked proposals to bring dollar stores into the fold, according to the Institute for Local Self-Reliance. And data has shown repeatedly that dollar stores have the potential to drive grocery stores out of business, leaving a growing number of communities without access to fresh, healthy food. 

While dollar stores commonly stock non-perishable goods, fresh food is generally not available at dollar stores. As it is, some rural communities lack access to fresh food due to logistics. But opening dollar stores instead of supermarkets doesn't serve those communities well, experts argue. Rather, it just builds on an already existing problem. 

Dollar stores may be cheap and convenient. And there's certainly nothing wrong with running in the next time you need supplies for a school project or inexpensive goody bag fillers for your child's birthday party. But dollar stores certainly have their flaws, and it's important to be aware of what those entail.