Local Dollar Stores... Worth it, or not?

Family Dollar vs. Dollar Tree
We've all seen it. Sitting there on Carpenter Street in all its mystery... the Family Dollar.

The concept of the dollar store has always been a hook, especially for poor college students who don't have much of an income. But it seems every time I go into one, it turns out to be a collection of worthless items no one would ever care to buy.

(http://images.businessweek.com/ss/08/11/1106_dividend_aristocrats/image/12_family_dollar_stores.jpg)

As far as Family Dollar goes, I've never been. Personally, it seems a bit sketchy - a townie shopping haven. But, at the same, time I've always been kinda curious about it. What kind of items do they offer? Is everything really a dollar? Should I go in and check it out? The answer has always been a mental "maybe some other time"... until now.

This is Athens on a budget, right? So what the hell. Might as well give it a shot and see if the local Athens dollar stores are actually worth the look-around. So sit back while I take you on a virtual tour of the Athens dollar stores. Family Dollar vs. Dollar Tree.

Family Dollar
The Family Dollar is (as predicted) a little bit sketchy, but definitely but not as bad as I had predicted. When I got there, they had a sidewalk sale of koozies, coolers, tank tops and other nice-weather geared items to greet guests at the door. They also had a full section of apparel, on top of the groceries and other items available, which was unexpected.

Unfortunately, the Family Dollar is a little misleading in the vein that it's not, in fact, a true dollar store.

The tank tops in the sidewalk sale? 3 dollars. Coolers? 14. Not quite as appealing. Especially when there's a Walmart right down the street.


But surprisingly enough, I was able to put together a cute spring outfit in light of the fests this weekend... all for under 30 bucks. A little steep, but still reasonable. And a full outfit for 30 bucks is nearly impossible to pull off, so that's pretty good!


Ruffle Tank: $7

Shorts: $6

Black Flip Flops (can go with anything): $1

Silver-Rimmed Aviators: $6

Silver Hoop Earrings: $1.49

Paisley Black and White Tote: $6

*Add a Miller Light Koozie and a vile of knock-off Chanel No. 9, each a dollar.

Total: $29.49 with tax

"They had some cute tops, which was surprising," said Ohio University Senior Ashlee Bonham, who had also never been to the Family Dollar and decided to check it out.

Unfortunately, the Family Dollar doesn't have a fitting room, so you're on your own when it comes to sizing. But if whatever you buy doesn't fit, no worries. Returns are always accepted with a valid receipt. I even walked out with a cute pair of knock-off, tortoise-colored Ray Bans. Super cute and edgy, and only 6 bucks.

And the attendant even clipped off the tag for me so I could wear them out :)

Overall, the Family Dollar wouldn't be a place I would shop on a regular basis, but it's definitely worth a try. Check out their website for coupons.

Dollar Tree
At the Dollar Tree on East State Street, everything is officially a dollar! No ifs, ands or buts about it. They also had sidewalk sale items, graduation and Forth of July displays, a section of toys for the kids, and even a full isle of glassware and ceramic dishware! Aside from the not having a full apparel section (they do have a few items), this is clearly the better store. A bigger and better selection and more of a variety, if you're looking for a true dollar store in Athens, this is the one for you. Check out the pictures below, and if you've never been before, definitely go and check it out for yourself! They pretty much have just about anything, so you won't be disappointed.



Pros and Cons
To sum it all up...

Family Dollar:
Pros
* Apparel and jewelry items
* Within walking distance from campus
Cons
* Not everything is a dollar
* Kinda sketchy

Dollar Tree:
Pros
* Everything is a dollar!
* Big store and great variety
Cons
* No apparel
* Have to drive there


Happy shopping :)