Dollar General is a go-to store for budget shoppers, but did you know there’s a way to score items for just one cent? Known as “penny items,” these ultra-discounted products are hidden treasures savvy shoppers hunt for every week. These items aren’t advertised, but with the right strategy, you can find them and pay just a penny at checkout. Understanding how Dollar General’s markdown system works is key to scoring these incredible deals. Here’s everything you need to know about Dollar General’s penny items.
1. What Are Penny Items?
Penny items are products that Dollar General heavily discounts to clear them from store shelves. These items are marked down over time until they reach one cent in the system. Once an item hits a penny, employees are supposed to remove it, but if it remains on the shelf, customers can buy it for just $0.01. Finding penny items requires patience, timing, and knowing what to look for.
2. How to Find Penny Items
Penny items aren’t labeled as such, so you need to know which products have reached this price. Many deal-finding communities share weekly penny lists based on markdown schedules. These items are often seasonal goods, discontinued products, or old stock. Scanning barcodes with the Dollar General app can help confirm pricing. Shoppers who check clearance sections and hidden corners of the store often have the best luck finding these items.
3. When Do Penny Items Get Updated?
Dollar General updates its penny list weekly, typically on Tuesdays. New markdowns appear in the system, meaning older clearance items may have dropped to one cent. Checking stores on Tuesday mornings gives you the best chance of finding penny deals before employees remove them. However, some locations may not pull penny items right away, so checking later in the week can still lead to finds.
4. What Types of Items Go on the Penny List?
Many penny items are seasonal decorations, holiday-themed goods, and discontinued products. Clothing, home décor, non-perishable food, and health and beauty items also frequently hit the penny list. Occasionally, household essentials like cleaning products and paper goods are marked down to a penny. The variety changes weekly, so staying updated on penny lists is key to finding the best deals.
5. Can Employees Refuse to Sell Penny Items?
According to Dollar General’s policy, if an item rings up as a penny, the store must sell it to the customer. However, some employees may try to remove penny items from shelves when they find them. If an item scans at one cent, politely remind the cashier that Dollar General’s policy requires them to honor the price. Having the store’s policy saved on your phone can be helpful in case of disputes.
6. Tips for Successful Penny Shopping
To increase your chances of finding penny items, visit stores in less busy areas where markdowns may stay on shelves longer. Use the Dollar General app to scan barcodes and verify prices before heading to checkout. Be discreet about penny shopping to avoid drawing attention to items before purchasing them. Checking endcaps, clearance bins, and bottom shelves often leads to the best finds.
7. Are Penny Items Available at All Dollar General Locations?
Most Dollar General stores follow the same markdown schedules, but inventory varies by location. Some stores may remove penny items quickly, while others leave them on shelves for longer. If one store doesn’t have any penny items, checking another location may lead to better luck. Each store’s clearance section can be different, so exploring multiple locations can increase your finds.
8. Should You Call the Store to Ask About Penny Items?
It’s best not to call Dollar General locations asking about penny items. Employees are instructed to remove them from shelves once they reach a penny, so drawing attention to them may reduce your chances of finding deals. Instead, visit stores in person and use online penny lists to guide your shopping. Quietly scanning items and checking markdown sections is the best strategy for success.
9. The Risks and Rewards of Penny Shopping
While penny shopping can lead to major savings, it requires patience and persistence. Not every trip will result in penny finds, and some stores may be stricter about removing items. However, those who consistently check for penny items can score products for next to nothing. The thrill of finding a great deal keeps dedicated shoppers coming back for more.
10. Where to Find Weekly Penny Lists
Penny lists are shared by deal hunters and couponing communities online. Websites, Facebook groups, and YouTube channels dedicated to Dollar General shopping often post the latest markdowns. Checking these sources before heading to the store can give you a better idea of what to look for. Staying informed is the key to making the most of Dollar General’s penny deals.
Penny shopping at Dollar General is a fun and rewarding way to save money on everyday essentials. While finding these hidden deals takes effort, the savings can be huge. With the right knowledge and strategy, you can take advantage of Dollar General’s markdown system and pay just pennies for useful products. Happy penny hunting!
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