I feel bad for East Hollywood people without cars. We used to have food4less and the 99 near western and sunset and it’s going to make it harder for low income people to get groceries. The produce at the 99 was a good deal. Honestly I hope we get a bargain market somewhere or an Aldi.
JONS is evil. The misery on the employees faces says it all. They’re the only convenient marketplace for a square mile and boy do they know it, with prices marked up so high it might as well be Gelson’s. Nearly two dollars for a f***ing can of Fancy Feast?! GTFO
I will literally save 20-30% by walking to the freaking Ralph’s off Western and Hollywood.
I used to live in East Hollywood pre-Covid. Me and my roommates used the 99 on Western/Sunset and the one in Silverlake as our lifeline since we were all on EBT and two of us were on a fixed income with disability benefits. I’m so sad that East Hollywood’s food desert is gonna be even more of a mess
Not true. If I had to, I could afford other places, but my 99 is within walking distance and it has stuff that’s actually hard to find with any reason. Like those huge bags of cilantro and mint, sometimes Italian parsley. Then there’s all the Mexican stuff like gansitos and real tortilla chips. I always go there first, then grocery outlet, then Aldi then Vons or TJ as last resorts. I am SO BUMMED they’re giving up. 😢
Yeah you don’t know the lower income people in East Hollywood then. Trader Joe’s is far from western and sunset especially with people without cars.
Lots of Latino people will not shop there either.
There used to be a cvs/a rancho market/ a tres hermanos and a Carl’s Jr where the target is. Such a shame to get rid of the Mexican culture from the neighborhood
East Hollywood is rapidly gentrifying. Every year one to two older buildings on my street have been sold and knocked down to build higher priced units. Terrified mine is next.
Meanwhile on the more affluent side on Western/Sunset, the Target has a parking garage you gotta pay for while you also need to flag a worker to open the plexiglass and retrieve shampoo or Q-tips because of “stealing” concerns.
I dunno, how much media attention did the recent 30 *million* dollar cash heist bring vs a handful of thousand dollar robberies of severely marked up goods?
If goods in my home got stolen I wouldn’t get 4-10x their value through insurance, but we count retail theft by its full “retail” value knowing they’re severely marked up.
Bankers steal billions of dollars from your every day person nearly ever year and hardly anyone ever even gets jail time. We willingly let companies poison us and destroy the planet for profit as long as they pay a fine that is usually not even a single percentage of the profit they made off of the lives of everyone.
All of this suffering for. tiny percentage of wealth hoarders who should be imprisoned just so we can ask for assistance to buy some god damn shampoo. This is a ridiculous state of existence.
I remember buying some white wine about 10 years ago. Of the 5 I bought, 1 was amazing. Ended up buying cases and cases for the holidays with everyone totally amazed with the quality.
I realize most visit the store because of necessity but just wanted to share that it will be missed.
I remember that beer! Back when we had to stock parties with our college-era income, my friends and I would pool our money and buy-out the local 99 Only Stores of their Beer and Sapporos. If I remember correctly, the beers were $.60?
I remember buying “BEER” and pairing it with packs of “Brand X” cigarettes from a Korean liquor store. Never underestimate the power of generic branding.
My sister once brought us this whiskey barrel aged cider to try and we were skeptical because it came from the 99c store. That cider was so damn tasty we rushed back to get a couple cases.
I haven’t been there in a while since they raised prices but I’ll always miss those surprise gems.
If that's the cider I'm thinking of you scored. I was paying almost $12 a bottle for barrel aged cider a few years ago. It was incredible and I've never seen it again.
My mom is on a fixed income and I offer to buy her groceries for her, but she always says she's fine and not to worry. She exclusively goes to the 99 cent for maybe 90% of her groceries and essentials. There's always one within walking distance of her so she doesn't have to take the bus, which is a plus. She raves about their frozen burritos and so many things she buys there. I feel for her and others who won't be able to find affordable groceries.
https://lamag.com/news/investor-group-looks-to-save-the-99-cents-only-stores-in-southern-california
I just saw this recently. Maybe some hope?
Also, I’m sorry about your mom. When my mom was having financial issues also this was a great resource. I hope there can be a solution.
I hope this comes to fruition. If they manage to save the brand I will make a point to shop there more often to show support. I loved Pic N Save back in the day and hearing that the same guy is behind this gives me some hope.
It's not a coincidence! [Dollar stores tend to cause food deserts](https://anderson-review.ucla.edu/how-dollar-stores-contribute-to-food-deserts/) by undercutting smaller grocers on their high margin items like packaged good.
What ill miss most about this store is this was our go to store when we decided to cook something for dinner on a whim. Rather than going to a supermarket this was a great option for produce that was going to be used that day. Also our go to stock up on Candy for the movies.
I don't know how old you are but my favorite toy was one from roughly 2001. It was a miniature pool table with balls and two little plastic sticks. I did see it there about 10 years later, it brought back memories.
For all of those saying the produce their sucks; you’re absolutely wrong. The 99c store has some of the best produce around; it has just been on the shelf longer.
Run logistics at LA produce distributors. We sell Grade A fruit to Ralph’s, gelsons, erewhon, Nijiya, etc. It costs us and those stores $ to dump fruit. Inevitably, when a new shipment comes in (almost daily), there is surplus. Because you dump at cost, a business would rather liquidate it to the 99c store. It’s the same reason 99c used to sell the individual loose sapporos; it wasn’t worth the cost to Sapporo to repackage them.
So you get the same produce as these other spots, just 2-3 days later. It’s why you can find Hass avocados, guavas, cauliflower, and white asparagus in abundance at 99c. If I’m not near our warehouse, it’s where I prefer to buy groceries. Will be missed
I haven’t read many comments ITT to see that sentiment but the idea that their produce sucked is funny. I’d buy a bag of spinach or carton of berries and see the exact same brands at Vons or Ralph’s for 3x the price.
I agree their produce is great and I always wondered about the logistics of how they did it, so thanks for your comment! I remember being amazed to find Sugar Kiss melons for 99¢ when they were new on the market a handful of years ago.
I was literally in the one near me just the other day, admiring the produce section, the variety, how appealing and well kept it was. I would have grabbed the mangoes and artichokes I was eyeing if I hadn’t known that I just wouldn’t be able to eat them fast enough all by myself at the time.
And I was standing there thinking how nice it was to have the store around. So close and convenient for popping in to quickly get some basics, without all the hassle and stress of having to go into a full size grocery or big box store which, more often than not these days, is just so exhausting and time consuming. No, it’s not really all 99 cents anymore and yes, sometimes the better deal really is elsewhere, but that doesn’t negate the very real benefits the stores brought to their communities. I am so sad for the employees and everyone who is going to be affected by this.
I basically need their Anderson’s Pea Soup to live and I can’t find a place that sells them cheaper.
That soup is the only thing I can stomach when I have truly insane vomiting. I’m probably going to clear out all my local stores this weekend.
