STATEN Island, New York. A dollar store can cost you more than a dollar these days.
For more than three decades, Dollar Tree, a national discount store chain that sells everything from crafts and beauty products to candy, snacks and toys, has stuck to its “everything for one dollar” philosophy, driving its vulgar but successful retail concept. even after several difficult inflationary periods.
Last year, Dollar Tree announced a price increase from December.
CNN Business reports that since Dollar Tree began raising prices to $1.25, rival Dollar General has seen an increase in shoppers while sticking to its $1 price per item.
Although the names of the two competitors are called “dollar”, they are not real dollar stores. Dollar General doesn’t sell everything for $1. The report states that only 20% of items purchased are worth $1 or less.
However, Dollar General has recently begun making changes by increasing the amount of $1 items, and Dollar Tree has increased prices from $1 to $1.25 across all items.
Dollar General CEO Todd Vasos explained to CNN Business that the chain is now leaning towards the $1 price more than ever.
“Dollar General really insists that [$1] side of the business because I think our customers will need us even more,” Vasos said.
According to the report, Dollar General advertises the $1 item to show shoppers they can still shop and save money while other consumer stores raise prices.
Most Dollar General stores are located in low-income rural areas selling food and essentials.
The report describes its competitor, Dollar Tree, as a store that targets “middle-income shoppers looking for party supplies and other knick-knacks.”
Vasos said most of Dollar General’s clients are fixed income and often run out of money at the end of the month.
LOCATION OF THE DOLLAR TREE IN STATEN ISLAND
- 2145 Hylan Blvd., Grant City
- Lesnoy Avenue, 2040, located in Forest Plaza.
- 1765 South Ave., located at West Shore Plaza, Travis,
- 3231 Richmond Avenue, located in Greenridge Plaza.
- 77 Richmond Hill Rd., New Springville
- 6410 Amboy Rd., located in Amboy Bedell Plaza, Pleasant Plains.
DOLLAR GENERAL LOCATIONS ON STATEN ISLAND
- 135 Canal Street, Tompkinsville
- 2264 Forest Avenue, Mariners Harbor
- 1277 Bay Street, Rosebank