What the 99 Cents Only Stores Closure Means to Californians

KQED's Forum

KQED

Politics, News, News Commentary

4.6 • 656 Ratings

🗓️ 17 April 2024

⏱️ 56 minutes

🔗️ Recording | iTunes | RSS

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Summary

Dollar stores – the bargain chains prevalent in rural areas that sell miscellaneous merchandise at steeply discounted prices – have been blamed for contributing to food deserts and pushing out smaller mom and pop grocers. But the 99 Cents Only chain stood for something different to its fans, according to LA Times reporter Andrea Chang, who says that people relied on the bright and well-organized spaces for good quality merchandise. The California-based company announced that it will be closing all 371 of its stores just as another prominent chain, Family Dollar, plans to shutter 1000 stores. We’ll talk about the history of dollar stores, the impact they have on communities across the country and what happens to the people reliant on them when they leave. Guests: Eliza Ronalds-Hannon, senior reporter, Bloomberg Andrea Chang, wealth reporter, Los Angeles Times Sara Portnoy, professor of Latinx food studies and food justice, USC; creator and executive producer of "Abuelitas on the Borderlands" film series Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

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0:00.0	Support for KikiWED podcasts comes from Landmark College, holding their annual summer institute for educators from June 24 through 26th.
0:09.1	More information at landmark.edu slash LCSI.
0:13.7	Support for Forum comes from Broadway SF, presenting Parade, the musical revival based on a true story.
0:21.3	From three-time Tony-winning composer Jason Robert Brown comes the story of Leo and Lucille Frank,
0:27.6	a newlywed Jewish couple struggling to make a life in Georgia.
0:31.6	When Leo is accused of an unspeakable crime, it propels them into an unimaginable test of faith, humanity, justice, and
0:40.1	devotion. The riveting and gloriously hopeful parade plays the Orphium Theater for three weeks only,
0:47.1	May 20th through June 8th. Tickets on sale now at Broadwaysf.com.
0:54.6	From KQED. From KQVD in San Francisco, I'm Mina Kim.
1:15.3	California-based retail company 99 cents only has announced it will close all 371 stores across the Southwest,
1:23.5	fueling worries for those who rely on the store's food staples, basic supplies, and bargains.
1:30.3	The announcement comes just as another prominent chain Family Dollar says it plans to eventually shutter 1,000 stores nationwide.
1:37.3	But for many people, the loss of the smaller 99-cent only chain, with their blue and pink logo, is different. We'll find out why, and take a
1:46.7	closer look at what prompted the popular retail chain's fall. What's your favorite dollar
1:51.3	store item? Forum is next. Welcome to Forum. I'm Mina Kim. The announced closure of 99-cent only stores is bringing up some
2:04.0	unexpected emotions for the many Californians who grew up hunting for treasures and bargain prices
2:09.4	or relying on its affordable produce or pantry staples. For my mom on a fixed income, it's been a way
2:16.0	to afford to get her grandkids' toys or other store-bought gifts, no matter how much I've pushed her to give them things she already owns, and a way for her to keep up her hobbies with its affordable plant pots and sewing thread.
2:29.7	But dollar discount stores have been controversial for pushing out mom and pop shops or being
2:34.8	dumping grounds for items that don't last, even as they fill important community needs.
2:40.1	We take a closer look at their complicated relationship with communities this hour with
2:44.6	Eliza Ronald Hannon, a senior reporter at Bloomberg. Welcome to Forum, Eliza.
	...

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