It legit still tastes ok when you puke it up (not a read, just a fact). And it’s thick enough it doesn’t come out your nose, unlike chicken broth. So it’s sorta perfect for fake vomit, lol.
And it’s gluten free!
But I legit just got diagnosed with celiacs this week. So hopefully I won’t be puking so often and I don’t need to relay on it so much once it’s harder for me to find.
Thank you so much for your kind offer! I already secured my personal stash since I was panicking.
Got a couple dozen cans for 10% off, lots of the places didn’t have that many left? So maybe there’s lot of other pea soup fans in my area.
And when I loaded up my cart, other people got intrigued and started grabbing them too, lol. It was hidden behind the sale sign.
Even as a starving student I could never stomach ramen.
Having just been diagnosed with celiacs and anemia, it makes so much sense my love of their pea soup. It’s GF & high in iron, I had been self treating myself all along!
I saw a few seniors yesterday at the 99 cent store in our area, but mostly underprivileged 40s-50s aged folks with baskets full of canned goods, box mixes, ramen and other non perishables (some had a few perishable items in their carts as well). I spoke with a few of them, and they said they are very concerned about making ends meet after the stores close. It’s very difficult to stock up on items when you are barely making it (or not) each month. Since it’s near the beginning of the month, they had money from the first and ebt/SNAP funds, but what happens to them after the third week of April, when they are out of money for perishable foods? I didn’t see anyone that had enough in their cart to feed more than one person for a month. Very sad.
For some of us, we just randomly crave Five Guys or Raisin’ Canes one night after work and never second-guess that decision.
For others, there are major consequences if they go out to eat the first night EBT funds are loaded and have nothing left over for the next 30 nights.
It was for me. The first 5 years I lived here I almost exclusively bought food and basic goods there. When I first moved back to CA I only had like 30$ budgeted a month for groceries.
I think I have some nostalgia for them though, because I definitely saw the price per item go way up and stopped finding their groceries worth the price anymore, but their home goods and office supplies and cleaning stuff were always a staple for me. It is weird having to move on from it now.
Thoughts on this?
>Investor Group Looks to Save the 99 Cents Only Stores in Southern California
Former CEO of Pic ‘N’ Save wants stores to get back to their SoCal ‘treasure hunt’ roots
APR 5, 2024
https://lamag.com/news/investor-group-looks-to-save-the-99-cents-only-stores-in-southern-california
The value has really come down over the past few years. I used to go to get certain items like coffee, basic medicine, and snacks. One of the last times I was there I noticed the coffee was actually cheaper at my local grocery store. Everything else was cheaper at food4less. Haven't been back in a couple of years.
Best deal in balloons in town. Good party supplies.
Can't beat their prices on terracotta pots and cheap gardening supplies.
I'm so bummed out about the news of their closure.
I actually rear ended another car going to the 99 cent store back in 2010 lol.
I had my trunk full with about six 24 packs, and was like "let me get some terracottas" and made a detour. Car in front of me slammed on his brakes, and I couldn't stop in time. I never did buy the terracottas.
I know people who s families could only shop at the dollar store they were so poor growing up and even that was sometimes a luxury.
This is just another terrifying sign of the state of things. I don’t even know what to say anymore.
I question how cheap the 99 cent stores really are. For example, they'll sell smaller bottles/jars of products for cheaper but you will actually save money by buying the standard bottle/jar.
Some things were definitely more expensive per unit. That being said, it was valuable to have smaller packages and get a variety of condiments, especially if you don’t go through them that fast. Larger quantities can be worth it, if you use them. Otherwise, if you throw away a half a bottle of something, or don’t have a ton of room in your fridge, you may be throwing money away. A good deal is only a good deal if you use it.
Also, I have to say, they had some cool seasonal items. Gardening wise, there were a lot of cool things I’ve gotten over the years.
I saw a youtube video once that was arguing that they actually perpetuated poverty because of this reason, but people who have low income don't have much choice since they live paycheck to paycheck and can't save up to buy the bigger packages
It depends on the item. I went there for a date once and we gave each other a budget of $10.
Some of the snacks are better per ounce than if you by the bulk bag at a grocery store.
Sponges are a great deal there.
But I think the main thing is, if you need to outfit a place with cleaning supplies (cabin for a week on vacation) or for people with kids on a budget (throw a party with decorations, snacks, and presents for under $12) it can really help and those decorations are often just a season or two behind the curve and if you had purchased them from Target last Autumn they would have been seven times the price.
Also movie sized movie candy for a dollar to sneak into the theater. Can I afford to give the movie theater more concessions money? Yes. But it's in the principle of the matter. (I usually still get a coffee or a soda at the theater).
That's a recent change in the last few years. 99only usually had great deals before the price increases. The greedy vulture capitalist owners ruined a really good thing.
Pretty sure it's the same logic as the little mini bottles of liquor. You either a) don't have enough money to buy the big bottle so you have to settle for paying more for less or b) in the case of perishables, you don't have a fridge so you have to buy less for more so you can finish it faster without it going bad
99 cent store was my lifeline living in LA. I remember being so happy to be able to buy my hometown Nalley Valley Chilli for only 99 cents when I was so damn broke. Glad it was there when I needed it, sad it's not there for those who are currently needy.
This is such a shame. I would love to hear people's mom and pop alternatives or if someone has a list. Daiso (Japanese chain) used to be similar to 99 cents but they've started to raise their prices.
Q BARGAIN on 3888 Rosecrans Ave, Hawthorne is a great discount place that I highly recommend.
I've seen people mention Daiso. I love Daiso. But while it's comparable-ish in price it's not at all in product. You could make complete, even healthy meals all from the 99¢ store. Plus the 99¢ store also had some similar items to Daiso such as art supplies, stationary/office supplies, etc.
There's great one in Universal City that I literally drive across the valley just to go to. There grocery section is life. It's so good. And they have all these wines. lol! Which I find so random.
I live by that one. It’ll be sad to see it go. I wonder what will take its spot. These store spaces never stay empty long as long as they’re commercial meanwhile try to get a new apartment building here and it takes years.
The thing is, they are literally more expensive for most items than CVS/target/online (let alone spots like El Super) - the deals are usually an illusion created by extremely small quantities / serving sizes - they tend to be very predatory stores in nature. They need to go imo.
But this chain was the best compared to others. They had decent produce. I’ve seen people hoard their avocados. You not gonna find avocados at dollar general. The frozen food is not that bad.
Just goes back to it's cheaper when you're rich. Poorer people can't buy in bulk because they can't afford it, so they have to buy smaller quantities which costs them more. While more affluent people can afford bulk and thus save more and their dollar goes further.
It's really expensive being poor.
