Don't Forget the Dollar Store This Christmas

If we are to believe all of the retailers, then Christmas is just around the corner. And with Christmas comes all the usual stress: choosing gifts; decorating your home; and of course, cooking that big family feast. Trying to do all of this on a budget adds even more stress to the season. And budget is just one of many reasons why everyone should become familiar with their local dollar store.

The reputation of the dollar store has improved greatly over the last decade. In the early days of dollar stores many individuals with higher incomes did not include them in their regular shopping trips because of a perception that the products that the dollar stores carry are of a poor quality, but this trend is changing. According to Meyers Research Center's Dollar Store Close-Up 2005 shoppers who have a household income of $60,000 annually or more are a growing customer segment. The reason for this change in dollar store consumers is attributed at least in part to the addition of brand name products to the shelf. And once these brand name items draw the consumer to the store they return again and again because of convenience, great selection, and of course competitive prices.

Don't be fooled of course, the prices are not all one dollar and sometimes the quality of the products is equal to the price - but for many seasonal and decorative items you can't beat the dollar store.

If saving time and money are a priority for you this Christmas season, then the dollar store is the best place to purchase table setting decorations such as napkins, candles, paper plates and plastic cups, as well as other seasonal items like wrapping paper, greeting cards, and packaging products. It's also a great place to buy stocking stuffers and small tokens of appreciation for colleagues, acquaintances, or service providers. Toys, candy, home décor items, and books and cd's are all available at very affordable prices. So too are all the supplies for preparing dinner-from turkey basters and roasting pans, to meat thermometers and storage containers for leftovers.

According to AC Nielsen Worldwide, the top 5 dollar store chains in the U.S. are Dollar General,Family Dollar, Dollar Tree,Fred's, and 99 Cents Only. If you are north of the 49^th parallel, the top five dollar stores are Dollarama, Dollar Store with More, Buck or Two, Dollar Giant, and the Great Canadian Dollar Store.

So before you do any other Christmas shopping, make a list of everything you need and head to your local dollar store. If your visit is successful, you might save enough money to by yourself a holiday treat!