Welcome to the ultimate guide on the Dollar General Penny List — your go-to source for uncovering hidden deals where select items drop to just 1 cent! Whether you’re a seasoned penny shopper or just learning about this incredible savings hack, this post will walk you through everything you need to know about scoring the best deals Dollar General has to offer — all for a single penny.
🛒 What Are Penny Items at Dollar General?
Penny items are deeply discounted products that Dollar General marks down to $0.01. These are not regular clearance items — they are highly specific products that have completed the entire markdown cycle and are no longer meant to be sold. Items typically become penny items when they’ve been in clearance for weeks or even months and DG corporate decides it’s time to remove them from stores.
Employees are instructed to pull these items from the sales floor, but if you find one that wasn’t removed in time — congratulations, you can legally buy it for a penny! That’s right — a full product, usually priced at several dollars, can be yours for $0.01 if you know where and how to look.
📅 When Are New Penny Items Released?
Most new penny items appear every Tuesday morning. That means early-bird shoppers who show up right when the store opens have the best shot at grabbing these deals before employees pull them from the shelves. Keep in mind that not every Dollar General store will have every penny item — stock varies by region and store inventory.
Because Dollar General does not officially publish these lists, staying connected to penny shopping communities is essential. Penny lists are typically leaked and shared by experienced shoppers a few days before Tuesday, giving you time to plan your shopping route and make your list.
🔎 How to Find Penny Items – Tips for Spotting the Deals
While penny items are technically supposed to be removed by employees, many get missed. Here’s how you can spot them:
- Use the DG App: The Dollar General app has a barcode scanner that lets you scan items and check the price at your local store. Simply scan the product and if it rings up as $0.01, it’s a penny deal!
- Look in Clearance Sections: Many penny items are former clearance products. Check endcaps, seasonal displays, and back corners of the store for hidden gems.
- Know the Tags: Learn how to read Dollar General’s colored dot and star system. Products with yellow dots, blue dots, or green stars are often marked down.
- Dig Deep: Penny items are often hidden behind or under regular-priced items. Don’t be afraid to move a few things around (respectfully!) to check behind products.
Check out the Dollar General Penny List for This Week!
No Penny List For This Week
📲 Using the Dollar General App for Penny Shopping
Download the official Dollar General App on your smartphone. Once installed, log in and switch your store location to the one you’ll be visiting. The scanner tool will only work accurately if your selected store matches your physical location.
Go to the scanner feature, point it at any product’s barcode, and if the item is a penny, it will display “$0.01.” This is the fastest and most reliable way to confirm penny items while shopping.
🚫 Rules & Etiquette for Penny Shopping at Dollar General
Before you dive in, it’s important to follow proper etiquette to ensure you remain respectful and successful:
- Don’t Ask Employees About Penny Items: DG employees are instructed not to discuss penny deals. Asking about them may even prompt staff to remove items before you have a chance to buy them.
- Act Quickly: If you find a penny item, put it in your cart right away. Once it’s at the register, it’s yours. But if you leave it and come back, there’s no guarantee it’ll still be there.
- Stay Polite: Always be respectful to staff and fellow customers. Arguing or being rude about penny policies can get you banned from stores.
- Limit Shelf Clearing: Try not to take every single penny item on the shelf. Leave some for others, especially in small or tight-knit communities.
🧭 Penny Shopping Strategy – Plan Like a Pro
Here’s a helpful strategy for maximizing your penny finds each week:
- Check the Weekly Penny List (Monday Night): Reliable penny lists usually come out late Monday night or early Tuesday morning. Check social groups or deal websites that consistently post accurate lists.
- Create a Shopping Map: List 3–5 nearby DG stores and plan your route before 8 AM Tuesday morning.
- Use Bins and Bags: Bring tote bags or small bins so you can check out faster and avoid delays at the register.
- Scan Before You Buy: Never rely on shelf tags alone. Use the DG app to verify the current price.
💡 What Types of Products Become Penny Items?
Penny items vary weekly, but common categories include:
- Seasonal décor (e.g., Christmas, Easter, Halloween)
- Expired or near-expired food items
- Discontinued cosmetics and beauty products
- Home goods and kitchen items
- Old toy inventory and clearance toys
- Clothing from past seasons
- Paper products or discontinued packaging
Remember — if it’s out of season or deeply discounted already, it could be just a week away from becoming a penny item!
🛍️ Common Penny Shopping Mistakes to Avoid
Even experienced penny shoppers can make mistakes. Avoid these pitfalls to save time and hassle:
- Scanning with the wrong store selected in the app
- Assuming every clearance item is a penny item
- Not verifying prices at checkout before arguing
- Talking loudly about penny shopping in-store
- Leaving behind penny items while deciding
📈 Why Penny Shopping is Worth It
Although penny shopping takes time and effort, the savings can be incredible. Many shoppers report scoring hundreds of dollars worth of items for under $1. Some even resell items at flea markets or use them for donation drives. Whether you’re stocking up for your family, gifting, or giving back, penny shopping makes it affordable.
Beyond the thrill of the hunt, it’s also a great way to become a more mindful shopper. You learn to pay closer attention to store layouts, clearance signs, and product cycles — all of which can help you save in other retail settings too.
🎯 Final Tips for Mastering the Penny Game
- Be patient. Some stores won’t have any penny items this week, but that doesn’t mean next week won’t be a goldmine.
- Keep a running list. Jot down barcodes or product names of previously marked-down items to scan later.
- Join local groups. Many regions have penny-shopping Facebook or Telegram groups to share updates and tips.
- Check multiple stores. Some stores are stricter than others, but with enough tries, you’ll find one that lets you score regularly.
