Are dollar stores really a bargain?

October 14, 10:03 AMConsumer News ExaminerBroderick Perkins

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First, not everything in those so-called "dollar stores" really cost a dollar.

In fact, 77 percent of items in dollar stores actually cost more than a dollar.

However, when Consumer Reports' Money Advisor sent secret shoppers into 100 stores to pick up 11 household items, the dollar stores were often the "cheapest among the cheapest" for many items -- largely paper products -- but not all.

Consumer Reports reported in the just released issue of Money Advisor that it sent secret shoppers to dollar stores and then looked for comparable items at low priced retailers, including Target and Walmart, and then compared unit prices -- "the best way to measure value,"  the independent rater of goods and services said.

The CVS drugstore chain was often the most expensive place to buy these goods.

Here's what Consumer Reports found.

• Aluminum foil averaged 3 cents per square foot at dollar stores, but as much as 8 cents at a grocery store.

• Cotton rounds were 1 cent per pad at dollar stores, compared to 3 1/2 cents elsewhere.

• Consumer Reports found gift wrap for as little as 2 cents per square foot at dollar stores, but as much as 17 cents per square foot at one grocery store.

• Birthday candles cost 4 cents each at some dollar stores and Walmart, but as much as 12 cents a candle at other dollar stores.

• Paper bags were as cheap as 2 cents a bag at many stores, including dollar stores and others, but as much as 5 cents a bag at CVS and one dollar store.

• Composition notebooks were a penny a page a dollar stores, Target and Walmart, but 3 cents a page at CVS.

• Plastic cups came in at five cents for each 16-ounce cup at most dollar outlets, supermarkets and Walmart, but 13 cents each at CVS.

• Security envelopes? Two cents each at Walmart and dollar stores. CVS? Six cents each.

• Napkins were a half penny at many stores, but 1 1/2 cents at CVS.

• Foam plates cost only 3 cents a plate at dollar stores, Walmart and grocery stores, but 7 cents per plate at the high-cost CVS stores.

Consumer Reports says to avoid the following items at dollar stores because they typically cost more than they do at other locations or that have other problems -- tissue paper, electrical products like extension cords, lamps (fake UL labels); jewelry (lead could be an issue on older items); medication (expiration dates coming soon or past) and vitamins (nutrients not listed).

The moral?

Shop around for price and for products that are safe and healthy.