Dollar Store Close-Up 2005

Dollar stores are fast becoming a regular shopping destination for U.S. consumers. They also are fast becoming a destination for name brand items, and competing with traditional retailers such as supermarkets and mass merchants in some categories, according to "Dollar Store Close-Up 2005," a new study from Meyers Research Center examines behavior, attitudes and decision-making patterns of U.S. dollar store shoppers. "Every day low pricing, good customer service, in-stock quality products, fast checkouts and convenient locations are what consumers tell us they like about the format," says Jeff Friedlaender, vice president of Meyers Research Center. "Sixty one percent of the consumers we interviewed are buying major brands at the dollar store today. That's up from 51% in our last survey -- which was conducted just two years ago," said Friedlaender. "Retailers and brands can't overlook the dollar stores in their strategies today."Planned Purchases Continue to Rise "Shoppers are making a regular habit of including dollar stores as part of their planned shopping for the week, "with 75% of the shoppers interviewed saying their trips were planned, up from 68% two years ago, he explained.In terms of frequency, 36% of shoppers surveyed go to a dollar store more than once per week, and 28% visit at least once per week, he noted. "That's a combined total of 64% of shoppers visiting dollar stores once a week or more." "Despite some perceptions, dollar stores are not drawing only consumers on the lower end of the income scale. The study shows growth among shoppers with annual household incomes of $60,000 or more," Friedlaender said. "Even more affluent consumers are enjoying the thrill of the hunt for bargains, particularly when that hunt includes name brand, national and trusted products."Meyers Research Center's "Dollar Store Close-Up 2005" is an in -store intercept Category management research program designed to provide a detailed understanding of dollar store consumers and their shopping behaviors. Data was collected in-store in a panel of 28 chain and independent dollar store outlets across 12 geographically dispersed U.S. markets. Approximately 1,000 consumers were interviewed. All interviews are conducted with consumers in dollar stores, immediately following their purchase decisions.

P2PI MEMBERS

JOIN P2PI

You May Also Like

Report: Most Shoppers Embrace Merging Digital, Physical Shopping Journeys

The New Consumer (March-April 2024)