dollar stores

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "dollar stores" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to refer to retail stores that sell items at a low price, typically around one dollar. Example: "I found some great deals on household items at the dollar stores in my area."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Shares of dollar stores have jumped this year.

The New Yorker

Dollar stores have small cans of mixed nuts.

Harvard University

Profit margins have always been thin in the dollar stores.

The New York Times - Magazine

Dollar stores are masters of the seasonal sale.

The New York Times

Jack Hitt's article on dollar stores missed the mark.

The New York Times - Magazine

One sector that seemed weak was dollar stores.

The New York Times

The dollar stores are pulling in shoppers like Mellissa Hayden.

The New York Times

What does all this mean for the independent dollar stores?

The New York Times - Magazine

He said that dollar stores were part of the challenge.

The New York Times

Boutiquey knick-knack shops came in alongside fusty dollar stores.

The New York Times - Travel

Others cities are grappling with dollar stores, too.

The Washington Post

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "dollar stores" when referring specifically to establishments with a predominantly one-dollar price point. For stores with a wider range of low-priced items, consider 'discount retailers' or 'budget shops'.

Common error

Avoid using "dollar stores" as a blanket term for all discount retailers. Differentiate between true dollar stores and other stores that simply offer discounted goods across a broader price range.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "dollar stores" functions primarily as a noun, specifically a plural noun, denoting retail establishments that sell a variety of goods at very low prices. As Ludwig AI indicates, the phrase is grammatically correct and widely used.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

45%

Science

35%

Wiki

20%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Social Media

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "dollar stores" is a grammatically sound and commonly used term referring to retail stores that sell items at a low price. As Ludwig AI confirms, it is correct and usable in written English. It is primarily used as a noun and functions to identify such retail establishments. The phrase appears frequently in news articles, scientific studies, and general discussions, maintaining a neutral register suitable for both formal and informal contexts. When writing about these stores, specificity regarding their impact, demographics, and goods is recommended. While alternatives such as "discount retailers" or "budget shops" exist, "dollar stores" is the most direct term for those with a predominantly one-dollar price point.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

discount retailers

Focuses on the aspect of reduced prices, emphasizing the cost-saving nature of these stores.

budget shops

Highlights the affordability and suitability for shoppers on a tight budget.

deep discount stores

Emphasizes the extreme price reductions available at these stores.

low-price retailers

Focuses directly on the affordability and lower costs of products offered.

cheap stores

Directly indicates the low cost of goods sold in these establishments.

value stores

Emphasizes the perceived worth and savings obtained when shopping at these locations.

bargain shops

Indicates the availability of deals and lower prices.

variety stores

Highlights the wide range of products typically available in such stores, regardless of price.

family discount stores

This alternative highlight the family aspect of stores such as Family Dollar.

general merchandise retailers

A more formal term emphasizing the diversity of products sold.

FAQs

How can I use "dollar stores" in a sentence?

You can use "dollar stores" to describe retail establishments selling items at low prices, like: "Many people rely on "dollar stores" for affordable household goods."

What's a good alternative to "dollar stores"?

Depending on the context, you might use phrases like "discount retailers", "budget shops", or "variety stores".

Are "dollar stores" the same as "discount stores"?

"Dollar stores" typically sell items for around a dollar, while "discount stores" offer a wider range of products at reduced prices, not necessarily limited to a single dollar.

What kind of products can you typically find at "dollar stores"?

"Dollar stores" often carry consumables, household products, seasonal items, and sometimes even food items, all at very low prices.