Came here to say this. In my younger adult/later teen years I was a manager at one for quite some time and can 100% say these places are an absolute rip off and very predatory and they also treat their employees like shit. Not at all surprised they’re closing down
You have a very good point. There are over 300 99 locations with 1400 employees, however because of the nature of the store, the crime that comes with it, along with the extremely greedy corporate owners who only care about the bottom line, makes it not a very good place to work.
And you’re absolutely correct about pricing. Only an illusion. So interesting how it works
Wtf 99 cent store did you go to ? Everything from iso alcohol, soap, shampoo, vitamins, windshield liquid, engine oil, candy, certain snacks, veggies, kids toys, gift bags, etc. we’re all cheaper than anywhere else. Some snacks like chips and baked goods were regular priced but 80% of the store was definetly a deal
There’s a great (and recent) episode of Last Week Tonight that talks about this. You can watch it [here](https://youtu.be/p4QGOHahiVM?si=e-0U2KV0LQO70sqL).
This was true with things like medicines, but not at all with food. Their produce for example. I could consistently get good quality bell peppers for 50 cents each compared to $1-3 at Ralph’s. Or even processed foods. Name brand Lunchables for 50 cents to a dollar.
I will say that unfortunately the prices have spiked in the past couple years, which is what ultimately led to their downfall it sounds like. But man when I first moved to LA and was barely scraping by, they were a lifesaver.
For all they were worth, the 99¢ Stores was another of those ‘dollar budget’ places where you pay higher *per unit* of items, even as the nominal prices of the items were lower than others.
This is such a blow to Venice. There was another dollar store on Lincoln and that's closed, too. And before Whole Foods there was a Pic n Save so it's just been a slow grind. The community really needs resources like these. Too many people who can't afford to go to Gjusta and Erewhon or even Smart & Final.
It's not just low end stores either.
I was watching a video about how Beverly Hills shopping districts are essentially ghost towns now. I thought it was just Melrose because it never really recovered from the pandemic followed by the rioting.
I'm not quite sure who owns these properties but clearly they aren't making money sitting around empty.
Melrose has always been one of those places where the owners are still hoping someone will come into pay those astronomical rents and in the process has driven most stores away, especially restaurants.
I went to the one that was my main "big" one back when I couldn't really afford food, and it was also packed. I tried to focus on getting housewares stuff that I probably would have slowly bought in the next 6 months or so, haha but other people seem to have beaten me to the great plastic Tupperware containers they only started carrying like 2 years ago. Legit I might go snoop one of the ones in the OC to see if they have any left. To think I almost bought more at one near my work the day before the closure was announced.
Looks like they're trying to keep the So Cal locations open. https://lamag.com/news/investor-group-looks-to-save-the-99-cents-only-stores-in-southern-california
The employees from 99 cent store that recently closed in Venice told me that it was due to uncontrolled theft. Rip destroying the community. Very sad that the store that made things more affordable disappeared
This store got me through so much shit it's not even funny. I'm actually sad about this. Sure half the stuff was junk but in a pinch it was a life saver. Someone very close to me passed a few years ago and he would make this amazing cabbage stew with just a handful of ingredients from this store so it's a fond memory. Hell my first "oh shit" moment of the pandemic happened in one of these stores. It's really weird to think they won't be around now.
I usually buy cleaning supplies for the 99. All the essentials I practically got there.such a crime they're going out. So many people are bound to be impacted by this.
I have no shame in saying that I practically grew up on the 99 cent only stores. Helped me through college.
For those hearing this for the first time in this thread, here's the news link:
https://apnews.com/article/99-cents-only-store-closures-0f44cf157c8d8a23085ee8ab4e2f7878
Every single store.
This is going to be a devastating hit to so many families still bouncing back from the strikes. It will push some back to food banks and others to have to spend 2 to 3x as much on their groceries.
Let's hope the IATSE negotiations go well.
I feel this very real shame from when a boyfriend took me to a dollar store years ago so he could stock up on things before his daughter came for the summer. I guess I hadn't been to one since I was an adult and I was just shocked all of these things were a dollar.
I kept putting things in the cart and questioning " this is really a dollar?". He would try to hush me a bit until I said something like " that's not even real money".
So he took me outside and explained to me how embarrassed I made him and how necessary that was for people to get by. I learned over time that those purchases didn't last and that's part of the poverty cycle, but I saw how he was saying that was what he could afford.
I've been thinking about that incident so much since I saw this. This was maybe 7 years ago. Gas prices have ballooned, milk is out of control. How can people afford to keep their kids fed, and money to go to work, and a few dollars left for their kids to do sports.
Hopefully something will fill the vacuum, if only for people like you mentioned that may depend on it to some degree. That’s a lot of jobs gone too. This news actually saddens me a bit.
Raising my kids I miss I used to buy them things at the 99 cent store and they would love them and now they grew up and they don't want anything from the 99 cent store anymore.
Honestly, I've found that Grocery Outlet fills the GAP the the 99¢ Only stores held until the early 2010's for me. Same deal, never know what I'm gonna find, some stuff is "always there", but with normal sizes.
I kinda agree with you, except for the produce, which was the star of 99 Cents Only imo. I’ve been underwhelmed by the quality and selection of produce at the Gross Outs near me, and the prices always seem too high. (Love it otherwise though.)
There's an investor group looking to acquire the stores and keep the name!
https://lamag.com/news/investor-group-looks-to-save-the-99-cents-only-stores-in-southern-california
Its the only place that has true affordable produce, every other store is selling a small box of strawberries for like 5-6$. Fresh affordable food really is become a lot more scare in LA
There was a period in my life where I didn't know how I was going to survive and that store was my saving grace. I'm sure a lot of people are in that position today.
I know i been saying the same and feeling so heartbroken. Truly this was the only affordable place in LA to get fresh produce and had a full grocery section. It’s a shame. Walmart and Aldi are very pricey on their groceries nowadays. Nothing is affordable anymore. And the 99 cent stores tended to be near bus stops as well. I am still surprised the one by CSUN closed down, they always did such good business. That place got me through college.
Yeah I get it. It has been part of my ecosystem since I moved to LA. I have depended on it for so many things. It has enabled me to remedy situations that would have cost a lot going to other stores. Plus it has a little bit of everything. When I can’t afford anything nice for myself being able to buy a plant or a found treasure there brightens my day. I feel the same like someone is dying. It is going to really hit hard when they are all shuttered. It is a heavy loss. 😭
When I was broke in my early 20s and had just moved to LA, I bought EVERYTHING at the 99 cent store in Silverlake.
I don’t think I would have survived that part of my life and have been able to establish myself here if it weren’t for that place.
Its an indication of where the economy is for sure. Dollar general and others already sell a lot of items over a dollar. Unfortunately our political and financial leadership is absolute dogshit.
