Found me a million dollar baby at the dollar store
In the bathroom there is a bottle of shampoo called ‘Jazid’. It’s a sort of pink confection that smells a bit like cotton candy. The label says it’s made in Canada, but I don’t believe that for a second. It’s probably made in Kazakhstan or Upper Volta. Not that I mind. It cleans my hair and it cost a buck.
I got it at one of the ubiquitous ‘dollar’ stores that abound in my community and every other community. They go by various names, such emporia, but they’re all the same. Go to one in any city, town or strip mall and you find the same kinds of eclectic stuff. I love ‘em. I love them because they’re cheap and entertaining at the same time. In that they remind me of some of the girls I dated at an earlier stage of my life.
Part of the entertainment comes from the labels. Whoever turns out this stuff tries to make it look like the real thing. So, you might have ‘Heenz Beans’ or Kambell’s Soup with a remarkable facsimile label. Or, you will get remaindered products that sell well in Poland, perhaps, but are not well-known this side of the Atlantic.
At the same time, many of these products are surprisingly acceptable in quality. I found, for example, that dollar store spices (with esoteric branding) are every bit as good as the name ones at the supermarket that retail for about five times the spice. Sage is sage. Why do I care who made it?
I also like the fact that dollar stores often sell off remaindered items; lines that have been dropped for reasons best known to the marketing weasels at some company. In this context I try to scrupulously avoid developing affection for a certain line of product because if I do I know the company is going to stop making it.
For example, and back to the shampoo theme, I used to particularly favor Alberto Balsam. Bought it all the time. Then, one day, it disappeared. I have no idea why. But, a couple of years ago I was in a dollar store and there was AB. I bought three bottles. They’re used up now, and today I can’t even find it in a dollar store.
The other thing I like about dollar stores is that they’re cheap. The items are all inexpensive. For example, I paint. I don’t know how well, but I take great pleasure in it, so that’s what counts. I buy frames and mats from the dollar store. They cost at the very least half, and sometimes a third as much as they cost in mainstream stores. My paintings aren’t insulted by being cheaply framed, and nobody else can tell the difference.
For a while, when they first came out, some people were a bit ashamed to be seen in a dollar store. But, no more. Getting inexpensive items has become almost trendily acceptable.
And, they are one step above thrift stores. Mind you, even there, if you know your labels you can be amazed at what you can acquire. Hanging in my closet is a literally like-new and perfectly-fitting Pierre Cardin sport coat that I bought at the Sally Ann for five bucks. Who needs to know where I got it?
But, that’s a whole other topic.
I got it at one of the ubiquitous ‘dollar’ stores that abound in my community and every other community. They go by various names, such emporia, but they’re all the same. Go to one in any city, town or strip mall and you find the same kinds of eclectic stuff. I love ‘em. I love them because they’re cheap and entertaining at the same time. In that they remind me of some of the girls I dated at an earlier stage of my life.
Part of the entertainment comes from the labels. Whoever turns out this stuff tries to make it look like the real thing. So, you might have ‘Heenz Beans’ or Kambell’s Soup with a remarkable facsimile label. Or, you will get remaindered products that sell well in Poland, perhaps, but are not well-known this side of the Atlantic.
At the same time, many of these products are surprisingly acceptable in quality. I found, for example, that dollar store spices (with esoteric branding) are every bit as good as the name ones at the supermarket that retail for about five times the spice. Sage is sage. Why do I care who made it?
I also like the fact that dollar stores often sell off remaindered items; lines that have been dropped for reasons best known to the marketing weasels at some company. In this context I try to scrupulously avoid developing affection for a certain line of product because if I do I know the company is going to stop making it.
For example, and back to the shampoo theme, I used to particularly favor Alberto Balsam. Bought it all the time. Then, one day, it disappeared. I have no idea why. But, a couple of years ago I was in a dollar store and there was AB. I bought three bottles. They’re used up now, and today I can’t even find it in a dollar store.
The other thing I like about dollar stores is that they’re cheap. The items are all inexpensive. For example, I paint. I don’t know how well, but I take great pleasure in it, so that’s what counts. I buy frames and mats from the dollar store. They cost at the very least half, and sometimes a third as much as they cost in mainstream stores. My paintings aren’t insulted by being cheaply framed, and nobody else can tell the difference.
