Locals looking for value item goods are flocking to an expanding number of Dollar stores on the Island.

?Dollar stores are very popular among customers looking for value and have proved be very successful. They are very popular in the US and now they are spreading to Bermuda,? A MarketPlace spokesman said.

In February 2004 the MarketPlace opened dollar stores at its Heron Bay and Shelly Bay locations and behind the Shopping Centre on Brunswick Street in Hamilton.

In the US, dollar stores are one of the fastest growing retail outlets attracting customers through low prices, and a small, easy-to-shop format giving shoppers a convenient option.

?They are popular because we provide a large range of items from back-to-school items, beauty products, party favours, toys, cleaning supplies, and food items,? the MarketPlace spokesman said. He said with the closure of the Knick Knack store in Hamilton there was an opportunity to introduce a new concept and its popularity has meant there is demand for more of these goods and MarketPlace adds new lines of products on a regular basis.

In June Whites and Sons introduced its first dollar store by opening The Dollar Saver store at Whites and Sons at Southside Supermarket in St. David?s.

Store owner Gary White said: ?We are very excited because we are our responding to what customers are looking for ? value. Good deals can be found for items such as paper plates, cups, arts and crafts goods and tools can be purchased.?

He said the Whites supermarket in Warwick, with limited space, could not provide the range of goods Whites wished to offer to customers.

Overseas manufactures supplying dollar stores have seen business increase in places such as Canada and they have passed this information to its clients in Bermuda where the trend is spreading Mr. White said.