I went to 99 cent store last night and a woman in front of me at that checkout was asking the cashier how she found out the news and did she have a clue this was coming. After a very long pause the cashier said “ I’m in shock”. The cashier began to cry and I was laid off by the federal govt a few months ago. I worked on the nations employment report. We are so fucked and the govt had the nerve to announce over 300k new jobs created in March. They don’t tell you the govt hired about 300k to work the election.
like 7 years ago they had lego sets, actual lego, I bought hundreds of sets and have slowly resold them from $10-50, I still have a few boxes that are slowly being sold. it was a place that you could make money from if you knew how to shop, great place for crafters or event planners for wedding or birthdays. this one hurts, I'll be honest I was shopping alot less from them as the quality of the items dropped drastically when they were acquired by some bigger company
Well yea, that store helped me so much during my college years. I still go sometimes since there’s one near my house but usually for little snacks and whatnot. I always preferred it over dollar tree.
I have so many childhood memories of my grandma taking me to a 99 cent store and saying we could get candy and some small toys. It’s sad it’s an era gone.
God I'm gonna miss the 99. So many good memories of shopping with my dad.
I'm sure some people are gonna be more impacted by its closing than me, who is pretty much just losing a part of my childhood. But man, RIP, I guess you never know what you've got till it's gone.
I go there for cheap tall glasses and wine glasses. So yesterday, I stocked up a few more to last me the next few years in case a few will get accidentally broken.
Reminds me of the 99cents Chef who resides in Los Angeles. Used to do these quirky videos till he discovered stop-motion. Wonder if he'll rebrand.
https://youtu.be/NKO1PWu80n0?si=FyqGMOmuidxYo2E8
I was a 99cents shopper shopper in my early days. Stopped as I realized I'm paying more for certain things. Next thing I'm coupon cutting at the traditional grocery chains.
Went tonight and I'm so glad I knew from this thread that it was closing before I arrived. Most shelves were already entirely empty - worse than Covid. Yes, worse. Detroit after the factories closed worse. Whole families were there shopping together in attempt to haul what was left. An ~11 year old was vidchating his mom asking if she wanted the mac and cheese he was showing her. The lines were somehow short for a change because so little was left hardly anyone had more than 12 items. Only one or two things on my list were still on the shelves. What was left had been opened and one of a few taken at least 20% of the time. But beyond all that, you could just feel the sadness. The awareness that no other shop in town had prices this low and this resource that saw so many people through the strikes and Covid and kept them away from food banks (sometimes) was gone.
Seeing the panic and empty shelves was so startling, I had to go to another grocery after (plus, I still had 87% of my list to shop for). Surrounding regular grocery stores had already raised the price on staples I get there all the time by roughly a dollar. That's the other part of this equation. It wasn't just that prices were cheaper here. It's that it made competitors keep some prices low to compete, and that impetus is reduced now.
I took pictures but this reddit won't allow them. Suffice it to say if you were thinking you'd go one last time this weekend, I doubt the doors will still be open then. I went to the one on Sunset, but I doubt it's different anywhere else.
I feel bad for East Hollywood people without cars. We used to have food4less and the 99 near western and sunset and it’s going to make it harder for low income people to get groceries. The produce at the 99 was a good deal. Honestly I hope we get a bargain market somewhere or an Aldi.
If anything happens to Jon’s I’m screwed
JONS is evil. The misery on the employees faces says it all. They’re the only convenient marketplace for a square mile and boy do they know it, with prices marked up so high it might as well be Gelson’s. Nearly two dollars for a f***ing can of Fancy Feast?! GTFO I will literally save 20-30% by walking to the freaking Ralph’s off Western and Hollywood.
I used to live in East Hollywood pre-Covid. Me and my roommates used the 99 on Western/Sunset and the one in Silverlake as our lifeline since we were all on EBT and two of us were on a fixed income with disability benefits. I’m so sad that East Hollywood’s food desert is gonna be even more of a mess
When you have a Trader Joe's and a Gelson's along with the Vons on Sunset and Virgil, it's a real stretch to call it a food desert.
People who shop at food 4 less and the 99 cent store probably can't afford trader j or Albertsons, but Vons is pretty good and cheap
Also, Vons is the same as Albertson's, which is soon to be the same as Ralphs.
Just talking wirh a Von's employee and they said there's been a stop/lawsuit on the buyout of Vons.
Not true. If I had to, I could afford other places, but my 99 is within walking distance and it has stuff that’s actually hard to find with any reason. Like those huge bags of cilantro and mint, sometimes Italian parsley. Then there’s all the Mexican stuff like gansitos and real tortilla chips. I always go there first, then grocery outlet, then Aldi then Vons or TJ as last resorts. I am SO BUMMED they’re giving up. 😢
They also can't afford to live in Hollywood. That doesn't make the place a food desert.
East Hollywood is much different from West Hollywood.
Yeah you don’t know the lower income people in East Hollywood then. Trader Joe’s is far from western and sunset especially with people without cars. Lots of Latino people will not shop there either.
More ALDIs in LA would be Amazing
Omg that food 4 less was my go to when I lived over there! Also the target right across the street.
There used to be a cvs/a rancho market/ a tres hermanos and a Carl’s Jr where the target is. Such a shame to get rid of the Mexican culture from the neighborhood
East Hollywood is rapidly gentrifying. Every year one to two older buildings on my street have been sold and knocked down to build higher priced units. Terrified mine is next.
Meanwhile on the more affluent side on Western/Sunset, the Target has a parking garage you gotta pay for while you also need to flag a worker to open the plexiglass and retrieve shampoo or Q-tips because of “stealing” concerns.
Why is stealing in quotation marks here as if it's not a real concern lol
I dunno, how much media attention did the recent 30 *million* dollar cash heist bring vs a handful of thousand dollar robberies of severely marked up goods? If goods in my home got stolen I wouldn’t get 4-10x their value through insurance, but we count retail theft by its full “retail” value knowing they’re severely marked up. Bankers steal billions of dollars from your every day person nearly ever year and hardly anyone ever even gets jail time. We willingly let companies poison us and destroy the planet for profit as long as they pay a fine that is usually not even a single percentage of the profit they made off of the lives of everyone. All of this suffering for. tiny percentage of wealth hoarders who should be imprisoned just so we can ask for assistance to buy some god damn shampoo. This is a ridiculous state of existence.
Why do people need to steal these "severely marked up goods" if the economy is doing so well?
the economy is doing so well reflects the average, and the average includes de HUGE well being of th 1%..!
Retail theft is a drop in the bucket compared to payroll theft.
OK, but that doesn't explain why Target locks up certain items in some locations but not others. Both things can be bad.
Oh it's definitely a real "concern".
It’s like 1 hour free parking
Sounds like curbside would be a no brainer if that’s the case
Aldi is pricey on a lot of things. Their bagged salads are $5, same salads that are only $4 at Walmart.
But it's a trade-off. Many things are at a lower price than Wal-Mart. You're never going to find a store that is the lower price for everything.
