90 Cent & Up Store

Even in the pantheon of discount «under-​a-​dollar» stores, there is a hierarchy. The 90 Cent & Up Store is definitely on the lower end of that hierarchy, but that does not mean this place should be overlooked.
The name itself is definitely a misnomer, as the majority of the items in this store are placed into the «& Up» category. But there are a lot of useful items here that even though they are over a dollar, are super helpful when planning for a party or larger gathering.
This location is usually my go-​to before hosting any sort of large holiday gathering at my home. There is a great selection of dish ware (disposable and not) as well as a halfway descent pantry selection. The real treat here is the serving dish ware, which is ceramic, nondescript, and tends to clock in under $ 10.
I wouldn’t do all of you party shopping here, but it’s definitely a good place to supplement if you notice you’re missing some items before the event.

I stop by here on my way home from school and I have to say they have an amazing selection of cheap /​necessary household and office items.
Cashier was very helpful. Prices are VERY reasonable

This place has what I need – a few dollar esstentials that I would rather go here than drive elsewhere to another 99 c convenient store.
However, its not okay for a business to have official store hours and don’t abide by them. Opening at 8 am is something that rarely happens with this store and it is fustrating when you make plans around the time. Tip to the store owners: don’t say you’re going to open at 8am when the store is still pitch black at 830 am!

I prefer the dollar store on Pico in Santa Monica. This place is okay, but the selection isn’t as great. However for glassware, this seems to be the place. They have all different types. Not for 90 cents but like everyone else has said emphasis on the AND UP part. They also have a good selection of NYX makeup.
Just like with any dollar store, when I’m purchasing something I know that it won’t last very long or won’t be very good. I haven’t bought anything from there of higher value like pots or luggage but I don’t think I would…
There aren’t many stores like this around, to it gets major points just for being there.

Just like everyone else mentions, there are a lot of stuff that is over 99 cents. Don’t expect selection and prices as good as a regular 99 cent only store (which I expected). I’m sticking to the 99 cent only store on Pico blvd in Santa Monica.

Emphasis on the «& Up» part, but your’e still getting a great deal.
Big bonus points for them now carrying a lot of the NYX line at great prices, as it can often be hard to find that stuff in person. They even had several older eyeshadow shades in stock that NYX no longer makes, so, color me stoked about that. They were running a 99c special on the newer style bottles of polish, too.
They’ve also got a decent selection of Crème and other super fancy false eyelashes ($ 1.99/ea when i was there), so that’s not half bad either.
The people working there were all very nice to me.

Emphasis on AND UP
Everything either breaks or looks like what it’s supposed to be but doesn’t function (think human size barbie accessories) and is of cheaper quality than the actual 99cents store chain.
Loud annoying house meets eurotrash type music plays and the juxtaposition of it next to creepy older men in vnecks showing off VERY hairy chests staring at me while I browse is probably the worst part. Won’t be coming here anymore…
Only positive thing is this cool strawberry shaped mirror I bought for my friend who has a strawberry shaped face :)

nasty!

There is a special place in hell reserved for a store whose posted hours state that it’s open at 8 am every weekday… indeed, who has been open at 8 am every other time I’ve driven by… but who arbitrarily decides NOT to open at 8 am the day I happen to drop in for the first time.
At nearly 9 am, the place still hadn’t opened. I banged and pounded on the glass doors, but there was no response.
No sign explaining the late opening. No note from the owner saying «Be right back» or «Back in 10.» Nothing.
Having already stopped, I went across the street to Emil’s Swiss Pastries to grab a bite. Meanwhile, several other hopeful patrons stopped by the 90 cent store, peered into the darkened store, and looked equally forelorn as they realized it was closed.
I think it’s actually illegal or against city code to fail to comply with posted business hours. The next time this happens, I will report this store to the city of Santa Monica.
EPIC FAIL!

2.5 stars. It’s definitely a 90-​cent *and up* store. Emphasis on the «and up», which is not a bad thing because it means they just carry more types of products. That said, it’s different from most stores in its class because it has a «Mediterranean food» section, including a cold case with various dairy products, including various drinkable yogurts and yogurt sodas, like the ones you might find in a Persian restaurant.
That aside, there store also carries a gamut of daily use products, including tea– and coffee pots, kettles, pans, a myriad of glassware/​drinkware and lots of kitchen/​dining room stuff.
The service is bleh, probably the low point of this review. With so many places that carry similar items, nothing in my visit (particularly in the service/​attention department) compels me to go out of my way to make a return visit.
Verdict: Cheap stuff to add to the clutter. Interesting Mediterranean foods section. Service is cold and indifferent in a way that alienates customers like me. «Meh. I’ve experienced better.»

Pretty decent store if you need something in a pinch, or if you’re cheap like me.

Nothing to complain about. The staff has been very nice to me. The prices are right. they accept credit card (over a certain price point). They have a lot of fun gifts. I hope this place stays in business.

As a somewhat poor and starving graduate student trying to scrape on by with a meager stipend, the dollar store becomes a necessary part of life. After all, how can I squander my income on gaming PC rigs or motorized dj-​controllers if I don’t buy everything from Dollar Tree or 99 Cents Only?
I believe that this store has only recently opened, but I’ve snagged some excellent finds here:
–hand mirror (so I can shave my head with one hand and look at how I’m doing in the other)
–face wash
–heavy ironing starch
–non-​stick cooking spray
–colander
–bamboo cutting board
–bamboo place mats
–draino
–glass cleaner
–pledge wood polish
There’s honestly no reason to buy household chemicals and items for a huge markup at Walmart/​Target considering every product at this dollar store is made with the exact same shit. It’s like my idiot friends that insist the name brand drug at the pharmacy is better than the generic. Deeeerrrrrp. Okay dumb-​ass, I’m sure the marketing name of a drug has exceptional benefits.
Whats great about this place is that there are items over a dollar that are of higher quality, which I am willing to drop on.
TL;DR: Starving student bonanza!