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7 Dollar Store Secrets to Fight Inflation

You can still pinch pennies at Dollar General Dollar Tree Family Dollar 99 Cents Only

AFP / Getty Images Get instant access to members-only products and hundreds of discounts, a free second membership, and a subscription to AARP the Magazine. A dollar just doesn’t go as far as it used to — even at the dollar store. Inflation is hitting all retailers, and the discount stores that have historically kept their prices under a buck are struggling to hold the line. Dollar Tree, one of the country’s largest dollar store chains, announced in November that it would hike its minimum price for items to $1.25. Flowers & Gifts 25% off sitewide and 30% off select items See more Flowers & Gifts offers > While competitors Dollar General and 99 Cents Only Stores still have items priced at a dollar, they also sell products priced higher, as does Family Dollar, which is owned by Dollar Tree. Even so, shopping experts say it’s possible to find deals at dollar stores during these , although they may not be as plentiful as in the past. “They still have items that are good buys. You just have to know which things to look for,” says Marilyn Anderson, author of How to Live Like a Millionaire When You’re a Million Short. Here are some tips to stretch your dollars further.

1 Stick with disposable items

Dollar stores are often a reliable source for inexpensive disposable goods that you can stock up on and have around when needed. Think: paper plates, napkins, cups and utensils. Single-use holiday items such as , greetings cards and party invitations are also good seasonal buys. “Many of the things that you buy at the dollar store are still going to be cheaper than they would be elsewhere,” says Lisa Thompson, savings expert for Coupons.com. AARP Membership — $12 for your first year when you sign up for Automatic Renewal Get instant access to members-only products and hundreds of discounts, a free second membership, and a subscription to AARP the Magazine. before throwing them into your basket. While the products likely won’t be expired, they may be closer to the date than you’d like. Tossing out an expired item is a waste of money even if you only paid a buck for it.

4 Be willing to experiment

Dollar stores may carry unfamiliar brands. With prices so low, it might be worth trying out, say, a new type of soap you’ve never heard of before. If you end up liking it, you’ll save some money versus a name brand.

5 Calculate the unit cost

Dollar stores often carry name-brand items in smaller packaging, so it’s possible you’ll still get a better deal spending a little more for a larger size elsewhere. “Just because it’s a cheaper price point, doesn’t mean it’s the best price available,” says Julie Ramhold, a consumer analyst with DealNews, a website dedicated to finding deals. To determine the unit cost, divide the price by the unit of measure. If liquid laundry detergent costs $9 for 48 fluid ounces at a dollar store, for example, then the unit cost is about 19 cents per ounce. A 64-ounce bottle priced at $11 at a big-box retailer works out to a unit cost of about 17 cents, so you actually get . AARP Membership — $12 for your first year when you sign up for Automatic Renewal Get instant access to members-only products and hundreds of discounts, a free second membership, and a subscription to AARP the Magazine. that can add up and cancel out other savings. Beth Braverman is a contributing writer who has covered shopping and personal finance for more than a decade. Her work has appeared in Consumer Reports, CNNMoney.com, CNBC.com and dozens of other publications. More on money AARP Membership — $12 for your first year when you sign up for Automatic Renewal Get instant access to members-only products and hundreds of discounts, a free second membership, and a subscription to AARP the Magazine. AARP VALUE & MEMBER BENEFITS See more Health & Wellness offers > See more Flights & Vacation Packages offers > See more Finances offers > See more Health & Wellness offers > SAVE MONEY WITH THESE LIMITED-TIME OFFERS