DOLLAR Tree has made a shelf change at select stores recently that’s leaving some consumers shocked.
The discount chain is known for its budget-friendly offerings at over 8,800 locations nationwide.
Dollar Tree has come under fire for a shelf change (stock image)[/caption]
Plastic supplies were spotted at $2 a piece[/caption]
Except, some plastic supplies have been spotted by shoppers with a 75-cents increase on shelves, per a recent TikTok video from deals influencer and Dollar Tree superfan, Kim Rizzo (@lovekimrizzo).
“This is the craziest price increase that we have seen at Dollar Tree, I have to show you guys this because I am literally floored right now,” Kim told viewers in the clip.
She flipped the camera to show her local Dollar Tree’s aisle of plastic cups, plates, bowls, wine glasses, and other catering supplies were marked at $2.
“I am literally shocked right now, this is nuts, the $1.25 to $2 jump, this is the first that we have seen…” Kim continued.
The deals influencer also claimed the change was “very recent” at her nearest Dollar Tree store.
“The price jump to me is just, wild,” she added.
It’s unclear whether or not the catering supplies are facing increases at all of Dollar Tree stores.
Costs can differ by location and state, so the change at Kim’s store may not the same everywhere.
The US Sun has contacted Dollar Tree for more information.
This isn’t the first time shoppers at the discount chain have noticed subtle increases to merchandise.
CEO COMMENTS
Earlier this spring, several were left fuming after a $1.25 to $1.75 uptick on some items, forcing CEO Michael Creedon to speak out.
“In terms of the different price points, we look at that value,” Creedon explained in a statement.
“We look at convenience and we look at discovery and we say where can we offer that and maybe move on some pricing as part of not just tariffs, but inflationary cost environment that we’ve got to mitigate.”
“And so that’s where you’re seeing that work where it makes sense,” he continued.
Dollar Tree pricing
Despite the name of the store, Dollar Tree recently added items that cost more than $1 to its inventory.
Most items at the store cost no more than $1.25, but items in the Dollar Tree Plus section cost up to $5.
Dollar Tree introduced Plus aisles to 100 locations in 2019 as part of an effort to diversify its products.
By 2022, Dollar Tree had added the items to over 1,500 locations.
“We believe testing additional price points above $1 for Dollar Tree products will enable us over time to expand our assortments, introduce new products and meet more of our customers’ everyday needs,” president and CEO Michael Witynski said in a statement.
“Our brand promise is that customers get great value for what they spend at Dollar Tree. We will continue to be fiercely protective of that promise, regardless of the price point.”
“And I think we’re positioned better than we ever have before to manage what is a very uncertain and volatile arena that we’re in.”
Dollar Tree’s pricing model has changed over recent years into a three-tier system.
The base price was first increased from $1 to $1.25 in 2019, along with the launch of $3 and even $5 items through the Dollar Tree Plus section.
Now, there are different types of Dollar Tree stores where shoppers can find pricing variety.
STORE CHANGE
They include Dollar Tree 1.0, 2.0, and 3.0 locations.
Dollar Tree 1.0 stores have 95% of items priced at $1.25, and 2.0 features smaller multi-price sections in a single aisle the company refers to as “the valley.”
With 3.0 stores, which are expanding, have the full multi-price assortment, with products ranging from $1.25 to $7, according to Creedon’s comments during an earnings call.
The discount chain has plans to reach 5,200 3.0 locations by the end of 2025, which includes 2,000 converted stores and 300 new additions.
Dollar Tree shoppers are also rushing to take advantage of an organizing hack, with all supplies for under $10.
At least three dupes were also restocked at the chain for $1.25 that shoppers are scooping up this month.
