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99 Cents Only Stores
Category: Shopping Discount Store Discount Store [Edit]
1440 7th St(between Mandela Pky & Center St)
Oakland, CA 94607
Neighborhood: West Oakland
(510) 433-0999
- Hours:
Mon-Sun 8 am - 9 pm
- Price Range:
-
$
- Accepts Credit Cards:
- Yes
- Parking:
- Street, Private Lot
- Wheelchair Accessible:
- Yes
24 reviews for 99 Cents Only Stores
Review Highlights
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"Lots of great produce." In 11 reviews -
"Oooh, and those peanut-butter-chocolate and mint-chocolate..." In 3 reviews -
"...buying the majority of your canned items here, plus they..." In 7 reviews
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24 reviews in English
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Review from Matthew E.
Oakland, CA
1/24/2012
I got a case of frozen organic goji berries here - 1 lb packs were $1. ( gone now)
A lot of perfectly god stuff for way less, so I pop in once in a while.
Avoid baked goods-nearly all have partly hydogenated/trans fat. Why buy so-called green d/w detergent like seventh generation for 3x the price when the stuff here has the exact same ingredients down to the recycled packaGing, except its made nearby, noti n Canada.
-1 for the sketchy 'hood, but hey, where do you expect to find a $ store, Pacific Heights? -
Review from raven n.
Oakland, CA
4/30/2012
THE BEST dollar store in the bay area! Organic guacamole, Jamba coconut water/juice blend, actually ,what am I doing...I better go back and buy a case of that...
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Review from T A.
Alameda, CA
5/15/2010
They sell produce here!
Go on and let that sink in.. I said PRODUCE.
I didn't want to trust it & I don't [even though I did buy a bag of big, delicious, plump lemons]. My pal from the city was with me and she was jealous that there was nothing like this in SF.
Well you got that right sister, this is West Oakland, and boy did it live up to everything you think of when you think West Oakland.
It's amazing how much bullshit I will put up with for items that cost only $1. Screaming babies, rude shoppers, messy store, narrow aisles, a janky shopping cart that we had to pick up and literally pivot to turn corners, long lines, crackheads....you name it, I withstood the pain to get my $1 items. I even bought my friend one of her birthday gifts right in front of her here.
You tell me you need new wine glasses.. guess what? They have em for a $1 here...and they're nice! She was pleased.
This place was just beaming with an intense cheaposity that I love and hate all in one. Go here, bring 10 bucks and go home with a bag full of wonderful. -
Review from Martin W.
Oakland, CA
8/7/2009
Gotta give it up to a store that fits in with "this economy (™)." Conceptually, I'm a big fan of the $0.99 retail model, particularly because they really stick to their guns and everything really *is* less than a dollar.
On the other hand, some of their stuff is tragic crap, or just scary if you're even remotely conscious of things like "design/production standards molded plastics and metals." The sharp tang of off-gassing plastics coming from the "tupperware" aisle terrifies me.
On the other hand, for really basic crap like toenail clippers, pliers, etc, I mean, that stuff's just fine. How good do your toenail clippers have to be, really?
Food ranges from awesome and appealing to horrifying and dangerous. One time I went in and they had half an aisle full of Kern's guava nectars--stuff must've fallen off a truck. Pringles show up frequently, as well.
But then there's the unknown brand names of bizarre flavors. Dammit, I wish I could remember what one was, but they frequently pair cinnamon with something strange--like "cinnamon & nopales corn chips." Maybe I'm just not culturally flexible enough, but that sounds disgusting!
And then there's the produce. I can feel my genes mutating just walking through the produce aisle.
Hey, it's an adventure every time I stop in. Frankly, 50% of the time I walk out of there empty-handed because they didn't have anything that was *worth* $0.99, but I usually stop by whenever I'm leaving West Oakland BART--why not, I say to myself... why not. -
Review from Patty W.
Walnut Creek, CA
3/7/2009
I'm not cheap. I'm frugal.
Actually, there are parts of me that can be exceedingly cheap, if I'm honest.
