After four years without a job and two-year stay at Motel 6 in Inglewood, Jay Payne is Christmas shopping for the first time in a long time.
The dollar store has evolved into a place to go for holiday shoppers on a tight budget or trying to get more value for their money. In contrast with the often bleak they once occupied, many undergoing renovation and with the gift of a Christmas tree, wrapping paper, cheap toys and electronics for the holiday season. Some even carry the steak.
With the job market and the economy still has not been set, dollar stores is expected to do eager buyers from all income as flock there to pick up cheap decorations and gifts. For the fourth quarter, the category is expected to post a sales increase of 4.2% or higher in stores open at least a year, according to business data company Thomson Reuters.