Shopping at Dollar General can feel like a normal quick stop for everyday essentials but for those who know about the DG Penny List, it turns into an exciting bargain-hunting adventure. Imagine walking out with items that cost only one cent each. This isn’t a myth or marketing trick; it’s a real opportunity for shoppers who understand how Dollar General clearance systems work. Penny shopping combines timing, strategy, and patience, and when done right, the rewards can be incredible.
This guide explains everything you need to know about the DG Penny List, from how it works to smart shopping strategies, common items, store etiquette, and how to use your penny finds wisely.
What Is the DG Penny List?
The DG Penny List is an unofficial list of discontinued, seasonal, or overstocked items that Dollar General’s system marks down to $0.01. These items are not meant to be sold; they are supposed to be pulled from shelves by employees. However, when items remain on the sales floor, customers are legally allowed to purchase them at the scanned price.
Dollar General uses penny pricing as a final clearance stage to remove old inventory from stores. Once an item hits a penny, it signals that it should no longer be available for sale but if it’s still on the shelf, the system allows the purchase.
This creates a unique opportunity for informed shoppers to find massive discounts that aren’t advertised anywhere in-store.
Why Dollar General Uses Penny Pricing
Dollar General operates thousands of stores with constantly rotating inventory. To keep shelves updated, the company uses a structured markdown system. Penny pricing serves several purposes:
It helps eliminate outdated inventory
It clears warehouse space
It prevents cluttered shelves
It prepares stores for new product launches
Rather than manually tracking every leftover product, the system automatically reduces certain items to one cent, signaling staff to remove them. When staff miss items, penny shoppers step in.
How to Find the DG Penny List
The DG Penny List is never officially published by Dollar General, which makes finding it part of the thrill. Most shoppers rely on online communities and shared knowledge.
Online Penny Shopping Communities
Facebook groups are the most reliable source for weekly penny updates. Dedicated penny shoppers post lists every Monday night or early Tuesday morning, often including product photos, SKU numbers, and scanning confirmations.
Forums and Reddit communities also discuss penny finds, clearance patterns, and store-specific experiences.
Penny Shopping Influencers and Bloggers
Many bloggers and YouTubers focus exclusively on Dollar General deals. They test items in stores, share haul videos, and post weekly penny lists. Following a few trusted creators helps you stay ahead of changes.
In-Store Discovery
Some shoppers stumble upon penny items by scanning products randomly with the Dollar General app. This method takes time but can lead to surprise finds that aren’t widely shared online.
Best Strategies for Successful Penny Shopping
Penny shopping is competitive, and preparation makes all the difference.
Shop Early in the Day
Arriving right when the store opens gives you the best chance to find penny items before employees remove them or other shoppers grab them.
Visit Multiple Locations
Not all Dollar General stores receive the same inventory or follow the same clearance schedule. One store may have dozens of penny items while another has none. Visiting multiple locations increases your odds significantly.
Always Scan Items
Never rely solely on shelf tags. Penny items often ring up at full price on the shelf but scan for one cent at checkout. The Dollar General app is essential for confirming prices before heading to the register.
Stay Organized
Bring a list, screenshots, or saved images of penny items. This prevents confusion and saves time while shopping.
Common Categories Found on the Penny List
Penny items vary weekly, but certain categories appear frequently.
Seasonal Products
Holiday decorations, gift wrap, themed kitchenware, and party supplies often penny out after the season ends.
Clothing and Accessories
Out-of-season apparel, socks, scarves, gloves, and children’s clothing commonly hit the penny list.
Home and Kitchen Items
Storage containers, dishes, candles, picture frames, and cleaning tools are frequent penny finds.
Food and Snacks
Some snacks, candy, and pantry items go to a penny close to their sell-by date. Always check expiration dates before use.
Health and Beauty Products
Makeup, shampoo, skincare, and personal care items are occasionally discontinued and marked down.
