I use the dollar stores like I do Harbor Freight, good for cheap stuff where quality isn’t critical, like the stuff you spray in the shower, buck a bottle, also lots of cleaning products, plastic containers and crap that I use in my shop and throw away after one use, etc. Just use your head.
Aldi and Sav-a-lot are much better options for food, same thing, a banana is a banana no matter who’s sticker gets slapped on it. (Sorry foodies, but that’s just the way it is).
Dollar stores are great places to get shelf stable foods. Some of my camping trips don’t have coolers or refrigeration. I get lots of dollar store stuff.
News flash, there are dollar general stores in more affluent areas too.
Every farm town seems to have one. Smart people shop smart and wouldn’t know a Wegman’s or Whole Foods.