Goods on the Cheap at the 99 Cents Only Store

With Easter just around the corner, it was time for me to get the goods to assemble my nephew Wyatt's basket. 

Instead of driving all across the Valley to See’s, Rite-Aid, and wherever one goes to obtain Peeps, I decided to walk a block and a half to my local store.

That’s right; the Beverly Hills of the Valley neighborhood of Toluca Lake has a 99 Cents Only store. And many Tolucans shop there, based on the multitude of BMWs and Mercedes I spied in the parking lot.

The first 99 Cents Only store opened in 1982 and has expanded to 281 stores, with most in California and the rest in Texas, Arizona, and Nevada.

Many consumers who can afford to shop elsewhere frequent the 99 Cents Only stores for the thrill of the hunt. Amidst the bric-a-brac many find hidden treasures and great bargains.

The Commerce based chain sells closeout and general merchandise, including brand and private label food and beverages, health and beauty aids, toys and seasonal items.

I was happy to find everything I needed for my nephew’s Easter basket. Chocolate bunny, many to choose from. Fake grass, in a wide variety of colors. Hollow eggs to hide candy in, eight to a package in purple, pink, blue, green and yellow. And a variety of baskets, candy and jelly beans. Only thing missing was the Peeps, which the woman at the register informed me would be coming in by Wednesday.

As in every trip to the 99 Cents Only store, I found a real gem. A cute miniature bunny bowling set priced at ... 99 Cents. Eight pins of brightly-colored bunnies and two baby bowling balls. What a find!