Typical Penny Item Examples
| Category | Examples |
|---|---|
| Seasonal | Holiday décor, Easter baskets, Christmas lights |
| Apparel | Gloves, scarves, kids’ pajamas |
| Household | Storage bins, dishware, candles |
| Food | Candy, chips, boxed snacks |
| Beauty | Shampoo, nail polish, cosmetics |
Best Time of the Week to Penny Shop
Timing is one of the most important factors in penny shopping success.
Tuesday Mornings
Most penny items appear on Tuesday mornings when Dollar General updates its pricing system overnight. Shopping early on Tuesday gives you the best chance of finding items before they’re pulled.
After Major Holidays
Major holidays like Christmas, Easter, Halloween, and Valentine’s Day produce large amounts of penny items once clearance cycles end.
Season Changes
End-of-summer and end-of-winter transitions often bring clothing and home items down to a penny.
Understanding Dollar General Store Policies
Dollar General has specific internal policies regarding penny items, and understanding them helps avoid frustration.
Employees Are Not Required to Sell Penny Items
If an employee finds penny items before checkout, they can remove them from your cart. This is allowed under company policy.
Discretion Matters
Announcing penny finds loudly or showing lists to employees can draw attention and reduce your chances of completing a purchase.
Be Prepared for Refusals
Some stores are stricter than others. If a store refuses a sale, politely accept and move on to another location.
Real Penny Shopping Experiences
Many shoppers share stories of incredible savings through penny shopping.
Some report carts full of home goods for under a dollar
Others find brand-new toys for pennies
Seasonal clearance hauls worth hundreds of dollars are common
These stories highlight the value of consistency and patience.
How to Use Penny Items Wisely
Once you score penny deals, there are many practical ways to use them.
Personal Use
Stock up on household basics like storage bins, candles, or cleaning supplies for future use.
Gift Giving
Penny items are perfect for gift baskets, party favors, and holiday gifts when paired creatively.
Donations
Donating penny finds to shelters, schools, or food banks is a meaningful way to give back without financial strain.
Reselling Opportunities
Some shoppers resell penny items online or at yard sales, turning one-cent items into small profits.
Proper Etiquette for Penny Shoppers
Good manners go a long way in penny shopping.
Always treat employees with respect
Avoid emptying entire shelves
Do not argue over store policies
Keep checkout lines moving
A positive attitude can lead to better experiences and even helpful tips from staff.
Using Technology to Improve Your Results
Technology is essential for modern penny shopping.
Dollar General App
The app allows you to scan barcodes and check prices instantly. This prevents surprises at checkout.
Social Media Alerts
Turn on notifications for penny shopping groups and pages to receive updates as soon as lists are posted.
Photo References
Saving item photos helps you recognize penny items quickly while shopping.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Even experienced shoppers make mistakes.
Ignoring expiration dates
Trusting shelf prices without scanning
Shopping too late in the day
Being confrontational with staff
Avoiding these errors improves your success rate.
Is Penny Shopping Worth the Effort?
For many shoppers, penny shopping is more than saving money it’s a hobby. The thrill of finding hidden deals, the challenge of timing, and the satisfaction of smart shopping make it worthwhile.
While results vary, consistent shoppers often save hundreds of dollars annually by mastering the process.
Final Thoughts
The DG Penny List transforms ordinary Dollar General trips into exciting treasure hunts. With the right knowledge, timing, and strategy, shoppers can uncover unbelievable deals that feel almost too good to be true. Penny shopping rewards patience, discretion, and preparation and when everything aligns, the payoff is incredible.
Whether you’re looking to save money, stock up on essentials, or simply enjoy the thrill of the hunt, penny shopping offers a unique and rewarding experience worth exploring.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the DG Penny List?
It’s an unofficial list of Dollar General items reduced to one cent due to being discontinued, seasonal, or overstocked.
How do I find current penny items?
Join online penny shopping groups, follow deal bloggers, and scan items using the Dollar General app.
When is the best day to penny shop?
Tuesday mornings offer the highest chance of success.
Can employees refuse to sell penny items?
Yes, if they remove them before checkout.
What should I do with penny finds?
Use them personally, donate them, gift them, or resell them responsibly.
