How do grocery prices at 99 Cent Store compare?

I've occasionally bought items at 99-cent stores, but usually only dry goods. When buying bargain priced produce items, no matter where, it's always a good idea to choose carefully, as cheap produce often spoils very quickly. Plan to use the produce within a couple of days, and freeze meats, etc., when they're cheap! I'm a great fan of TJ's and Jons, but always proceed with caution.

I bought nice looking plums and cantaloupe at the 99-cent store, and they were totally tasteless. Never again!

I have no luck when buying produce at the 99-cent stores, my bananas are bruised, tomatoes and package salad spoil in two days, The medium size eggs are just fine.

Manny

Earlier this summer, we got some tasty cantaloupes and honeydews at the 99-cent Store. However, the cantaloupes from our most recent trip within the past week were, as Win said, tasteless. But, based on our earlier success, we will try again next year.

You have to be careful at the 99 cent store, however I have also had the cantaloupe/honeydew that were delicious. For about 4 months in a row blueberries were 99 cents, beating all local store prices, including TJ. Blackberries also yummy. Bought nectarines/peaches only once, too soggy. Bell peppers did go bad very quickly. Potatoes 5 lbs 99 cents, check them over and the bags I've had were great. You have to know how to shop at 99 cent store, but I've been doing it for years and had great luck. The make-up AZIZA, not Lancome or Estee lauder but worth it at 99 cents. I have used the salami/pepperoni slices in refrig for kids pizzas.
Don't give up after one visit, when you drive by one, stop in again.

Even though the gallons of water have gone up to $.69 (up from .50ea.), it is still a bargain. Also the .99 phone cards (for 99 minutes) are the best deal in town. No need to have long distance charges on my land line. School supplies are also a bargain. Wrapping and bows, mailing envelopes and tape, and also batteries and dog treats/bones are a good deal cheaper at the .99 store. They constantly have new merchandise, so I stop in quite often to find many gift items for the holidays. You are right about the expiration dates, which I diligently pay attention to when purchasing some food items (ie: candy). All in all, a good time to be had by

you have to use care when shopping for fresh produce at 99. check produce carefully, look for mold - you need to do the same at TJ. the best buy by far is yougurt when they have it. Also if you like guava or mango juice, watch for the cartons of this. sour cream from the east coast which tastes nothing like the weaker brands out here. Sometimes expensive soy milk. Trial flavors of Blue Bunny ice cream, a wonderful brand, otherwise hard to find in LA.
Brand name cosmetics, office supplies that cost $5-$10, every day is a new surprise.

I shop for produce and bread at the 99 cent store. Today I bought, fresh broccoli, grapes, cantalope, nectarines, plums, pears, baby carrots, yams, potatoes, cucumbers, celery, ready to eat spinach. My family eats it all and you wouldn't know the difference. Also a pint of beautiful strawberries, which were $3.99 @ Ralphs. In the summertime you can get fresh blueberries and blackberries, personal sized seedless watermelons as good as any other market. Sara Lee whole wheat bread, hot dog buns, hamburger buns, whole wheat tortillas, all fresh, (have you seen the price of bread lately?) Find out when deliveries are made and when employees restock produce, it is usually as fresh as any of the grocery stores.