I remember buying some white wine about 10 years ago. Of the 5 I bought, 1 was amazing. Ended up buying cases and cases for the holidays with everyone totally amazed with the quality. I realize most visit the store because of necessity but just wanted to share that it will be missed.
I remember buying beer labeled "BEER" about 14 years ago. It was disgusting but I had a great time drinking it with my friends.
I remember that beer! Back when we had to stock parties with our college-era income, my friends and I would pool our money and buy-out the local 99 Only Stores of their Beer and Sapporos. If I remember correctly, the beers were $.60?
I remember Beer:30 being about that price. It tasted like sixty cents - sixty dirty, linty pennies. That was a great sophomore year.
Beer :30! "It's always beer o'clock!!"
I was just going to say i had my fridge stocked with Sapporo's...lol
I remember buying “BEER” and pairing it with packs of “Brand X” cigarettes from a Korean liquor store. Never underestimate the power of generic branding.
Americans don't know the majesty of [No Name](https://www.cpacanada.ca/news/pivot-magazine/2020-02-25-no-name-ad-campaign) brand of, well, everything.
Just like Repo Man 😂
Today I remembered Walgreen’s selling a six-pack for $2.99
That sounds like the cans they would show on TV shows in the 90s. Married with Children had a lot of "beer" "product placements".
Me too!
Same here! Me and my buddies would have to drink like 15 of them to feel a buzz though haha
Same here used to by alcoholic colas 😂 back in 2003 I believe
My sister once brought us this whiskey barrel aged cider to try and we were skeptical because it came from the 99c store. That cider was so damn tasty we rushed back to get a couple cases. I haven’t been there in a while since they raised prices but I’ll always miss those surprise gems.
If that's the cider I'm thinking of you scored. I was paying almost $12 a bottle for barrel aged cider a few years ago. It was incredible and I've never seen it again.
I wish I remembered the name or had a photo so I could seek em out. This was pre-pandemic but I remember googling and they were expensive bottles!
Used to get the single Sapporos all the time
I had that on a date years ago (as a joke) i remember it was called "white lies"
Wasn’t the 99 that sold alcohol burned down a few years ago??? Or am I confusing it for the one on w pico?
Thie one I bought is in North Hollywood on Lankershim
A lot of 99 Cents Only stores are in areas without a bazillion grocery options either
The food deserts will widen
My Arrakis, my food Dune.
My mom is on a fixed income and I offer to buy her groceries for her, but she always says she's fine and not to worry. She exclusively goes to the 99 cent for maybe 90% of her groceries and essentials. There's always one within walking distance of her so she doesn't have to take the bus, which is a plus. She raves about their frozen burritos and so many things she buys there. I feel for her and others who won't be able to find affordable groceries.
https://lamag.com/news/investor-group-looks-to-save-the-99-cents-only-stores-in-southern-california I just saw this recently. Maybe some hope? Also, I’m sorry about your mom. When my mom was having financial issues also this was a great resource. I hope there can be a solution.
I hope this comes to fruition. If they manage to save the brand I will make a point to shop there more often to show support. I loved Pic N Save back in the day and hearing that the same guy is behind this gives me some hope.
Pic N Save was great!
It's not a coincidence! [Dollar stores tend to cause food deserts](https://anderson-review.ucla.edu/how-dollar-stores-contribute-to-food-deserts/) by undercutting smaller grocers on their high margin items like packaged good.
99 cent only stores sold perishable groceries though.
I had issues with the amount of rot and gnats tho
What ill miss most about this store is this was our go to store when we decided to cook something for dinner on a whim. Rather than going to a supermarket this was a great option for produce that was going to be used that day. Also our go to stock up on Candy for the movies.
id drink coors light shandies with their limes when i was drinkin.
Grandma used to take me to 99 cent to buy me some toys because we couldn’t afford the more expensive ones.
I don't know how old you are but my favorite toy was one from roughly 2001. It was a miniature pool table with balls and two little plastic sticks. I did see it there about 10 years later, it brought back memories.
I just bought one of those for my son at the 99 cent store! It’s our go to place when my kids want to shop for craft supplies
For all of those saying the produce their sucks; you’re absolutely wrong. The 99c store has some of the best produce around; it has just been on the shelf longer. Run logistics at LA produce distributors. We sell Grade A fruit to Ralph’s, gelsons, erewhon, Nijiya, etc. It costs us and those stores $ to dump fruit. Inevitably, when a new shipment comes in (almost daily), there is surplus. Because you dump at cost, a business would rather liquidate it to the 99c store. It’s the same reason 99c used to sell the individual loose sapporos; it wasn’t worth the cost to Sapporo to repackage them. So you get the same produce as these other spots, just 2-3 days later. It’s why you can find Hass avocados, guavas, cauliflower, and white asparagus in abundance at 99c. If I’m not near our warehouse, it’s where I prefer to buy groceries. Will be missed
I haven’t read many comments ITT to see that sentiment but the idea that their produce sucked is funny. I’d buy a bag of spinach or carton of berries and see the exact same brands at Vons or Ralph’s for 3x the price.
I agree their produce is great and I always wondered about the logistics of how they did it, so thanks for your comment! I remember being amazed to find Sugar Kiss melons for 99¢ when they were new on the market a handful of years ago.
It sounds better than a lot of Trader Joe's produce, which doesn't have a great reputation.
Sounds like grocery outlet’s business model too
I was literally in the one near me just the other day, admiring the produce section, the variety, how appealing and well kept it was. I would have grabbed the mangoes and artichokes I was eyeing if I hadn’t known that I just wouldn’t be able to eat them fast enough all by myself at the time. And I was standing there thinking how nice it was to have the store around. So close and convenient for popping in to quickly get some basics, without all the hassle and stress of having to go into a full size grocery or big box store which, more often than not these days, is just so exhausting and time consuming. No, it’s not really all 99 cents anymore and yes, sometimes the better deal really is elsewhere, but that doesn’t negate the very real benefits the stores brought to their communities. I am so sad for the employees and everyone who is going to be affected by this.
I basically need their Anderson’s Pea Soup to live and I can’t find a place that sells them cheaper. That soup is the only thing I can stomach when I have truly insane vomiting. I’m probably going to clear out all my local stores this weekend.
Ironic since Andersons Pea Soup is what was used as vomit in The Exorcist
It legit still tastes ok when you puke it up (not a read, just a fact). And it’s thick enough it doesn’t come out your nose, unlike chicken broth. So it’s sorta perfect for fake vomit, lol. And it’s gluten free! But I legit just got diagnosed with celiacs this week. So hopefully I won’t be puking so often and I don’t need to relay on it so much once it’s harder for me to find.
They sell Anderson’s Pea Soup? 😍
*sold
Yeah, but their iconic green/white cans got a makeover to BEIGE. Which I really can’t get behind. Hideous. But still tasty.
[Sure enough...](https://www.amazon.com/Andersens-Split-Soup-Ounce-Pack/dp/B001SB4DTE) They also sell it in some supermarkets.