- Check The Penny Shopping For Begginers article for more info
✅ Your Weekly Updated Penny List
Check back every Monday night or early Tuesday for the updated Dollar General Penny List. Each list includes specific items to scan and look for at your local stores. Be prepared, be early, and bring that penny-hunting energy!
JUNE:
- June 17, 2025 – No New Penny List
- June 10, 2025
- June 3, 2025
May:
- May 27, 2025 Dollar General Penny List
- May 23, 2025 Dollar General Penny List
- May 20, 2025 Dollar General Penny List
Bookmark this page and never miss out on those amazing penny deals again!
🔔 Stay Connected for Updates
To stay up to date on weekly lists, join penny shopping communities and sign up for deal alerts from trusted shopping sites. Sharing finds, supporting each other, and staying informed makes penny shopping more rewarding and fun.
Happy penny hunting — may your cart be full and your receipt be tiny!
Mastering the Art of Penny Shopping at Dollar General
Penny shopping at Dollar General isn’t just a savvy way to save money — it’s a thrilling treasure hunt that rewards preparation, persistence, and a keen eye for detail. Whether you’re a seasoned penny shopper or a curious newcomer, understanding the nuances of this practice can significantly enhance your shopping experience.
Understanding Penny Items
Penny items are products that Dollar General has marked down to $0.01, typically because they’re discontinued, out-of-season, or overstocked. These items are intended to be removed from shelves by employees, but occasionally, some slip through the cracks and remain available for purchase. When scanned at the register, these items ring up as one cent, offering an unbeatable deal for those in the know.
The Importance of Timing
New penny lists are generally released every Tuesday. To maximize your chances of finding these deals, plan your shopping trips for Tuesday mornings. Arriving early increases the likelihood of discovering penny items before they’re removed by store staff. However, it’s essential to note that not all stores receive the same inventory, so availability may vary by location.
Utilizing the Dollar General App
The Dollar General app is an indispensable tool for penny shoppers. By using the app’s barcode scanner, you can verify the price of items before heading to the checkout. This feature helps confirm whether a product is indeed a penny item, reducing surprises at the register. Ensure your app is updated and that your selected store location matches your physical location for accurate pricing.
Recognizing Clearance Indicators
Dollar General employs a system of colored dots and stars on price tags to signify clearance items. Familiarizing yourself with these symbols can aid in identifying potential penny items. For instance, products with yellow dots, blue dots, or green stars often indicate markdowns. Additionally, seasonal items or products from past holidays are prime candidates for penny pricing.
Best Practices for Penny Shopping
To ensure a respectful and successful penny shopping experience, consider the following guidelines:
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Do Not Ask Employees About Penny Items: Store associates are instructed not to assist customers in locating penny items. Inquiring about them may prompt staff to remove these items from the shelves.
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Be Discreet and Respectful: Maintain a low profile while searching for penny items. Avoid creating messes or disrupting store displays. Always return items to their original place if you decide not to purchase them.
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Purchase All Desired Penny Items at Once: Once a penny item is scanned at the register, employees may remove remaining stock from the shelves. To avoid missing out, gather all the penny items you intend to buy before checking out.
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Stay Informed: Join online communities, forums, or social media groups dedicated to penny shopping. These platforms often share updated penny lists, tips, and experiences that can enhance your shopping strategy.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Even experienced penny shoppers can make errors. Here are some pitfalls to steer clear of:
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Assuming All Stores Have the Same Penny Items: Inventory varies by location, so an item that’s a penny in one store may not be in another.
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Neglecting to Verify Prices: Always use the Dollar General app to scan items and confirm their price before proceeding to checkout.
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Being Disrespectful to Staff: Maintaining a courteous demeanor toward store employees fosters a positive shopping environment and may prevent potential conflicts.
Expanding Your Penny Shopping Horizons
While Dollar General is a popular destination for penny shopping, other retailers occasionally offer similar markdowns. Exploring different stores and staying attuned to clearance sales can broaden your opportunities for savings. Remember to apply the same principles of discretion, respect, and preparedness wherever you shop.
Bonus Tip: Track Seasonal Patterns
Understanding Dollar General’s seasonal inventory cycles can also improve your penny shopping strategy. Holiday-themed merchandise and back-to-school supplies, for instance, tend to go through a clearance phase before reaching penny status. Watch for price drops over several weeks; items that go from 90% off to clearance often become penny items next.
Keep a Penny Shopping Kit
Keep a small kit with you for optimal success on your penny shopping trips. Include:
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Your smartphone with the Dollar General app preloaded and updated
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A printed copy or screenshot of the current week’s penny list
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A tote bag or small basket (especially helpful if your local store doesn’t offer carts)
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A notepad to jot down store layouts, dot colors, or product codes
Being prepared ensures you’re efficient and respectful of store operations.
What to Expect at Checkout
Many new penny shoppers worry about what might happen at checkout. Here’s what you should know:
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If a penny item scans at $0.01, the cashier is expected to sell it to you.
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Some stores may attempt to deny the sale, but Dollar General policy is to sell the item once it reaches the register.
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If denied, you can politely request clarification on store policy or decide to try another location.
Being polite and calm is the best way to navigate any surprises.
Share the Penny Love
If you’ve had success penny shopping, pay it forward by sharing your finds or tips in your favorite Facebook group or deal community. Helping others saves them money and builds goodwill within the penny shopping community.
Final Thoughts
Penny shopping is more than just a way to save—it’s a strategy, a hobby, and for some, a lifestyle. With a little patience, the right tools, and consistent effort, you can uncover hidden gems on every Dollar General run. Keep following the updated lists, learn to identify the signs of markdowns, and embrace the thrill of the hunt.
For those looking to go even deeper, Glitchndealz regularly posts the latest penny lists, clearance deals, and shopping hacks. Bookmark the site, subscribe to the newsletter, and never miss another one-cent treasure.
Happy penny hunting!
