Dollar General penny shopping: how the penny list works
Updated 2026-09-30
Dollar General penny items are products that scan at $0.01 because the chain has told stores to remove them — discontinued items, old packaging, or seasonal stock past its date. They're meant to be pulled from the shelf, but when a unit is missed, it can ring up for a penny.
Why Dollar General items go to a penny
When Dollar General discontinues an item or resets a section, the system drops that item's price to $0.01 as a signal to pull it. The penny price is an internal flag, not a promotion, so there are no penny signs and nothing in the weekly ad.
Before an item goes to a penny it usually spends time on clearance, often in the clearance aisle or on an end cap with a reduced price sticker.
When new penny items show up
Shopper communities commonly report that new penny items take effect early in the week, with Tuesday the most-cited day. Stores that are slow to reset keep penny items on the shelf longer, so smaller or busier stores can be better hunting grounds.
How to find Dollar General penny items
- Start with the clearance aisle and seasonal leftovers — those are the items closest to a penny.
- Check the DG app's price scanner before checkout. If an item won't scan or shows an unexpected price, it may have been flagged.
- Compare shared penny lists with what's actually in your store; items differ between stores and change weekly.
- Look for old packaging next to new packaging — the old version is often the one being pulled.
Rules and etiquette
Dollar General's official position is that penny items aren't for sale, and employees may decline to ring them up. Don't ask staff to look up penny items, don't clear shelves, and be ready to put items back if the cashier says no.
How DealHawk helps
DealHawk tracks Dollar General prices and digital coupons at the stores you choose and highlights deep markdowns, including items that net close to free after coupons and cash back. You see what's worth the trip before you go.
Frequently asked questions
What day does Dollar General release penny items?
Dollar General doesn't announce penny items. Shoppers most often report new penny items appearing early in the week, especially Tuesday, but timing varies by store.
Can Dollar General refuse to sell a penny item?
Yes. Penny items are flagged for removal, so a store can decline the sale. Many shoppers find some stores will sell them and others won't.
Where can I find the Dollar General penny list?
There's no official list. Shopper groups share weekly lists, but what's actually on the shelf depends on your store, so use the lists as a guide and check in person.