20 Worst Dollar Stores in Wisconsin

Now it apparently means dodging pallets in the aisle while a cashier argues about whether that item rings up for one dollar or three.

Wisconsin’s dollar stores were supposed to make shopping simple for folks on fixed incomes.

Instead, some locations have become case studies in how to frustrate customers while technically staying in business.

These 20 stores prove that the cheapest option isn’t always the smartest choice.

1. Dollar General, 1574 22nd Avenue, Kenosha

This Dollar General sits in a busy Kenosha neighborhood where shoppers often rely on quick trips for basics.

The store has struggled with the same pricing issues that plagued 157 Dollar General locations statewide.

Customers at this address report frustration when shelf tags do not match what the register charges, a problem that hits hardest for anyone counting pennies.

State investigators found that dozens of items at Wisconsin Dollar General stores rang up higher than their posted shelf prices, creating confusion and distrust among regular shoppers.

2. Dollar Tree, 380 East Capitol Drive, Milwaukee

This Milwaukee Dollar Tree draws crowds but often leaves them disappointed.

Shoppers describe bare shelves, boxes cluttering narrow aisles, and a general sense of chaos that makes finding items a chore.

One reviewer mentioned missing items after checkout because staff rushed through the process without double-checking bags.

The cramped layout and constant restocking during business hours create an environment where older shoppers feel hurried and overlooked.

3. Dollar Tree, 10725 West Greenfield Avenue, Milwaukee

Located in West Milwaukee, this store has earned complaints about poorly trained checkout staff.

One shopper reported that a manager opened a second lane during a rush but failed to call the next customer in line, leaving people confused and annoyed.

For seniors who tire easily, standing in line longer than necessary is more than an inconvenience.

The lack of clear communication between registers means customers waste time guessing which line will move faster instead of getting home to rest.

4. Family Dollar, Milwaukee Area

A Family Dollar location in Milwaukee became the subject of a legal case due to loitering, littering, and maintenance complaints.

The store sits in a high-crime, low-income area and has faced ongoing issues with property upkeep and safety concerns.

Older adults may feel unsafe entering or leaving the store, particularly during evening hours.

Local residents reported persistent problems with trash accumulation and suspicious activity near the entrance that made shopping feel risky.

5. Dollar General, Riverwest Area, Milwaukee

Dollar General announced the closure of this Riverwest store after struggling to maintain operations in the neighborhood.

The decision left local shoppers without a nearby discount option, but many had already stopped visiting due to cleanliness and safety issues.

Before closing, the store faced complaints about dim lighting, disorganized shelves, and limited staff presence.

Community members noted that the store had become increasingly rundown in its final months, with broken fixtures and unmaintained restrooms.

6. Dollar Tree, 2177 Lincoln Street, Rhinelander, Wisconsin

This Rhinelander store earned harsh reviews for its lack of cleanliness and poor maintenance.

One visitor described floors that looked like they had not been swept in days and a restroom in desperate need of cleaning.

Shelves appeared disorganized, with items scattered in a hodge-podge arrangement that made shopping confusing.

The overall neglect suggests management has stopped prioritizing basic store upkeep, leaving customers to navigate dirty aisles and questionable hygiene standards.

7. Dollar Tree, 601 West Milwaukee Street, Janesville

Built inside a former Walgreens or CVS, this Janesville Dollar Tree kept the old drive-thru attached, creating an odd layout.

Shoppers report confusion navigating the store because the floor plan does not match typical Dollar Tree designs.

For older adults who rely on familiar store layouts to find items quickly, this unconventional setup adds unnecessary stress.

The awkward conversion left strange dead spaces and confusing aisle arrangements that make simple shopping trips take twice as long.

8. Dollar Tree, Sheboygan, Wisconsin

This Sheboygan location has been called very unorganized and very dirty by frustrated shoppers.

Visitors report being unable to find items or even locate an employee to ask for help.

But here is the catch: without staff available to answer questions, older shoppers may give up and leave empty-handed rather than wander aisles alone.

The chronic absence of visible employees means customers must fend for themselves in a chaotic environment with no guidance or assistance.

9. Family Dollar, 47 West Scott Street, Fond du Lac

This Fond du Lac Family Dollar operates in a small downtown space that often feels cramped and understocked.

Shoppers describe limited selection and tight aisles that are difficult to navigate, especially with a cart or walker.

The store also carries refrigerated foods, but some visitors worry about product freshness given the store’s overall condition.

The narrow passages between shelves barely accommodate one person, forcing shoppers to squeeze past each other or wait awkwardly for others to move.

10. Dollar General, West Allis

This West Allis Dollar General has earned complaints about rude managers and long checkout lines.

One shopper reported that both the cashier and the manager were rude to a customer with a problem, even as the line grew longer behind them.

You are better off shopping somewhere that treats customers with respect, especially if you need patience and assistance.

