Here in Southern California, these stores are seemingly everywhere. Some carry better items than others-depends on the locale.

I take my mom to get her basic cooking ingredients. We usually go there before Pavilions or elsewhere. They have the same stuff (name brands) but for .99!

We've seen a change in the patrons over the past few months. With gas prices so high, everyone's jumping on this wagon.

So I went there to get a bag of ice for hubs. When you know that this bargain exists - it's plain silly to pay more than .99! Pavilions/Vons charges $2.39, Ralphs charges $2.89! Every cent counts!

While living in Eugene, I noticed no 99 Cent Stores, but Dollar Tree Stores - everywhere! And I went in to peruse their inventory - almost the same.

What's in YOUR neighborhood?