DFW dollar store comparison: Dollar Tree vs Dollar General vs Five Below

Dollar stores aren't all equal. Here's what to buy where in DFW.

Dollar Tree (everything $1.25 now):

• Best for: greeting cards, gift bags, party supplies, pregnancy tests (same FDA standard), cleaning supplies
• Skip: food (quality is questionable), electronics, tools
• Best DFW location: Dollar Tree Plus on Belt Line Rd (Irving) — expanded inventory

Dollar General:

• Best for: name-brand food at slight discount, household basics, seasonal items
• Skip: anything that looks like a knockoff brand you've never heard of
• DG Pickup is free and actually works well
• Best DFW location: Market Store locations have full grocery — check the one in Mesquite on Town East

Five Below:

• Best for: phone accessories, games, fitness basics, room decor, snacks
• Skip: anything electronic over $5 (the $5+ section quality is hit or miss)
• Best DFW location: Stonebriar Centre area (Frisco) — newly remodeled

The real savings comparison (same items): | Item | Dollar Tree | Dollar General | Five Below | Walmart | |------|------------|---------------|------------|----------| | Phone charger | $1.25 | $5 | $5 | $8 | | Party plates (8ct) | $1.25 | $2.50 | $3 | $3.50 | | Greeting card | $1.25 | $3 | N/A | $4+ |

Sources:

• In-store price checks March 2026
• Google Maps for DFW locations

What's your dollar store go-to?