Dollar Tree vs. Walmart: Money Expert Rachel Cruze Finds the Best Name-Brand Deals
Written by
Caitlyn Moorhead
Edited by
Levi Leidy
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In the world of budget shopping, major retailers such as Dollar Tree and Walmart are go-to choices for cheap essentials. Both are renowned for offering affordable products, but when it comes to name brands, which retailer truly delivers the best deals? To shed light on this question money expert Rachel Cruze shares some insights into where savvy shoppers can find the most value.
Dollar Tree Prices: Quick Take
Dollar Tree has carved out a unique space in the retail landscape by offering a wide array of products for just $1 to $1.25 each, though price points ranging from $1.50 upward are now common. Here are some key takeaways:Â
- A great place to save money when you buy household essentials, party supplies and snacks, with the added benefit of snagging items at price points that are incredibly low.Â
- For budget-conscious consumers, Dollar Tree presents an opportunity to stretch their dollars further without sacrificing quality entirely.
- When it comes to name brands, Dollar Tree also surprises many shoppers. While it’s known for its own branded products and lesser-known labels, the store often carries select items from major companies.Â
- These can include household cleaners, food items and even personal care products bearing recognizable brand names such as Glade, Dawn, Purina, Huggies and more.Â
- This aspect of Dollar Tree’s offerings adds a layer of appeal for those looking to save without compromising on brand loyalty at other competitors such as Family Dollar stores.
Walmart Prices: Quick Take
On the other end of the spectrum, Walmart stands as a giant in the retail world, known for its vast selection and having some of the lowest prices around. Walmart’s prices may not always match the one-dollar threshold of Dollar Tree, however, you may be surprised to find out that Walmart can beat Dollar Tree in price per unit in many head-to-head battles. Here are some factors to consider:
- Walmart’s strength with name brands lies in its ability to negotiate deals and offer a broader range of options.Â
- Unlike Dollar Tree, where name brands can be more sporadic, Walmart consistently stocks popular brands across its departments and can have multi-price assortments.Â
- This reliability can be crucial for shoppers who prefer consistency in their purchases and trust established brands for certain products at their base price.
Walmart vs. Dollar Tree: Rachel Cruze Price Comparison Picks
As a trusted voice in personal finance and budgeting, Rachel Cruze emphasizes the importance of knowing your priorities when it comes to shopping and making sure to do your research as to where you can get the best deals. In her view, both Dollar Tree and Walmart have their merits, but the choice ultimately depends on what you value most and which store gives you the best cost per unit. Below is a price comparison for name-brand items you can find at both retailers.Â
| Item | Dollar Tree Price | Walmart Price | Cheapest Option |
| Crayola Crayons (16-pack) | $1.25 | $1.48Â | Dollar Tree |
| Glade Hawaiian Breeze Air Freshener | $1.25 | $0.97 | Walmart |
| Dawn Apple Blossom Dish Soap | $1.25 | $2.94 | Dollar Tree |
| Purina Dog Chow (16 ounces) | $1.25 | $2.70 | Dollar Tree |
| Huggies Simply Clean Baby Wipes (24 count) | $1.25 | $1.92 | Dollar Tree |
| Wet N Wild | $1.25 | $0.98 | Walmart |
| Glad Sandwich Bags | 22 count: $1.25 Price per unit:Â 5.6 cents per bag |
50 count: $7.41 Price per unit:Â 14.8 cents per bag |
Dollar Tree |
| Gain Original Laundry Detergent | 10 ounces: $1.25 Price per unit:Â 12.5 cents per ounce |
92 ounces: $10.94 Price per unit:Â 11.9 cents per ounce |
Walmart |
| Welch’s Fruit Snacks | 4-pack: $1.25 Price per unit: 35 cents per ounce |
40-pack: $8.48 Price per unit:Â 24 cents per ounce |
Walmart |
| Colgate Cavity Protection Toothpaste | 5-ounce tube: $1.25 Price per ounce: 25 cents per ounce |
3-pack of 6-ounce tubes: $4.97 Price per unit:Â 27.5 cents per ounce |
Dollar Tree |
| Bounty Essentials Paper Towels | 40 sheets: $1.25 3.1 cents per sheet |
2-pack, 124 sheets: $3.22 Price per unit:Â 1.3 cents per sheet |
Walmart |
Final Take To GO: Dollar Tree or Walmart?
In the eternal debate of Dollar Tree versus Walmart, there’s no clear winner across the board. However, if you have a specific shopping list you can divide and conquer to find the best deals. You can even put specific household or grocery items on lists designed for both retailers.Â
Ultimately, the bottom line of Rachel Cruze’s advice is to stay informed, compare prices and be mindful of your shopping goals. By doing so, you can make informed decisions that align with your budget and lifestyle, whether you’re stocking up on essentials or indulging in a bit of retail therapy.
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