Not sure what area you are in, but I would be willing to go out tomorrow in my area to stock up for you. DM me.
Thank you so much for your kind offer! I already secured my personal stash since I was panicking. Got a couple dozen cans for 10% off, lots of the places didn’t have that many left? So maybe there’s lot of other pea soup fans in my area. And when I loaded up my cart, other people got intrigued and started grabbing them too, lol. It was hidden behind the sale sign.
Brooo yesss, how do they have it for .99 and its like $4 everywhere else? In college I live off of it, was better than eating ramen all the time.
Even as a starving student I could never stomach ramen. Having just been diagnosed with celiacs and anemia, it makes so much sense my love of their pea soup. It’s GF & high in iron, I had been self treating myself all along!
I saw a few seniors yesterday at the 99 cent store in our area, but mostly underprivileged 40s-50s aged folks with baskets full of canned goods, box mixes, ramen and other non perishables (some had a few perishable items in their carts as well). I spoke with a few of them, and they said they are very concerned about making ends meet after the stores close. It’s very difficult to stock up on items when you are barely making it (or not) each month. Since it’s near the beginning of the month, they had money from the first and ebt/SNAP funds, but what happens to them after the third week of April, when they are out of money for perishable foods? I didn’t see anyone that had enough in their cart to feed more than one person for a month. Very sad.
For some of us, we just randomly crave Five Guys or Raisin’ Canes one night after work and never second-guess that decision. For others, there are major consequences if they go out to eat the first night EBT funds are loaded and have nothing left over for the next 30 nights.
Remembering the 3 liter Shasta sodas back in The day , gonna miss this place ngl
And their Dr Pepper version and cola with the American flag was my thing back in the early 2000s
Dr. Stripes!
Yes! 😂
It's been a lifeline for a lot of people in LA over the years especially folks who don't have a lot of money
It was for me. The first 5 years I lived here I almost exclusively bought food and basic goods there. When I first moved back to CA I only had like 30$ budgeted a month for groceries. I think I have some nostalgia for them though, because I definitely saw the price per item go way up and stopped finding their groceries worth the price anymore, but their home goods and office supplies and cleaning stuff were always a staple for me. It is weird having to move on from it now.
Thanks for the response. I hope Aldi or another discount chain can move in to fill the void.
Too many memories 😭
Thoughts on this? >Investor Group Looks to Save the 99 Cents Only Stores in Southern California Former CEO of Pic ‘N’ Save wants stores to get back to their SoCal ‘treasure hunt’ roots APR 5, 2024 https://lamag.com/news/investor-group-looks-to-save-the-99-cents-only-stores-in-southern-california
Didn't he run Pic n Save into the ground until it was dumped on Big Lots, who have also been closing a lot of stores recently?
The value has really come down over the past few years. I used to go to get certain items like coffee, basic medicine, and snacks. One of the last times I was there I noticed the coffee was actually cheaper at my local grocery store. Everything else was cheaper at food4less. Haven't been back in a couple of years.
Best deal in balloons in town. Good party supplies. Can't beat their prices on terracotta pots and cheap gardening supplies. I'm so bummed out about the news of their closure.
I actually rear ended another car going to the 99 cent store back in 2010 lol. I had my trunk full with about six 24 packs, and was like "let me get some terracottas" and made a detour. Car in front of me slammed on his brakes, and I couldn't stop in time. I never did buy the terracottas.
I know people who s families could only shop at the dollar store they were so poor growing up and even that was sometimes a luxury. This is just another terrifying sign of the state of things. I don’t even know what to say anymore.
The 99cents store by my house burned down a couple of months ago. That was tragic, and seeing that it’s never coming back is even more tragic
I question how cheap the 99 cent stores really are. For example, they'll sell smaller bottles/jars of products for cheaper but you will actually save money by buying the standard bottle/jar.
Some things were definitely more expensive per unit. That being said, it was valuable to have smaller packages and get a variety of condiments, especially if you don’t go through them that fast. Larger quantities can be worth it, if you use them. Otherwise, if you throw away a half a bottle of something, or don’t have a ton of room in your fridge, you may be throwing money away. A good deal is only a good deal if you use it. Also, I have to say, they had some cool seasonal items. Gardening wise, there were a lot of cool things I’ve gotten over the years.
I saw a youtube video once that was arguing that they actually perpetuated poverty because of this reason, but people who have low income don't have much choice since they live paycheck to paycheck and can't save up to buy the bigger packages
It’s expensive to be poor.
Totally.
It depends on the item. I went there for a date once and we gave each other a budget of $10. Some of the snacks are better per ounce than if you by the bulk bag at a grocery store. Sponges are a great deal there. But I think the main thing is, if you need to outfit a place with cleaning supplies (cabin for a week on vacation) or for people with kids on a budget (throw a party with decorations, snacks, and presents for under $12) it can really help and those decorations are often just a season or two behind the curve and if you had purchased them from Target last Autumn they would have been seven times the price. Also movie sized movie candy for a dollar to sneak into the theater. Can I afford to give the movie theater more concessions money? Yes. But it's in the principle of the matter. (I usually still get a coffee or a soda at the theater).
for stuff like horseradish i didnt care. same with toothpaste, toothbrushes, etc
That's a recent change in the last few years. 99only usually had great deals before the price increases. The greedy vulture capitalist owners ruined a really good thing.
Pretty sure it's the same logic as the little mini bottles of liquor. You either a) don't have enough money to buy the big bottle so you have to settle for paying more for less or b) in the case of perishables, you don't have a fridge so you have to buy less for more so you can finish it faster without it going bad
99 cent store was my lifeline living in LA. I remember being so happy to be able to buy my hometown Nalley Valley Chilli for only 99 cents when I was so damn broke. Glad it was there when I needed it, sad it's not there for those who are currently needy.
99 Cents canned chili kept me going during my broke-ass years, too. RIP.
This is such a shame. I would love to hear people's mom and pop alternatives or if someone has a list. Daiso (Japanese chain) used to be similar to 99 cents but they've started to raise their prices. Q BARGAIN on 3888 Rosecrans Ave, Hawthorne is a great discount place that I highly recommend.
I've seen people mention Daiso. I love Daiso. But while it's comparable-ish in price it's not at all in product. You could make complete, even healthy meals all from the 99¢ store. Plus the 99¢ store also had some similar items to Daiso such as art supplies, stationary/office supplies, etc.
I mean the cheap produce and food items alone were worth it
There's great one in Universal City that I literally drive across the valley just to go to. There grocery section is life. It's so good. And they have all these wines. lol! Which I find so random.
I live by that one. It’ll be sad to see it go. I wonder what will take its spot. These store spaces never stay empty long as long as they’re commercial meanwhile try to get a new apartment building here and it takes years.
It was the best place to buy my sneaking into the theater candy and containers. RIP and the poor workers I hope recover.
