Passing the buck: Dollar Tree raises prices to $1.25

[left-of-center2012]

For 35 years, the discount chain Dollar Tree committed to selling almost everything for $1. Time has come to pass the buck: Prices for most items will increase to $1.25. Each year, the value of a dollar is eroded by inflation, making a dollar price commitment more difficult to maintain. Last month, inflation reached the highest rate since 1990.

To abide by the $1 restriction, the discount chain had to stop selling some sizes and products — which it hopes to return to its shelves. Dollar Tree plans to roll out higher prices to all stores by early 2022.

The company has been testing higher-priced products for months, adding ‘Dollar Tree Plus’ stores with products at $3 and $5. In September, the company said shoppers had a "positive customer reaction" and announced plans to try $1.25 and $1.50 at some traditional Dollar Tree locations. On Tuesday, it said that test, too, produced "overwhelmingly positive" results from undeterred shoppers.

Dollar stores have been among the fastest-growing chains in the U.S., adding hundreds of locations over the course of the coronavirus pandemic.

https://www.npr.org/2021/11/23/1058409703/passing-the-buck-dollar-tree-raises-prices-to-1-25

[bucolic_frolic]

1. More like Dollar General.

I think they're playing with fire. Traditional $1 items should remain that way, at least some of them. Once the fall hoarding is over, retailers will be surprised how demand will dry up. Did anyone see results from Nordstrom's and The Gap yesterday?

[left-of-center2012]

2. What does this mean "More like Dollar General"

And: "Traditional $1 items should remain that way".
There's this annoying thing called 'inflation'.

[bucolic_frolic]

6. Dollar General

Where not everything sells for a dollar. They have always had $2 and $3 items from what I recall from the few times I've been in one. Even $5 items.

There's also this annoying thing called popularity. Some Dollar Tree items deserve to sell for $1. The public may not be too happy paying $1.25 for them. They make money on them already. Many food items for example. And greeting cards. And stationary items.

One thing that has disappeared is Epsom Salts. Years ago you got a pound. Then you got 8 ounces. Now I can't find them. Not at Walmart either.

[left-of-center2012]

7. I just checked Walmart online

My local store sells Epsom salts for delivery, pick up, or shipping.

[samnsara]

3. i saw that! :(

[samnsara]

4. in the early 60s there were 88 cent stores everywhere..did they inflate into the Dollar Stores?

...yikes i just checked my inflation calc app and in 1965, 88 cents was actually over 7$ in todays economy.




hardly a bargain

[left-of-center2012]

5. 88 store

Here’s a good article about the creator of the 88¢ store.

‘Super salesman creates one-price concept’

https://pamplinmedia.com/rc/64-features/295037-170867-super-salesman-creates-one-price-concept