On Friday after work, my ride was to pick me up at the West Oakland BART station, and he was 10-15 minutes late -- sigh. I decided to walk over to the 99 cent store across from BART thinking to browse. Then I remembered that I am supposed to make taco soup for a potluck dinner today, so I wandered over to the cans and picked up some diced green chiles. Lo and behold, the 99 store had it (for 59 cents, no less)! I also picked up some other random things -- lemon cookies, sour candy, etc. I walked out spending about $3 in 15 minutes, just in time to meet up with my (late) ride.
Side note, I steered clear of the meat and produce section, though I saw several people who seemed excited about the selection (and honestly, it seemed OK -- hot dogs, lettuce, etc all for 99 cents). There is also a decent selection of the kid birthday party favor bag stuff (High School Musical markers resembling microphones, Lighting McQueen or Batman rulers, etc.), household gear (extension cords, light bulbs), and beauty items (nail polish, hair brushes and the like).
Would I go out of my way to shop here? No way. I've been to much more organized dollar stores. Yet, this 99 Cent store sure beats standing in the cold waiting for my ride!
And the cheap girl in me got her fix. -
Review from Christine D.
Oakland, CA
4/8/2008
5 stars for a dollar store?! Let me tell you why:
There is nothing closer to a grocery store in all of West Oakland than this. That point alone fills such a deep void. Every other store in the neighborhood is a liquor store, and I do not need to be making my way past a bunch of thugs and broken glass on the ground to get some food, and I really don't think that all that liquor contributes in any positive way to the safety of the neighborhood. That's why I have to go out of the area (see my reviews for Alameda TJ's and Emeryville Pak n Save). I didn't see any liquor at the 99 cents store! Woohoo! We don't need it! Besides, you probably wouldn't even want to drink liquor that only costs 99 cents, it's probably dog piss.
And they have what we DO need: a little bit of produce, staples like bread, eggs, milk, sugar, canned pantry items, non-alcoholic beverages, and regular household stuff, like ziploc bags, cleaning products, toiletries, and the like.
Everything really is 99 or less (I like the "or less" part especially). This is my favorite thing to buy there: organic pureed pumpkin for my dog Dango. He loves pumpkin, and it makes dogs' stomachs feel better. It is 2 cans for 99 cents here!! I can't believe it! TJ's is easily triple the price! I just got two cases of pumpkin for $12! (yep, I stocked up)
Other hits: thick sliced bread for French toast, a big pack of green onions, chocolate soy milk, ziploc bags (for real, ziploc brand!), all 99 cents a pop. So cheap, so good. Amazing.
What else is nice, you actually see diversity here: whites, blacks and asians all working in the same store, and the same diversity in customers, with some Latino thrown in too!
And before I forget, they have a parking lot, and their shopping carts lock up when you go too far (great for the neighborhood; discourages more bums wheeling shopping carts around). This is a store that serves the neighborhood well: good prices, good product, excellent location, friendly staff. -
Review from Alison C.
San Jose, CA
9/26/2008
This store is right in my neighborhood. I love that they carry fruit and vegetables, though the quality varies greatly. I always seem to find decent tomatoes, and if I'm just going to use it for dinner that same night, it's a great bargain.
Tons of generic juices and colas. Also you really can't beat the deal you get buying the majority of your canned items here, plus they have a really large selection.
I approve!Listed in: I got your West Oakland right…
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Review from Annelise D.
San Francisco, CA
3/12/2009
The best thing about the 99¢ Only is that they have a framed copy of Andreas Gursky's photograph "99 cent" hanging above the canned soup section. Every time I walk in I am forced to confront my ideas of the relationship between subject and artist, commerce and art.
It's pretty hit or miss for food. A lot of what they get was stuff that didn't sell elsewhere. Be aware that the dairy is all close to expiring, and the produce should generally be consumed within three days... except the lettuce for some reason... but I digress.
Their periodic shortages of things I want (like eggs, peanut butter, and coconut milk) forces me to keep changing my eating habits, and is doing wonders for my cooking skills. I just wish they were open later. -
Review from KAI S.
Oakland, CA
10/31/2009
I'm a 5 Star fan of 99 Cents Only Stores as a whole, but this location....
... only gets 4 stars. Why? Crackhead factor.
But still! I love these stores!!!!!
I'm going there today, actually. GREAT values!
They even sometimes have vegetarian foods (and alwyas have imported, cool luxury food items).
For a cleaner/safer location, consider the San Leandro or even better the Richmond location. -
Review from Eclectic C.
