You may not think that the words "New York City" and "discount store" would even go together, so you might be surprised to find that there are several located in and around the City. Some of these are independent or regional stores, while others are part of a national chain.
These are good places to buy bottled water, sunscreen, hats, snack food, and other items that you need for your sightseeing trips if you're a tourist, and your everyday needs if you're a local. Prices are reasonable, and you can find brand name as well as store brands at these locations.
A Dollar Store
Located at 88 Mulberry Street in New York's Chinatown district, the store's name is also how much everything costs in the store--$1. You'll pay tax, of course, but, still, your retail price will be no more than $1. The store accepts cash only. This can actually be beneficial, as you can give the kids a handful of dollar bills and tell them to go buy anything they see. They'll really enjoy that after a few days of having had to decide what they really wanted to spend their souvenir money on.
Family Dollar
This is a national chain, with two locations in Brooklyn. This store is known for its very reasonable prices, especially on household items such as cleaners, trash bags, paper products and other things that residents and visitors alike to New York will tell you can add more expense to your grocery bill. Locals most likely use this store to stock their cleaning supply closets while visitors can find snacks, bottled water and other drinks, and toiletry items that they may have run out of while visiting New York.
National Wholesale (various locations)
There are four locations close to New York City—one in Brooklyn, one in the Bronx, one in Queens, and one in Long Island City. In addition, there is a store in Yonkers, as well as one in Jersey City, New Jersey. This store offers products at deeply discounted prices. Some are "close-outs"; in other words, there will be no more as soon as they are gone. Others are from overstocked inventories. No matter where they come from, though, they mean big savings for locals and visitors alike.
R & A Discount Stores
A short drive or public transportation ride to 106 5th Avenue in Brooklyn will bring you to this store which specializes in bicycle sales and rentals as well as biking accessories such as water bottles. It also offers other merchandise. Out-of-towners may want to check on the bicycle rental prices while locals may go here for their bicycle purchases. Whatever the reason for going, you're sure to save some money.
