When a One Dollar store advertises that they are “ONE DOLLAR AND UP” it makes me angry and confused, yet at the same time makes me kind of…pleased. Why pleased? Because they are finally being honest! I cannot tell you how annoying it is to go into a 99 cent store and see things for $3.99. Like, just because it ends with 99 makes it a 99 cent store. But while I like their honesty, I think they are really screwing themselves. Saying your store is a “Dollar and Up” is basically saying your store is more expensive then any grocery store out there. If I go to Vons I can find things for 29 cents! But nope, not at the “One Dollar and Up Store!”

There are two stores that seem to be getting it right…The Dollar Tree and the 99 Cent Only Store…yes folks, it’s all just 99 cents! (Can you believe it?) No offense to the mom and pop 99 cent stores but seriously guys it’s time to get with it! The word “only” is crucial to your success. I had my suspicions about The Dollar Tree but when we stopped by there to break a Jefferson for The National High Five Day Music Video everything in there was really only One Dollar. Unbelievable! The big issue plaguing The Dollar Tree is that The 99 Cent Only Store is still most people’s preferred discount chain. Why? It just makes cents. (Sorry I had to.)

I did this research because I saw a 98 Cent PLUS Store and it made realize I need to open a 97 Cent ONLY Store. KNOW YOUR COMPETITION!