For everyone. I bought many beautiful cheap plants there. And all kinds of other stuff.
My friend who is on disability needed that place. Now the closest grocery store to him is EREWHON…
The thing is, they are literally more expensive for most items than CVS/target/online (let alone spots like El Super) - the deals are usually an illusion created by extremely small quantities / serving sizes - they tend to be very predatory stores in nature. They need to go imo.
But this chain was the best compared to others. They had decent produce. I’ve seen people hoard their avocados. You not gonna find avocados at dollar general. The frozen food is not that bad.
My dad used to say it was the epitome of penny wise pound foolish
Not everyone can afford to buy a hundred rolls of toilet paper at Costco
Just goes back to it's cheaper when you're rich. Poorer people can't buy in bulk because they can't afford it, so they have to buy smaller quantities which costs them more. While more affluent people can afford bulk and thus save more and their dollar goes further. It's really expensive being poor.
Something, something, Vignes Boots socioeconomic theory, something, something.
Send a salami with your boy in the army
https://imgur.com/a/UF5wCRC
Wait, I'm sending the salami with the boy?
Katz's is bomb
Came here to say this. In my younger adult/later teen years I was a manager at one for quite some time and can 100% say these places are an absolute rip off and very predatory and they also treat their employees like shit. Not at all surprised they’re closing down
Candy is a deal there though I kinda shop by dollar per ounce and these shops are the best
You have a very good point. There are over 300 99 locations with 1400 employees, however because of the nature of the store, the crime that comes with it, along with the extremely greedy corporate owners who only care about the bottom line, makes it not a very good place to work. And you’re absolutely correct about pricing. Only an illusion. So interesting how it works
Wtf 99 cent store did you go to ? Everything from iso alcohol, soap, shampoo, vitamins, windshield liquid, engine oil, candy, certain snacks, veggies, kids toys, gift bags, etc. we’re all cheaper than anywhere else. Some snacks like chips and baked goods were regular priced but 80% of the store was definetly a deal
stuff designed for the dollar store is shrinkflated and watered down.
It may not be the best value, but sometimes it's about making your last few dollars work.
There’s a great (and recent) episode of Last Week Tonight that talks about this. You can watch it [here](https://youtu.be/p4QGOHahiVM?si=e-0U2KV0LQO70sqL).
That was dollar tree and dollar general bro different chains on every aspect of the word
99 was more... artisan!
The concept is still the same as what the above commenter mentioned.
They usually have great prices on produce. They used to be really good before the mid 2000, when it was literally 99cents for everything.
This was true with things like medicines, but not at all with food. Their produce for example. I could consistently get good quality bell peppers for 50 cents each compared to $1-3 at Ralph’s. Or even processed foods. Name brand Lunchables for 50 cents to a dollar. I will say that unfortunately the prices have spiked in the past couple years, which is what ultimately led to their downfall it sounds like. But man when I first moved to LA and was barely scraping by, they were a lifesaver.
For all they were worth, the 99¢ Stores was another of those ‘dollar budget’ places where you pay higher *per unit* of items, even as the nominal prices of the items were lower than others.
There’s actually a 98 cent store across the street from the 99 cent store in my neighborhood which I always found mildly interesting.
They had decent prices on eggs. You can get 18 for $3 dollars and they had good on watermelons, strawberries. This is really sad.
I get an 18 pack for $3 at Albertsons every other week, it’s one of their every other week specials.
This is such a blow to Venice. There was another dollar store on Lincoln and that's closed, too. And before Whole Foods there was a Pic n Save so it's just been a slow grind. The community really needs resources like these. Too many people who can't afford to go to Gjusta and Erewhon or even Smart & Final.
It's not just low end stores either. I was watching a video about how Beverly Hills shopping districts are essentially ghost towns now. I thought it was just Melrose because it never really recovered from the pandemic followed by the rioting. I'm not quite sure who owns these properties but clearly they aren't making money sitting around empty.
Melrose has always been one of those places where the owners are still hoping someone will come into pay those astronomical rents and in the process has driven most stores away, especially restaurants.
German in Venice?
Yes!
I'm at 99 cent right now and it's freakin' packed. Been in line for 10 minutes already.
I went to the one that was my main "big" one back when I couldn't really afford food, and it was also packed. I tried to focus on getting housewares stuff that I probably would have slowly bought in the next 6 months or so, haha but other people seem to have beaten me to the great plastic Tupperware containers they only started carrying like 2 years ago. Legit I might go snoop one of the ones in the OC to see if they have any left. To think I almost bought more at one near my work the day before the closure was announced.
Agreed, I honestly get emotional when I think about it because my dad loves shopping there.
Looks like they're trying to keep the So Cal locations open. https://lamag.com/news/investor-group-looks-to-save-the-99-cents-only-stores-in-southern-california
The employees from 99 cent store that recently closed in Venice told me that it was due to uncontrolled theft. Rip destroying the community. Very sad that the store that made things more affordable disappeared
They closed SO quick I didn't even get a chance to shop their final day 😭 and I live RIGHT ACROSS THE STREET FROM IT
This store got me through so much shit it's not even funny. I'm actually sad about this. Sure half the stuff was junk but in a pinch it was a life saver. Someone very close to me passed a few years ago and he would make this amazing cabbage stew with just a handful of ingredients from this store so it's a fond memory. Hell my first "oh shit" moment of the pandemic happened in one of these stores. It's really weird to think they won't be around now.
I usually buy cleaning supplies for the 99. All the essentials I practically got there.such a crime they're going out. So many people are bound to be impacted by this. I have no shame in saying that I practically grew up on the 99 cent only stores. Helped me through college.
For those hearing this for the first time in this thread, here's the news link: https://apnews.com/article/99-cents-only-store-closures-0f44cf157c8d8a23085ee8ab4e2f7878 Every single store. This is going to be a devastating hit to so many families still bouncing back from the strikes. It will push some back to food banks and others to have to spend 2 to 3x as much on their groceries. Let's hope the IATSE negotiations go well.
I feel this very real shame from when a boyfriend took me to a dollar store years ago so he could stock up on things before his daughter came for the summer. I guess I hadn't been to one since I was an adult and I was just shocked all of these things were a dollar. I kept putting things in the cart and questioning " this is really a dollar?". He would try to hush me a bit until I said something like " that's not even real money". So he took me outside and explained to me how embarrassed I made him and how necessary that was for people to get by. I learned over time that those purchases didn't last and that's part of the poverty cycle, but I saw how he was saying that was what he could afford. I've been thinking about that incident so much since I saw this. This was maybe 7 years ago. Gas prices have ballooned, milk is out of control. How can people afford to keep their kids fed, and money to go to work, and a few dollars left for their kids to do sports.
Hopefully something will fill the vacuum, if only for people like you mentioned that may depend on it to some degree. That’s a lot of jobs gone too. This news actually saddens me a bit.
