While the economy is in a recession, some businesses are experiencing boosts in sales.

The Dollar Tree and Dollar General in Bowling Green are actually making more profit than before.

Michelle Johnson, a part-time manager at Dollar Tree explained how the store is attracting more customers because of the current economic situation.

‘There has been a big increase in sales and customers are beginning to compare prices now,’ Johnson said. ‘People are buying unnecessary items because of the extra dollar or two they have and stopping here before they go to a movie and buy some candy or a drink because of the price difference between here and at movie theaters.’

Both Dollar General and the Dollar Tree are cheaper than the big chains like Wal-Mart.

Johnson said items that were a dollar at the Dollar Tree would be $3 to $4 at Wal-Mart.

Mary Mass, a customer at Dollar General, mentioned buying gifts for charities and nursing homes would be costly anywhere else.

‘It’s definitely less crowded, prices are lower, and you could get in and out in a hurry,’ Mass said.

Kristin Staup, a cashier at the Dollar Tree, discussed the popularity of the stores these days.

‘There is definitely a lot more people coming in, a lot of sorority girls coming and getting gifts,’ Staup said.

Some name-brand items are also a dollar at the Dollar Tree, including Colgate toothpaste, Hallmark cards, headphones, iPod covers and Hawaiian Punch juice.

‘We have a lot of college kids now and we are the only true store that everything is a dollar, even prescription glasses,’ Johnson said.

Comparing Wal-Mart to these stores is all about prices as customers stated.

‘It’s a convenience, and the cost is low is why I came [to the Dollar Tree] today,’ customer Susan Burris said.’