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99 Cent Store
updated: Aug 07, 2012, 3:35 PM

By Edhat Subscriber

Edhat cost conscious readers: Can one buy canned goods and other groceries at the 99 cent store knowing the price is the SBA area least expensive for that size and quality?

Comments in order of when they were received | (reverse order)

COMMENT 305505	2012-08-07 03:37 PM
Is this an ad for the 99 cent store? I think the only way to be sure you're getting a good deal is to do the legwork and check out the prices all over town for that exact brand/size. And you always will have specials that make canned goods a different price at different stores during different times.
COMMENT 305506	2012-08-07 03:38 PM
What are U asking ? I have not been there
COMMENT 305508	2012-08-07 03:40 PM
Canned good made in China.
COMMENT 305509	2012-08-07 03:41 PM
If one had cameras mounted in every aisle of every supermarket in SB, shooting a live feed directly to your cell phone, and you could control the camera pan and zoom with your custom grocery app, then the answer is yes. In other words, no. Saving $0.02 on a can of green beans that are at or past expiration ain't worth it.
COMMENT 305510P	2012-08-07 03:41 PM
OP here - am needing to maximize the value of our grocery bill. The posting is from a genuine Edhatter.
COMMENT 305511	2012-08-07 03:44 PM
Foodland is affordable.
COMMENT 305514	2012-08-07 03:49 PM
My experience with the 99 cent store is that it was hard to navigate through, parking is a nightmare and the store smelled unclean. It could just have been because there was such a large amount of homeless, elderly and people with babies... but I would never buy food somewhere that smells like that.
SBITIZEN	2012-08-07 03:50 PM
305510 you should go down and check it out once, it will give you a idea of the items you will find there. They are going to be cheaper on a lot of items but also will probably have a limited selection although some of the fresh produce and bread etc are usually a good deal. Its like costco they are going to be beat on certain items by other stores depending on day.
COMMENT 305519	2012-08-07 04:11 PM
Absolutely! I've been shopping there, and I find their prices beat stores on eggs, milk, cat food, some produce, and more. Got 2 bags of food there....$14. In a recession, that place is excellent.
COMMENT 305521P	2012-08-07 04:17 PM
OP - today was my first visit to the 99 cent store and though I bought about four bagfuls (or is it bagsful?) it's hard to know if the prices were less than other stores as how can I remember (most of or all) the prices of stores elsewhere? I can overlook the narrow aisles, crowded parking, and general confusion if the prices are generally lowest. It's to be expected sale items at other stores would be less.
COMMENT 305524	2012-08-07 04:25 PM
They have brand named canned goods that ARE more expensive at the regular groceries! They have a very good quantity of US made products. Yes, they stock some products made outside of the US, but so do other stores, and for more money. I found the 99 cent store easy to navigate, the people who work there friendly, and the products varied and of good quality. People who don't want to shop there, don't have to.
ROGER DODGER	2012-08-07 05:04 PM
Oh Heck I forgot to change my diaper the last time I went I didn't know it was that noticeable.
COMMENT 305539	2012-08-07 05:09 PM
Like every store they have some items that are loss leaders and some that make a healthy profit, That said with an artificial price point that HAS to be hit or beaten on every product corners are bound to be cut, could be production, transportation, storage, longevity etc.. but in order to sell everything at that price somethings got to give. I'm sure some of their products are great, equal to any store but I'm equally sure some of their stock is garbage.
COMMENT 305569	2012-08-07 06:31 PM
I think you have to be careful anywhere you shop. Check the labels for expiration dates and make sure you know what the market value rate for something is. 99 cents for something that is usually 50 cents isn't a deal, but it can seem like it "in the moment." Also, deals can be found anywhere. I recently got a bunch of cans of tomato paste at Whole Foods for much less than I saw at TJs or the new Fresh and Easy. They weren't even on sale. You have to just be ready to pounce when you see a deal, no matter where it is.
COMMENT 305586	2012-08-07 07:07 PM
Do they have beer?
COMMENT 305600	2012-08-07 07:44 PM
Everytime i go to the 99 cent store in Ventura I walk out with a bag of stuff. They sure know how to get you with the bargains.
COMMENT 305630P	2012-08-08 12:19 AM
Although I haven't been to our new 99-Cents store yet, I've been quite pleased with my savings at other stores in the chain. More info -- including the weekly ad -- is available at http://www.99only.com/
D8VANILLA	2012-08-08 02:46 AM
Their price for cat food is not the cheapest in town. And the CrackerJacks seem like a good deal, but the bag is much smaller than other stores, so its probably not a good deal. Ajax & Comet cleanser are good deals.
COMMENT 305644	2012-08-08 06:54 AM
Of course, the age-old saying "you get what you pay for" immediately comes to mind when considering purchasing pet food from the 99 cent store. I love my dog too much, and wouldn't even consider it.
COMMENT 305657	2012-08-08 07:46 AM
This business is a weak addition to our beautiful city, but yes, prices are low on many items - some canned goods, office supplies and gift bags are good deals. I wish they could do something to improve the street facing side. Here is an idea Dollar Store Management, how about moving the flowers to the street side? Also, fruit in the window would be a draw with tourists and if the quality is good, it would look great too!
COMMENT 305675	2012-08-08 08:17 AM
I haven't gone to the SB 99 cents store yet, but I have been shopping for years at the Lompoc and Ventura stores. I buy things like napkins, pens and pencils, jello, sauces, and recently I found European salad mix that was delicious and fresh. We asked a Frito-lay man who was restocking a shelf if the cans of fritos were fresh. He said they are as fresh as the packages at the grocery stores. Overall, the store can save you a lot of money on basics, but you do sucker in for things you don't need just because they are a DOLLAR!
COMMENT 305682	2012-08-08 08:26 AM
I have shopped at both the Lompoc store and the Santa Barbara store. The Santa Barbara store is extremely low class compared to the Lompoc store. Certain items are a good value but other items aren't. Some of the best values, for me, are the fruits and vegetables.
COMMENT 305694	2012-08-08 08:43 AM
What is the "SBA area"?
COMMENT 305761	2012-08-08 10:05 AM
Smart and Final sells bulk canned items.
COMMENT 305885	2012-08-08 01:29 PM
Most people I know go to the 99 cent store and shop and then hit the grocery and other stores. Makes sense.
COMMENT 305979	2012-08-08 03:44 PM
Having shopped at the 99-cents stores for nearly 20 years, I have never yet found anything at or past its expiration date that was purchased there. Someone really should stop spreading malicious rumors that do not stand up to even a cursory inspection. I can definitely attest that certain of the canned items are at least as good a value as can be found anywhere else. Also, their enteric-coated aspirin, 130 tablets for 99-cents, is a screaming excellent deal you won't see the likes of anywhere else.

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