Dollar Store Dangers

WASHINGTON, DC (WUSA) -- A broom...just one dollar. Batteries, they're a buck too. So, are the dinner plates.

Consumer Reports ShopSmart magazine says it's easy to lapse into a bargain-hunting frenzy in a dollar store.

"You can save big on some things. But, we found dollar stores don't consistently offer the best deals," says Jody Rohlena.

And shop with care. When safety czar Don Mays stopped by a local dollar store, he found many items that are unsafe at any price.

For instance, balloon whistle party favors Consumer Reports calls an absolutely perfect chocking hazard. And, potential harmful bubbles packaged in what looks like a baby bottle.

A skateboard looks like a fun toy kids would want to play with. The problem, the dollar store bargain is actually a lighter.

Don Mays says, "We found dozens of safety problems on the store shelves, and this isn't the first time. We've been reporting on these kinds of safety problems from dollar stores for years."

When safety is not an issue, how do dollar stores' savings stack up? ShopSmart sent mystery shoppers nationwide to compare prices of 11 common household items to similar ones sold at supermarkets, drug and discount stores.

"Some things clearly cost less, like aluminum foil, three cents a square foot compared to eight," Jody Rohlena says.

But in the case of birthday candles, they were both the cheapest and most expensive at dollar stores.

So, when shopping at a dollar store, consider safety and savings. You won't find yourself penny wise and dollar foolish.

Overall, dollar stores had some of the best deals on party supplies like napkins, plates and especially wrapping paper.

But, yo may only find a limited selection versus a wider assortment at stores like Target, CVS or Walmart.