A recent research report published in the American Journal of Public Health found that dollar stores are one of the fastest-growing food retailers in the USA. From the Tufts University School of Medicine and the Friedman School of Nutrition Science and Policy, the report found that dollar stores have doubled their shares in rural areas, and people of colour from lower-income households make the majority of purchases.
The study looked at dollar store buying trends over the last ten years and is one of the first to use nationally representative data on the role of dollar stores in American households.
The stores don’t usually specialise in fresh foods. Instead, they stock food and beverages that are typically lower in nutrients, have high-calorie levels and are available at very low prices.
The dollar stores are most popular in Southern USA, where rural non-Hispanic households spend an average of 11.6 percent of their food budgets. It makes sense, as the business model originated in the South, where most distribution centres are located.
There are concerns about the shopping trend, as it highlights a lack of food accessibility in rural areas and is contributing to obesity levels.
