Dollar Tree recently announced that they would be raising their prices. That means that things are going up to $1.25 instead of the usual $1 goods. They were the last big dollar store chain that was holding out with the $1 deals. Other dollar stores have already made the transition and it isn't that often any longer that you actually see any $1 goods. Now the same will be the case at Dollar Tree.
Inflation has been increasing food prices for many and that means looking to save money. Many in the U.S. have already been looking to save on groceries and get what food they can find at a dollar store. When communities struggle and need affordable options the dollar store has been there to help them find a variety, even if it might be arguably low quality for the most part.
For some Americans shopping at a dollar store is the only option, because they don't have much else nearby. Over the years they increasingly shifted to offering groceries and other high priced goods. And the days of the $1 store are truly long gone now even if there is a growing trend of people looking for discount shopping and more deals on food and other items.
Sources:
https://www.businessinsider.com/dollar-store-officially-dead-dollar-tree-dollar-general-2021-9
https://www.washingtonpost.com/business/2021/08/20/growing-number-americans-are-relying-dollar-stores/
https://www.npr.org/2021/10/19/1047400915/dollar-stores-have-boomed-during-the-pandemic-which-concerns-some-communities