Dollar Tree customers were disappointed to learn that their go-to discount shopping spot continued to raise prices, one shopper said.
People are increasingly dissatisfied with 100-yen stores, or what they call “100-yen shops” (emphasizing the lack of products available for $1), because they are increasingly unable to find products at affordable prices. I’m letting you know.
Customers at a hundred dollar store have different needs. Some people rely on their local 100 yen store because it’s within their budget, others because it’s the most convenient location around, and others because they live in food deserts (especially fresh produce at grocery stores). Some people live in areas with limited access to groceries. The 100 yen shop is where they buy their groceries.
With such a wide range of needs, low price is often a priority. Paying an extra amount or a few quarters can make or break a tight budget.
TikTok creator Brittanie (@simplisticallyliving) is turning heads by showing viewers all the items that have recently gone up in price at Dollar Tree.
“Well, they’ve done it again. Dollar Tree has secretly increased the prices on some new items,” Brittany said in the viral clip. “…if you haven’t been to your local Dollar Tree yet, be prepared to pay a little more for these items.”
However, given that Dollar Tree is a national chain with stores across the country, it’s unclear whether these price changes are universal or only apply to Brittany stores and regions.
Another thing to note is that while Brittany shares the new price increases for these items, she doesn’t tell viewers what the previous prices were, so it’s hard to understand how serious the problem is. That’s difficult. A 5 cent increase is very different from a 50 cent increase.
The first category to be hit hard was beverages. Brittany focuses on prices such as:
- Red Bull is now $2.50 and $3 depending on size
- Gatorade is $2.25
- Celsius Energy Drink is $2.50
- Vitamin water is $1.75
- Smart water is $2
- Starbucks bottled drinks cost $3.75
- Pure leaf tea is $2.75
Viewers were bitterly disappointed with the store’s prices.
The top comment read, “Maybe you should go to Walmart at this point.”
A second commenter wrote, “Dollar Tree is no longer the place to shop to save money.”
“If they’re a business, they’re pricing themselves squarely,” countered another.
The Daily Dot did a little comparison and found that at Walmart, Red Bull costs $2.08 and $2.88 depending on size, Gatorade costs $1.48, Starbucks drinks cost $3.48, and Pure Leaf Tea costs $1.98.
@simplyliving Another price increase week at Dollar Tree! #DollarTree #Dollar Tree Finds #Dollar Tree Hall #fyp #price increase #inflation #DollarTreePrices ♬ Original song – Miyabi
It turns out the commenter was right, at least on these items. If people were to choose between Walmart and Dollar Tree, Walmart might be the cheaper option.
Brittany also noted that for both Pepsi and Coke brands, helium-filled balloons are currently $1.50, a bag of ice is $2, sunglasses and reading glasses are $1.50, and 1.25L soda bottles are $1.75. .
The Daily Dot reached out to Brittany and Dollar Tree for comment via email.
*First published: March 8, 2024 12:00 AM CST
Stacey Fernandez
Stacey Fernandez is a freelance writer, project manager, and communications specialist. She worked at the Texas Tribune, the Dallas Morning News, and was in charge of social media at the New York Educational Trust. Her favorite hobby is finding hidden gems in her thrift store. She loves good audio books and is also a chocolate lover.