San Francisco, CA
6/12/2009
I have to say I was a little dissapointed in the selection at this 99c location. I've been shopping at 99c and Only stores for some years now, so I'm pretty familiar with their "offerings" if you will. I was shocked to find out that they didn't have a dish drainer, baking soda, trash cans, shower caddy and nails. Funny thing is when I asked the Chinese lady for nails, she took me to the "press on nails" for fingers. I was thinking: No fucking way. LMFAO! So, I told her " No, not those. The nails you hammer into a wall. Nails for the wall. To hang stuff" She finally go it, and like I said they didn't have em'.
However, I did get tons of kitchen utensils, like spoons, a laddle, a spatula, a cheese slicer, kitchen scissors, etc. I also got a 3pk of Extra Fresh Burst Tropical gum, so I can't complain.
I mean it is the freakin 99c store so I should probably lower my standards next time... -
Review from Seth F.
Oakland, CA
6/22/2010
If you're looking for some injection-molded plastic crap from China, this is the place for you.
I was actually quite surprised by how fun it was to browse through all of the worthless trinkets, doodads, and widgets. I even bought a few. They even have food, which I shied away from. I'm sure it has to meet FDA standards and is probably edible, but maybe it's a better idea to just go to People's Grocery next door if you want produce. -
Review from Bryan M.
Oakland, CA
11/18/2009
My new corner store. Their soymilk has high fructose corn syrup in it.
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Review from V L.
San Francisco, CA
7/21/2011
This is in my old hood... I wish they had this there when I lived in West Oakland. I love this store. Similar to the Dollar Tree, I always find what I want. Yes there are ghetto customers in there sometimes but that's okay... it's worth dealing with for $1.00 an item. The Crackheads outside don't really bother me because most are old neighbors of mine :op
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Review from David V.
San Francisco, CA
10/22/2008
Since we have nothing that closely resembles an all-purpose grocery store in this neighborhood, this store is completely indispensable. This is where you can get random things you might need without having to go out of the neighborhood, but the selection, despite what some fellow yelpers seem to be reporting, is not exactly stellar. The quality of the offerings aren't that great either.
Of course, no one should expect high quality products from a store like this and that is why I usually just go to a nearby small market, when I have to make purchases that cannot be made at a small corner-store, I usually just go out of the neighborhood. But this place is good to have when I'm feeling really lazy.
I should mention that there are a few great bargains here though, you just have to pillage through all the crap! It's definitely worth checking out if you live in this neighborhood. -
Review from micaela r.
Oakland, CA
1/19/2008
as a teacher here in oakland, i've gone to the dollar trees nearby a few times. but i was happy to go to the 99 cent store on their grand opening evening! this store has produce and other grocery items, and tons of stuff that my kiddos will love. lots of school supplies and little toys. you can make some kids' day with just a few bucks.
the staff were really friendly, even in the midst of the hectic opening.
i like. -
Review from Joshua D.
San Francisco, CA
7/25/2010
This place is tops in terms of what you can expect at a 99 cent food store. They have fine tuned in their offerings to the local demographic: Tapatio hot sauce @ 50 cents per bottle. Various admixtures of soy milk, rice milk. and even "milk drink". ( Leave that one up to your imagination). I ended up not consuming the carton of rice milk I bought after bringing it home and seeing that the second ingredient was vegtable oil. Of couse for traditionalists, there is the standard "juce drink" available in a variety of colors. In addition to bread, produce, canned food, etc.,they offer a wide assortment of plastic houswares, paper products, cherry scented inscence and chemical-based air fresheners for your enjoyment. The staff is courteous, and the on-site secutity guards make you feel secure while shopping.
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Review from carlo m.
Emeryville, CA
9/15/2009
its 99cents.. what else can u expect.. haha.. definitely hit or miss on the canned food. but there are gems... produce. uhhhmmm... well.. a few vegetables lookd allrite..
i think the best value in the store are the non food items.. the utensils, and package stuffs are worth sorting thru.. -
Review from Kim R.
San Francisco, CA
1/4/2010
Hey I got dropped off on 2 catch the Bart and was able to pop in here real quick for some Dish washing Soap and some dog treats the were actually healthy treats so I hooked me and the dog up from under $4 im not mad
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Review from Isa C.
