Learn how to master Dollar General penny shopping in 2025 with this step-by-step guide, including tips, tricks, and hidden secrets for finding one-cent items.
Ever wondered how people find items for just one cent at Dollar General? Welcome to the world of penny shopping—a secret savings strategy savvy shoppers use to grab steeply discounted products before they’re pulled from store shelves. In this guide, you’ll learn exactly how to find these hidden treasures, what to watch out for, and the rules every penny shopper must follow in 2025.
🔍 What Is Dollar General Penny Shopping?
Dollar General penny items are products that have gone through multiple markdowns and are scheduled to be removed from the sales floor. Instead of being thrown out or returned, they get marked in the system for just $0.01. If you can find them before employees remove them, you can legally purchase them for just a penny.
📅 When Do Penny Items Drop?
Most penny items drop on Tuesday mornings. This is when Dollar General updates their system and discounts certain clearance items to $0.01. Dedicated penny shoppers typically hit the store early on Tuesday to grab deals before they disappear.
🛑 The Golden Rules of Penny Shopping
- Do not ask employees about penny items—they are not allowed to tell you.
- Be respectful. Employees are just doing their job.
- If an item scans as a penny, they must sell it to you—this is company policy.
- Use self-checkout if available, but understand it’s not foolproof.
- Don’t trash the store digging for items—keep the aisles clean.
🧠 How to Identify Penny Items
Identifying penny items takes practice. The most effective way to find them is by following reliable penny list sources that report weekly drops. Items may be hidden in clearance sections, endcaps, or even in the regular aisles mixed in with full-priced products.
📱 Use the Dollar General App
The Dollar General app is your best friend. Use it to scan barcodes and confirm prices. If it scans as $0.01 in your store’s location, you’ve likely found a penny item. Be sure to toggle to the correct store in the app’s settings.
📋 Join Penny Shopping Communities
Many penny shoppers share tips, lists, and photos of recent finds in private Facebook groups, Reddit threads, and Telegram channels. These communities help you stay ahead of the curve and avoid expired or inaccurate info.
✅ Examples of Penny Items
Penny items change every week and can include:
- Seasonal decorations (Easter, Halloween, etc.)
- Expired or discontinued food and drink
- Beauty and personal care items
- Apparel marked with specific dots or tags
- Stationery, toys, party supplies
📍 Best Locations for Penny Finds
Smaller Dollar General locations or stores in rural areas may have more penny finds because they’re slower to pull expired items. Visit different stores in your area and keep track of which ones restock or overlook clearance inventory.
🔗 Weekly Updated Penny List
For the latest list of confirmed penny items, visit the Dollar General Penny List. They update weekly so you can head to the store with a plan and score!
🎯 Final Thoughts
Penny shopping at Dollar General is like a real-life treasure hunt. With a little research, the right tools, and good timing, you can walk away with a cart full of items for just pocket change. Respect the rules, shop ethically, and enjoy the thrill of saving big!