Due to the rise of inflation, Dollar Tree has needed to increase its prices. Customers are now stuck paying $1.25 for pretty much everything, a 25% increase. Here’s exactly when Dollar Tree raised their prices, and how to scratch and claw to get that quarter back in your wallet.

Dollar Tree raised its prices to $1.25 in December of 2021, making it a permanent raise for a store that’s notorious for offering products for a dollar or less.

Inflation to Blame for Higher Prices

Rampant inflation has unfortunately caused the permanent 25% hike in Dollar Tree’s once $1 or less merchandise.

While this rise in prices is shocking, it is to be expected as Dollar Tree fights to give discounted goods to customers while still making a profit.

See Also: The 14 Cheapest Grocery Stores Near You That Will Help You Save

Use Manufacturer Coupons to Fight Back

You can still use manufacturer coupons (internet coupons) at Dollar Tree, and this is more important than ever to combat the 25% increase in prices.

When using manufacturer coupons, be aware of the following policies:

– You can only use two manufacturer coupons per day.

– Coupons must be used before their expiration date.

– You cannot use internet coupons on “free” items.

– You cannot duplicate or photocopy manufacturer coupons.

Coupons can be a great way to offset the rising Dollar Tree price hike.

PRO TIP: HACK THE DOLLAR TREE DELIVERY SCHEDULE

Politely ask employees when the store receives shipments as they’re very open with this information.

Most stores have consistent delivery days (e.g., Tuesday and Friday mornings).

Track when new items appear on shelves or when clearance bins are refreshed. Usually, it’s the day after trucks arrive.

Plan your shopping trips around these days and get first dibs on new inventory before it sells out.

See Also: Dollar General Return Policy: Here’s Exactly How It Works

Places Where You Can Find Dollar Tree Coupons

Surprisingly, the two best spots to find online Dollar Tree coupons is NOT at a conventional coupon website.

Instead, check out these two online resources:

L.A. Times – Who knew the L.A. Times website listed coupons?  They actually have an excellent list of updated Dollar Tree coupons and was the only resource I found that listed a flat 10% off coupon code.

Wired – The folks at Wired also have a nice list of Dollar Tree category deals and coupons that they update regularly. Give it a look before your next Dollar Tree haul.

Also, on a side-note, my daughter turned me onto the CraftyGirl YouTube channel.

While not coupon-related, she has some pretty entertaining videos showing her Dollar Tree hauls.

Her videos will give you some great gift ideas (especially using Dollar Tree seasonal items) and clever tips to maximize your shopping trips.

PRO TIP: FIND HIDDEN CLEARANCE DEALS

Talk to Dollar Tree employees and ask about clearance items. Employees often stock hidden clearance items or “oops” discounted products in the back that don’t make it to the shelves.

Also, I recently had an employee tell me to check end caps (the shelves at the end of aisles) or tucked-away areas for items that weren’t properly tagged for clearance. 

Last, after big holidays, ask if there’s leftover seasonal stock still in the backroom—it’s often deeply discounted but there’s no room for it on the sales floor.

See Also: Here’s EXACTLY How the Dollar Tree Return Policy Works

Shopping at Dollar Tree Is Still Worth It

Overall even though Dollar Tree has seen a 25% increase in their prices to now $1.25 on most of their items, that doesn’t mean Dollar Tree isn’t still a great place to find some unbelievable deals.

Inevitably, many discount value stores like Dollar General and Family Dollar, while they have “dollar” in their name, offer an assortment of items over a buck.

That being said, the quantity and quality of the products can influence the price.

Therefore, before discounting Dollar Tree due to its recent price hike, understand that Dollar Tree, relative to other discount retailers, still provides great deals, even if they are over $1.

Inventory and Quality Did Not Change

With the unpredictability of Dollar Tree’s inventory, it makes it difficult to gauge whether rising prices equate to better items or a larger selection of products.

However, this doesn’t seem to be the case.

Dollar Tree’s primary uptick in prices is primarily due to inflation, so don’t expect to get “more” or better quality items since everything has a higher price tag.

See Also: 20 Smart Tips For Saving Money at The Dollar Tree

What is Dollar Tree Plus? Do They Offer Products at Just $1.25?

Dollar Tree Plus is similar to the regular Dollar Tree in providing heavily discounted items; however, items are priced anywhere between $3 and $5.

While this is significantly higher than the dollar range, items sold at Dollar Tree Plus tend to be higher ticket items like beauty products, electronics, and more.

Ask the Reader: Was the price increase at Dollar Tree enough to change how you shop at the “dollar store”?

By Kyle James

Kyle James( Owner/Founder )

I started Rather-Be-Shopping.com in 2000 and have become a consumer expert and advocate writing about out-of-the-box ways to save at stores like Amazon, Walmart, Target and Costco to name a few. I’ve been featured on FOX News, Good Morning America, and the NY Times talking about my savings tips. (Learn more)