What Day is Penny Day at Dollar General? The short answer is Tuesday – but there’s much more to the story than just showing up at your local store on Tuesday morning.
Every week, smart shoppers find items marked down to just one penny at Dollar General stores across the country. While you’re paying full price for household essentials, others are filling their carts with similar items for pennies on the dollar. The catch? These incredible deals aren’t advertised, and timing is everything. Miss that sweet spot, and you’ll be waiting another week for your chance at serious savings.
Throughout this article, you’ll discover exactly how to time your shopping trips, where to look for these hidden bargains, and the insider tricks that turn casual Dollar General visits into money-saving opportunities. With rising prices putting pressure on family budgets, knowing how to find these penny deals could make a real difference in your monthly expenses.
Also See: Biggest Mistakes Beginners Make When Penny Shopping at Dollar General
What Are Penny Items?
Penny items at Dollar General are products that should have been removed from store shelves. These items are usually seasonal merchandise, discontinued products, or items that didn’t sell during previous markdowns. When these products ring up for just one cent at the register, it signals to store employees that they should be pulled from the shelves.
Also See: Dollar General Penny Shopping Policy
When to Shop for Penny Items
The best time to search for penny items is Tuesday morning. Most Dollar General stores update their prices overnight between Monday and Tuesday, making Tuesday the prime shopping day for these deals. However, some locations operate differently:
- Most stores: Prices update before opening on Tuesday
- Stores with newer systems: Updates might happen later on Tuesday
- Some locations: Updates don’t occur until Wednesday
Your success rate increases significantly by shopping early in the morning when stores first open. This gives you the best chance to find items before they’re removed from shelves.
How to Find Penny Deals
For starters, we update the penny list and clearance items each week.
Next, you’ll want to arm yourself with the Dollar General app. Here’s how to use it for penny shopping:
- Download the official Dollar General app
- Make sure it’s updated before shopping
- Use the scanner function to check prices
- Look for items showing $0.00 or $0.01
A UPC (Universal Product Code) is the barcode found on product packaging. You can scan these codes with the app to verify prices before heading to checkout. This helps avoid any awkward situations at the register.
Also See: Beginner’s Guide to Penny Shopping at Dollar General
Where to Look in the Store
Penny items can appear anywhere in the store, but some areas yield better results:
- Clearance sections
- Front of store near registers
- End caps of aisles
- Regular aisles mixed with full-price items
- Seasonal areas (especially after holidays)
Shopping Strategy for Success
Successful penny shopping requires planning and patience. Here’s what works:
- Visit stores right when they open
- Check multiple store locations
- Stay calm at checkout – some registers don’t show the penny price until the end
- Don’t ask employees about penny items
- Be prepared for different store policies
Understanding Clearance Patterns
Penny shopping connects directly to Dollar General’s clearance schedule. The typical markdown pattern is:
- Items start at 50% off
- Discounts increase to 70%
- Final markdowns reach 90%
- Items not sold at 90% off might become penny items
Holiday merchandise offers extra opportunities. Watch for clearance after:
- Christmas
- Valentine’s Day
- Easter
- Summer season
- Super Bowl
Important Shopping Tips
A few key points will help you have a better shopping experience:
- Each store handles penny items differently
- Some locations might not sell penny items even if they ring up
- Be respectful of store employees and policies
- Only purchase items you’ll actually use
Combining Savings Opportunities
While searching for penny items, watch for other ways to save:
- Weekly sales
- Digital coupons
- Manufacturer coupons
- $5 off $25 purchase deals (typically available on Saturdays)
Your first penny shopping trip might not yield a cart full of one-cent items. That’s normal. The real success comes from understanding your local store’s patterns – which sections typically have deals, what time the prices update, and how different seasonal changes affect markdowns. Armed with the Dollar General app and a strategic shopping plan, you’re now ready to turn those early Tuesday morning store visits into significant savings.
Next Tuesday morning, take that first step. Open the app, head to your nearest Dollar General when they unlock the doors, and start scanning. Small wins add up, and soon enough, you’ll join the ranks of shoppers who’ve mastered the art of turning pennies into real savings for their family budget.