Deception at the 'Dollar Store'

I pride myself on being frugal. If there is a deal to be found, I will find it. That's why when the concept of the Dollar Store came about, I was ecstatic. There was a store called Dollar Deals within walking distance to our old house. I was a proud regular.

You could get great deals at that place. Cleaning supplies. School supplies. Party favors. Gift bags. Greeting cards - TWO for a $1. And there was even the occassional surprise - name brand food items...for only a dollar! I loved being able to come home and show off my findings to my husband.

Don't get me wrong...there are some things that aren't even worth the dollar. That's how they make their money. It is not a place to shop for an awesome birthday or Christmas gift - unless your great aunt is in dire need of a 'hand-sculpted' porcelain angel ornament that was made in China. Or if you knew a child who wouldn't mind a cheapo doll made of straw that may or may not have two eyes.

Word to the wise - don't buy gifts at the Dollar Store...if it's a REAL dollar store.

When my husband and I moved to Michigan, I wanted to make sure we were in walking distance to a grocery store, a gas station...or civilization. In the event of a blizzard (not too far-fetched in Michigan), I would still be able to hook up our dogs to a sled and become the Stoneking Iditarod Team (SIT...ha!) in search of basic essentials.

We found a house that fit the bill. Lo and Behold!!! What resides in the strip mall not too far from our abode? A Dollar Store! I was so excited, I literally couldn't hide it.

And then the excitement turned to disappointment. The dollar store is NOT a true dollar store.

I was reminded of my disappointment when I stopped in there to get my dancers a few little trinkets to celebrate St. Patrick's Day. The store is more like a Dollar General. BIG difference!

There were some deals. But the only things that cost a dollar were the things that are actually WORTH a dollar. No cheap food items. No $1 cleaning supplies. No cheap greeting cards. No dog toys that I could bring home and not care whether the girls tore them to shreds or not.

I left with a few gift bags that I will have to fill later. I miss my Dollar Deals. I miss bragging about my finds to my husband (doubtful that he does). How deceptive you are Dollar Store. How deceptive you are.

I guess I'll go to Aldi.