For a while, when they first came out, some people were a bit ashamed to be seen in a dollar store. But, no more. Getting inexpensive items has become almost trendily acceptable.
And, they are one step above thrift stores. Mind you, even there, if you know your labels you can be amazed at what you can acquire. Hanging in my closet is a literally like-new and perfectly-fitting Pierre Cardin sport coat that I bought at the Sally Ann for five bucks. Who needs to know where I got it?
But, that’s a whole other topic.
Labels: cheapskate buying, cool labels
posted by Ian Lidster at
8:42 AM
15 Comments:
I agree with you Ian - I too love dollar stores. Some of the stuff is definitely junk but some of it is quite useful and does just what you want it to. It's why I like Wal Mart too. I can get all my laundry items for a way better price than in a food store like Thrifty's or Safeways.
I'm afraid I don't have that air of gentility that suggests I would not stoop to shop at "those" stores. I do not buy junk items but I do shop around for the best price.If Canadian stores sold their items at a reasonable price a Wal Mart would never survive here - unfortunately that is not the case. So Sally Ann, Dollar Store and Wal Mart here I come!
with you and janice, all the way!
chocoholic that i am, i was delighted to find dark chocolate bars, from poland, two for $1, instead of $2.50... each!
at another place, 4 stainless steel fondue forks for $1, i use them to spear sliced pickles from the bottom of the jar
cheap... or canny?
Ive always liked thrift stores especially and end up finding really good things for the house. Occasionally they need to be cleaned up or repaired in a minor way but it's a great way to stock up a household.
The Dollar Store is especially good for frozen vegetables. They're just as good at 25% of the price at the grocery stores.
I, too, love dollar stores. At the very worst, they're entertaining. Sometimes, though, one finds a treasure trove of a long-discontinued product and it feels as though one has dealt a minor blow to "The Man".
I was amused when in Paris a few years back to see "Euro Stores". I wanted to go in one, but alas, the museums were calling. I did, however, score some very find Bulgarian deoderant on that trip.
I once found a full length Harris Tweed trenchcoat at the Sal. I think it was $6. I saw a similar sport coat a few months later for $800 at the Bay. The only shame anyone should feel is in not checking out the thrift and dollar stores sometimes.... although that sounds a lot like shopping.
Aha ... we have these here too! And if I have to shop, they're my first stop ... much to the disdain of my mother in law! "But you don't know WHO'S been wearing it before you!" Do I care?
Does no one remember the tooth paste (counterfeit) that had mercury or anti freeze or some such thing it from China? Sure bargains are nice and I go to Goodwill or some other recycling type store but Walmart, Never. There are grocery stores here in T-Dot such as Price Chopper that sell detergents and stuff cheaper...ciao
"...they remind me of some of the girls I dated at an earlier stage of my life."
LOL! That was great!!
Another good post! We always check out the dollar stores here. We have a local one called Hot Dollar.
For cards gift paper pens pencils, always good buying. They also have canvas & frames etc for painting including oils & acrylics.
My favourite is probaby garage sales, you just never know what you might find.
The dollar store is a must for laundry baskets. Like you said about spices, a laundry basket is a laundry basket. I also went there one year to buy a bunch of cheap coloring and game books and random toys that I keep in a bucket for my annual Christmas party. It keeps the kids busy for a little while.
i love dollar stores too. and they all have their unique style of kitsch. thing is the dollar stores have been closing lately. this is sad for my son who loves to buy little trains there.
actually ian, sage is not just sage; there is a difference in taste and sometimes, even color. the good stuff is more potent and flavorful. that applies to cinnamon, vanilla, etc.
our dollar stores here are just beginning to sell food/groceries, and some of them are name brand foods. i've been spending all of this $$$ on tape, schools supplies, etc., but not anymore. dollar stores, here i come!
I love dollar stores. Ahhhhhh.
Gosh I'll have to check these out. I always pass by because usually the outside displays are junky so I'll be exploring on your recommendation. I have noticed that the one nearest me is very crowded with stuff and has very narrow aisles so it might make me feel claustrophobic.
I am the Queen of Clearance, I find bargains everywhere, so this makes sense to me.
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