American Vet

I had no idea something like this is going on. Your thoughts?



Banning Dollar Stores Hurts Underserved Communities More Than It Helps
Dollar stores fill a very real need for families across this country. If they didn’t, they wouldn’t exist.

An “anti-dollar store” movement has been flashing up in towns and cities across the country in recent years. Supporters claim the stores degrade communities and keep areas poor.

https://fee.org/articles/banning-dollar-stores-hurts-underserved-communities-more-than-it-helps/

lpnmajor Loc: Arkansas

You can be sure that walmart, target, kroger or some such, are behind it.

Weewillynobeerspilly Loc: North central Texas

Hmmmm, i personally believe they are not a benefit to communities that would be missed......from the experience with my travels, and sometimes this being the only option in the area. ....they are doing no favors, they are high on staples, some sold frozen food.....wow!! I would walk past on the way to get the half gallon of true moo chocolate I was there for. ....little dollar totinos pizzas for almost 4 bucks, s**t, saw some 73 ground beef ....5.99 a lb WTF? Hot pockets and little burritos almost 4 bucks. .....food is not a good buy there. The only thing i see them being good for is stupid crap like party favors, candy and chips, trash bags....just basic garbage. I have noticed they are everywhere now in certain neighborhoods.....too many. They are like a tote the note car dealer. ......only place your credit will let you buy one, you're happy to get it......but they are raping you with no mercy ....broken glass in the vaseline kindo no mercy


The problem is not really the dollar stores in a sense , but the reasons they are there....why are there no actual retail grocery stores? What do you think the core of that problem is? Retailers want to sell, demand usually brings the products to be purchased....money to be made........thoughts?

roy

That's capitalist at it finest,and y'all love it.

bggamers Loc: georgia

That is the biggest bunch of BS I didn't know this was happening but it explains why I think dollar general sold many of its stores to Dollar Tree here

American Vet

I had reason to visit a large grocery store (not a chain store) in a large inner city urban area (aka 'ghetto') and to compare it to the other stores would have been a joke. Very little se******ns, poor quality - the store was even dirty.

And there were 2 armed guards on duty.

I found out later the only reason the store is still open is that it receives a subsidy from the city.

I believe the 'core problem' is that the dollar stores sell what the local public demands and can afford. Too eat 'healthy' costs more than eating 'unhealthy. Look at the adds for fast food joints. for $5 or $6 dollars one can get a filling lunch (greasy fatty burger, large fries - also fatty - and a large gulp of sugar cola). Decent healthy meal? $10 - $12 dollars.

Pariahjf

Good article. Looks like it's a catch-22 from both angles. Retailers don't want to be in these areas because they are lower income (whether inner city or rural), and much prefer to be in average locations for ease of service. On the other hand, those two groups are entitled to buy from wherever they freely choose to spend their money. Let capitalism do it's work, is what I say.

American Vet

kankune Loc: Iowa

BS...I love my dollar store!!

Pariahjf

Weewillynobeerspilly Loc: North central Texas

I agree with most of that....most of the problem is the community, those stores are not going to open up in an area where employees would be at risk, large chains are not going to risk the employees safety, hence the subsidies to cover the risk at the store you spoke of, guarantee at one time most of these areas had corner crocery stores, fruit and veggies shops, what happened? ...so here comes the dollar stores.

I will disagree with the cost of eating healthy versus the fast food and crap, i can buy and make fresh food far cheaper than fast food places and dollar stores. .............but i have access to sprouts, farmers markets and a whole host of meat markets and grocery stores..........and im willing to put in the time as i enjoy the kitchen.

So how would one fix the core problem?

Weewillynobeerspilly Loc: North central Texas

Haha........they do have a purpose, somewhat, but by no means are they a benefit that cannot be replaced with walmart...Cheap crap, is cheap crap no matter the store......and the food would be fresh, cost less.

And i freakin h**e walmart, been 20 yrs since i have walked through their doors

Weewillynobeerspilly Loc: North central Texas

Ahhhh, there is money to be made, capitalism was made for areas like that.....Most of the ones close to here are low income, but heavily populated condensed areas.....plenty of people to support a couple grocery stores. Why is capitalism not hitting these areas and making a fortune?

Pariahjf

Agreed... Wonder if the risk factor is too high??

Carol Kelly

More than likely. I had never been in a dollar store until about a year ago and I was amazed at the variety of items in stock and the low, low prices. The Dollar General is supposed to be the best one.