Like you, I always drove by the Dollar Store thinking that it was the ghetto of the discount chains. I always thought that it probably smelled funny, and specialized in off brand perfumes and toys that would snap within 10 minutes of opening. Well, all of those assumptions are correct, but, they have tons of killer deals there also.
The candles burn quicker, but are pretty cheap, the detergent isn't the usual rip off like at Kroger, and I found a nice set of hair clippers for $10. Medicine, generic but somewhat effective.
So, if you don't mind being the only customer with private health insurance, I say give the Dollar Store a go.