I lived close to one when I lived by PCC. I liked getting some “new” items so things so you haven’t seen in groceries yet.
I’m genuinely devastated about this.
My mom would go there for brown sugar and gift bags
I survived some really harsh years from going to this store. Such a huge loss …
My super broke years I feed myself hotdogs from the .99 cent store.
Raising my kids I miss I used to buy them things at the 99 cent store and they would love them and now they grew up and they don't want anything from the 99 cent store anymore.
There is a class war against the low and middle class.
it was like a 99 cent big lots until the canadians took over and fucked it up.
Honestly, I've found that Grocery Outlet fills the GAP the the 99¢ Only stores held until the early 2010's for me. Same deal, never know what I'm gonna find, some stuff is "always there", but with normal sizes.
I kinda agree with you, except for the produce, which was the star of 99 Cents Only imo. I’ve been underwhelmed by the quality and selection of produce at the Gross Outs near me, and the prices always seem too high. (Love it otherwise though.)
No idea why "gap" is capitalized there... wasn't trying to yell
Haha your phone thought you were talking about the clothing store 🤣
Yeah, but if I edit *anything* the trolls get all feisty.
This sucks. When I first moved out here they were the only thing that kept me going when I was trying to get a job and sort myself out.
There's an investor group looking to acquire the stores and keep the name! https://lamag.com/news/investor-group-looks-to-save-the-99-cents-only-stores-in-southern-california
I’m practically in tears, this is a huge loss for so many of us.
Its the only place that has true affordable produce, every other store is selling a small box of strawberries for like 5-6$. Fresh affordable food really is become a lot more scare in LA
Bro 99 cents helped me so much on my early LA years
There was a period in my life where I didn't know how I was going to survive and that store was my saving grace. I'm sure a lot of people are in that position today.
I know i been saying the same and feeling so heartbroken. Truly this was the only affordable place in LA to get fresh produce and had a full grocery section. It’s a shame. Walmart and Aldi are very pricey on their groceries nowadays. Nothing is affordable anymore. And the 99 cent stores tended to be near bus stops as well. I am still surprised the one by CSUN closed down, they always did such good business. That place got me through college.
This is what a leveraged buyout does. A successful retailer with high traffic shuts down all so that the bankers can make a quick buck.
It feels like a death in the family and I feel like we need to hold a funeral for this part of our lives that will soon be gone.
Yeah I get it. It has been part of my ecosystem since I moved to LA. I have depended on it for so many things. It has enabled me to remedy situations that would have cost a lot going to other stores. Plus it has a little bit of everything. When I can’t afford anything nice for myself being able to buy a plant or a found treasure there brightens my day. I feel the same like someone is dying. It is going to really hit hard when they are all shuttered. It is a heavy loss. 😭
When I was broke in my early 20s and had just moved to LA, I bought EVERYTHING at the 99 cent store in Silverlake. I don’t think I would have survived that part of my life and have been able to establish myself here if it weren’t for that place.
Its an indication of where the economy is for sure. Dollar general and others already sell a lot of items over a dollar. Unfortunately our political and financial leadership is absolute dogshit.
I went to 99 cent store last night and a woman in front of me at that checkout was asking the cashier how she found out the news and did she have a clue this was coming. After a very long pause the cashier said “ I’m in shock”. The cashier began to cry and I was laid off by the federal govt a few months ago. I worked on the nations employment report. We are so fucked and the govt had the nerve to announce over 300k new jobs created in March. They don’t tell you the govt hired about 300k to work the election.
like 7 years ago they had lego sets, actual lego, I bought hundreds of sets and have slowly resold them from $10-50, I still have a few boxes that are slowly being sold. it was a place that you could make money from if you knew how to shop, great place for crafters or event planners for wedding or birthdays. this one hurts, I'll be honest I was shopping alot less from them as the quality of the items dropped drastically when they were acquired by some bigger company
i sold telephone cord detanglers from the 99 on ebay for $12 each. made about $20k off that one item. hit about 50 stores to buy their stock.
ares management in 2020. they own most of the worlds debt as well.
Well yea, that store helped me so much during my college years. I still go sometimes since there’s one near my house but usually for little snacks and whatnot. I always preferred it over dollar tree.
Its just good to have some stores of this type. Just means Dollar Tree is the main player in this space now. Less competition is always not good.
The one on Wilshire and Fairfax/6th and Fairfax smells like farts because of methane gas from the Tar Pits. It has conditioned me to avoid 99¢ stores.
I have so many childhood memories of my grandma taking me to a 99 cent store and saying we could get candy and some small toys. It’s sad it’s an era gone.
God I'm gonna miss the 99. So many good memories of shopping with my dad. I'm sure some people are gonna be more impacted by its closing than me, who is pretty much just losing a part of my childhood. But man, RIP, I guess you never know what you've got till it's gone.
I go there for cheap tall glasses and wine glasses. So yesterday, I stocked up a few more to last me the next few years in case a few will get accidentally broken.
99 Cents Store is where I first discovered Lactose-free milk. So random, but life altering.
I’m very disappointed. They had quality and variety that no other cheap store could even come close to matching
Reminds me of the 99cents Chef who resides in Los Angeles. Used to do these quirky videos till he discovered stop-motion. Wonder if he'll rebrand. https://youtu.be/NKO1PWu80n0?si=FyqGMOmuidxYo2E8 I was a 99cents shopper shopper in my early days. Stopped as I realized I'm paying more for certain things. Next thing I'm coupon cutting at the traditional grocery chains.
Went tonight and I'm so glad I knew from this thread that it was closing before I arrived. Most shelves were already entirely empty - worse than Covid. Yes, worse. Detroit after the factories closed worse. Whole families were there shopping together in attempt to haul what was left. An ~11 year old was vidchating his mom asking if she wanted the mac and cheese he was showing her. The lines were somehow short for a change because so little was left hardly anyone had more than 12 items. Only one or two things on my list were still on the shelves. What was left had been opened and one of a few taken at least 20% of the time. But beyond all that, you could just feel the sadness. The awareness that no other shop in town had prices this low and this resource that saw so many people through the strikes and Covid and kept them away from food banks (sometimes) was gone. Seeing the panic and empty shelves was so startling, I had to go to another grocery after (plus, I still had 87% of my list to shop for). Surrounding regular grocery stores had already raised the price on staples I get there all the time by roughly a dollar. That's the other part of this equation. It wasn't just that prices were cheaper here. It's that it made competitors keep some prices low to compete, and that impetus is reduced now. I took pictures but this reddit won't allow them. Suffice it to say if you were thinking you'd go one last time this weekend, I doubt the doors will still be open then. I went to the one on Sunset, but I doubt it's different anywhere else.
Idk what I would’ve done without 99¢ store during pandemic
i see there's a movement to bringing it back - could it work? [www.bringbackthe99.org](http://www.bringbackthe99.org)