Oakland, CA
1/25/2008
three stars for now, because i love 99only stores... too bad they don't have this listed as a store yet on their website. i did a search with their "locate a store" function, and it said the closest one to me was either san leandro, hayward, or vallejo!
anyway, i have a party to prepare for, i'm going tomorrow!
update:
SCORE!!! i found the most perfect serving platters! they were rectangular GLASS platters.. it felt that the glass was kinda brittle, but if yo're careful with them, they'll last a long time! i've even used them as an entree plate... my guests were VERY IMPRESSED!.. even more impressed that i bought them for 99cents! -
Review from Edward M.
Oakland, CA
7/19/2008
With the economy being the way it is, this place does make a difference. Don't let it fool you with the price, cheap price doesn't mean cheap things. There are lots of name brand items, fresh foods, organic foods, many beverages as well as water, school an party supplies. The store supports the community and welcomes anyone. It's located across the street from the west Oakland Bart station. It's not a bad place and the staff is great, especially the store manager he's always willing to help and get you what you need.
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Review from Kimberly D.
Oakland, CA
1/23/2010
What an awesome dollar store! They have produce, meats, and lots of canned and bottled food in addition to regular junk you find at this kind of store. I love getting bottles of clam juice there for clam chowder when it's about $3 at Safeway. Lots of great produce. BTW, they're open 'til 9:15 on Saturdays.
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Review from nikita c.
Santa Clara, CA
6/8/2008
This is a great place to go shopping, it covers your groceries, condiments, cleaning supplies, packed lunches and medicines! I live in san jose where everything is so expensive, so this was refreshing!
Definitely a place to visit, and you will be hooked!
Great parking at the back of the store, personal friendly service! makes you feel at home. -
Review from R. M.
Oakland, CA
3/2/2008
The 99 Cent Store is now open across the street from the West Oakland BART. I think the community was hoping for a real supermarket to go in the space and was disappointed when it was announced it would be a 99 Cent Store. However this store carries a lot of food, including fresh food, so it is definitely filling a need. There's canned goods, including some organics, luncheon meats, dairy, fresh produce, cookies and beverages. Additionally there's toiletries, tools, kitchen gadgets, cleaning supplies, pet food, school supplies, and dishware. It's interesting to see what types of things go for 99 cents. Cool things were 99 cent oval stoneware platters like the type used in chinese restaurants. Sometimes some of the stuff is kind of strange, such as Reese's Peanut Butter Cups with banana filling and Elvis on the label. (Huh?) Or gummy Care Bear candy in blue or yellow (?!) You get the idea. I got AA batteries, Superglue, and a broccoflower. It'd be worth it to come here to stock up on garbage bags, foil, cleaning supplies and those types of household products. There's a parking lot in the rear.
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Review from D G.
Oakland, CA
1/25/2009
I *love* the 99-Cents Only. If friends say, "Let's go to the Dollar Store" or "the 98 cent store" I demur. This place is the king/queen/emperor of the category. They know how to keep it clean and well-lit. They know how to merchandise stuff. In their semi-random purchasing, they often hit upon amazing deals, such as Amy's healthy quick foods, or a pair of buckled boots, size 8.5, that--if worn only twice by my now-ex-girlfriend--are still a stunning deal to me in recollection. How many foreign children were abused to get those to this store?!
Anyhow, ignore the other versions of this type of discount store that you've seen in the Mission, or other ethnic enclaves. This one provides deals, and nothing over 99 cents, dig? Oh, alright, I *AM* annoyed that they recently started charging 99.99 cents, but that's mostly a principle thing.
Be careful what you choose there. I usually try something once, and if the breading falls off the fake chik'n patties, I know why the product ended its marketing career here. But there are plenty of things here you'd spend 3-4 times for at 'mainstream' stores. Hardware and tools. Dishes and utensils. Costume accoutrements. Motor oil. Hey, if you buy an MP3 player here, don't expect it to last more than a week (the electric toothbrushes didn't). But for basic stuff like envelopes, kitty litter, and nails, it's hard to beat! Oooh, and those peanut-butter-chocolate and mint-chocolate cookies I accidently stumbled into, and which turn out to be vegan (yet not *too* healthy)...I think I've officially addicted, and at a fraction of the price of other addictions.
Check it out!
