So I ran to a few stores earlier this week in Joplin to use some expiring coupons and I stopped in at Dollar Tree to see what deals I could find. I have to say I was really disappointed in the selection and this is nothing new. I’ve stopped in at our Dollar Tree numerous times since it relocated to the old Deals store after the tornado and the selection has just not been what it has been in the past at their previous location. Even before they started accepting coupons back in August, our Dollar Tree here in Joplin has just had a pretty sparse selection. I’ve asked the manager about the lack of stock and her response was that they have no control over what stock Dollar Tree sends them. In the meantime, there continues to be a lot of empty holes in the shelves each time I’ve gone there to shop. And in some cases, entire shelves have even been almost empty (as pictured below):

I can’t say that I would blame the Dollar Tree entirely for the lack of stock at this store. For one thing, we have a major shortage of any kind of dollar stores here in Joplin, so this single location is very popular and gets really heavy traffic as a result. As I was driving around Joplin running my errands, I started thinking about dollar stores that had been here in the past and how all of them were now gone. 🙁 I’m not talking about just the Dollar Tree chain, but ANY dollar stores (stores where everything is priced at $1.00). So, as a result, the demand is extremely high for the one lonely single location that Joplin does have. I’ve emailed Dollar Tree a couple times and have not gotten much of a response. I would think that the Dollar Tree would want to know how they could improve their store, I know they sure would sell a heck of a lot more if they had more in stock! 😉

Anyway, sorry to be so long-winded, but it’s something I’ve thought about every time I go to our local Dollar Tree, so I just wanted to offer my two cents, whatever that’s worth. Ha! 😉 I did email Dollar Tree again today in detail about the lack of stock, hopefully they’ll take the time to consider the information & reply this time. So, my experience had me wondering if others have had this experience in other cities & locations. Have you run into lack of stock at your local Dollar Tree stores? I would love to hear about it if you have.

Oh, and here’s what I did pick up at the Dollar Tree earlier this week:

• Nature’s Own Honey Wheat Bread (24 oz.) – $1.00 I love that they offer name brand bread marked down, just keep an eye out on the dates, I always look on the bottom shelves for the freshest dates
• 3 Betty Crocker Small Cutting Boards – $1.00 ea. I thought these were so cute, I’m just dying to turn these into some sort of craft project, I just have no idea what yet. LOL
• 3 cans of Libby Beets & 1 can of Libby Potoatoes – $0.79 ea. I like that they offer cans of veggies that are typically priced a little higher than other veggies, so a nice deal after the $1/4 coupon I used (expired 10/31)
• Crafter’s Source Mini Glue Sticks (20 ct.) – $1.00 Our Dollar Tree needs some MAJOR help in their craft department, they just have SO little selection, but I was happy to find the glue sticks
• Final Cost $7.67