Dollar store facts for kids

A dollar store (also called a pound shop in some countries) is a special kind of store. These stores are very popular, especially in North America. They are known for selling many different items at very low prices. Often, most things cost less than a dollar. However, today you might find items that cost a bit more than just one dollar.

What Are Dollar Stores?

Dollar stores are places where you can buy a wide variety of products. They usually sell things like snacks, drinks, cleaning supplies, and party items. You can also find school supplies, small toys, and seasonal decorations. Many people visit these stores for health and beauty products too.

Why Are They Popular?

People love dollar stores for a few reasons. They are great for quick stops when you need just a few things. You can often find good deals and save money on everyday items. They are also convenient because they are often located in many neighborhoods.

A Look at Their History

The idea of dollar stores is not new. They grew from older stores called "five and dime" stores. These stores became popular in the late 1800s and early 1900s. They sold many different items, usually for five or ten cents.

Famous Early Stores

One of the most famous "five and dime" stores was F. W. Woolworth. It opened in 1879. Another well-known store was S. S. Kresge. These stores were often found in busy downtown areas. They offered a wide range of goods at very low prices. This made shopping affordable for many families.

From Dimes to Dollars

Over time, as prices changed, "five and dime" stores slowly became what we now call dollar stores. The idea stayed the same: offer many different items at a low, fixed price. Today, while many items are still very cheap, some stores have started selling things for a few dollars. This helps them offer even more types of products.

What Can You Find Inside?

When you walk into a dollar store, you will see shelves packed with all sorts of items. You might find:

• Food and Drinks: Snacks, candy, sodas, and sometimes even frozen foods.
• Household Items: Cleaning supplies, paper towels, and kitchen gadgets.
• Party Supplies: Balloons, decorations, and gift bags for birthdays and holidays.
• School and Office Supplies: Notebooks, pens, and craft items.
• Health and Beauty: Shampoo, soap, makeup, and first-aid items.
• Seasonal Goods: Decorations for holidays like Halloween, Christmas, or Easter.

Dollar stores are a fun place to explore and find bargains. They offer a simple way to buy many things you need without spending a lot of money.

Images for kids

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  Interior of a Dollar General store in Fort White, Florida]]

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  99 Cents Only Stores in Dallas, Texas

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  F. W. Woolworth and S. S. Kresge stores on Lackawanna Avenue, in downtown Scranton, Pennsylvania. The two stores were often found near one another in downtown areas.

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  An art gallery in Seattle's International District preserves the façade and some features of Higo Variety Store, an independent Japanese-American five and ten.

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  Walton's Five and Dime Store in Bentonville, Arkansas, the first store of what would eventually become Walmart.

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  Interior of a Dollar Tree in Gillette, Wyoming

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  100-yen at Kōnoike, Higashiōsaka

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  The interior of a one-euro shop in Amsterdam, Netherlands

See also

In Spanish: Tienda de todo a 100 para niños