The hostile attitude from staff creates an unwelcoming atmosphere that makes even routine transactions feel confrontational and stressful.

11. Dollar General, 501 East Wisconsin Street, Portage

This Portage location sits on a busy state highway, drawing local shoppers and travelers alike.

But here is the catch: Dollar General employees in Wisconsin describe extremely low pay, sometimes as little as four hours a week, which barely covers gas.

When workers are underpaid and overworked, stores suffer from poor stocking, dirty floors, and smelly break rooms that create an unpleasant environment.

The chronic understaffing means shelves stay empty longer, checkout lines move slower, and basic cleaning tasks get neglected for days at a time.

12. Dollar General, 570 East US Highway 151, Platteville

Located on a major highway in southwestern Wisconsin, this Dollar General serves a rural college town.

Store managers at Wisconsin Dollar General locations report working every weekend, being on call 24/7, and having no work-life balance.

That is why older shoppers may notice exhausted staff, empty shelves, and a general lack of care that comes from burning out employees.

The relentless schedule leaves managers too drained to properly oversee operations, resulting in stores that feel neglected and chaotic.

13. Dollar Tree, 3900 Erie Street, Racine

This Racine location at Shorecrest Plaza operates as a standard Dollar Tree but often feels cramped during busy times.

Some customers praise the selection, while others complain about long lines and slow checkout during peak hours.

For older shoppers with back or leg pain, standing in line for 10 or 15 minutes can turn a quick stop into an ordeal.

The store typically runs with just one or two registers open, even when lines stretch back into the aisles and customers grow visibly impatient.

14. Dollar Tree, Beaver Dam

This Beaver Dam store sits in a clean location and generally keeps items stocked.

However, Dollar Tree customers across Wisconsin report rude cashiers, employees who yell at shoppers, and poor customer service attitudes.

One reviewer described a cashier who loudly argued with older female customers and said she did not care about her job.

The hostile behavior creates an uncomfortable shopping experience where customers feel disrespected and unwelcome despite the store’s otherwise decent condition.

15. Family Dollar, 600 Superior Avenue, Tomah, Wisconsin

This Tomah store operates on Superior Avenue, serving a small community near Interstate 90.

Family Dollar locations across Wisconsin struggle with chronic staffing shortages that leave stores closed more often than open.

When stores do open, shoppers report disorganized shelves, suspected shoplifting problems, and a general sense of neglect.

The unpredictable hours force customers to call ahead or risk wasting a trip, which is especially frustrating for those with limited transportation options.

16. Family Dollar, Wausau Area

A Family Dollar in the Wausau area made local news for throwing out damaged water bottles but piercing them first to prevent homeless people from collecting them.

This practice raised concerns about corporate attitudes toward waste and the community.

For older shoppers who value kindness and ethical behavior, this incident reflects poorly on store management and company values.

The deliberate destruction of usable products suggests a corporate culture that prioritizes control over compassion, leaving many customers uncomfortable with supporting the business.

17. Dollar Tree, 5201 Washington Avenue, Racine

This Dollar Tree operates inside Racine Centre, a shopping plaza that draws steady foot traffic.

Customers across Wisconsin report Dollar Tree stores with bare shelves, messy aisles cluttered with boxes, and difficulty finding items.

Older adults who visit expecting a quick in-and-out trip often find themselves searching through chaos.

The constant state of disarray suggests the store cannot keep up with basic restocking and organization, leaving customers to dig through jumbled merchandise.

18. Dollar General Locations With Poor Hygiene

Across Wisconsin, Dollar General shoppers describe stores with dirty floors, stained carpets, and smelly break rooms visible from sales areas.

Health inspections sometimes reveal issues with temperature control, cleanliness, and basic sanitation at discount retailers.

You are better off checking the store’s overall condition before buying anything perishable or sensitive to storage conditions.

The visible neglect raises serious questions about what conditions might exist in back rooms and storage areas that customers cannot see.

19. Dollar Tree With Overworked Stock Crews

At many Wisconsin Dollar Tree stores, shoppers report being nearly hit by associates rushing through narrow aisles with heavy carts.

These workers often stock shelves during business hours because stores do not have enough staff to do it overnight or during quiet times.

For older adults with slower reflexes or mobility aids, dodging fast-moving carts can feel dangerous.

The constant movement of tall, overloaded carts through crowded spaces creates genuine collision risks and an atmosphere of chaos that makes shopping stressful.

20. Family Dollar Stores With Pricing Disputes

Multiple Family Dollar locations in Wisconsin have faced complaints about pricing labels that do not match register totals.

Some customers report being overcharged on three or more items per visit, only to be treated rudely when they ask for corrections.

One shopper described a cashier who verbally chewed her out when she questioned overcharges, saying corporate sets the prices and nothing can be done.

The combination of pricing errors and defensive staff creates an adversarial relationship where customers feel they must fight for fair treatment at every visit.