Finding a deal in Lawrence shouldn't feel like a chore, but honestly, the discount landscape in town has shifted quite a bit lately. If you’ve been driving down Iowa Street looking for the old spots, you might’ve noticed things look different. The Dollar Tree Lawrence KS scene isn't just about one-dollar plastic buckets anymore. It’s actually gotten a lot more complicated—and arguably more useful—than it used to be.
Most people still think of these stores as the place you go when you need a last-minute birthday card or a cheap bag of pretzels. While that’s true, the "everything for a buck" era is long gone. We’ve seen prices creep up to $1.25, then $1.50, and now with the "More Choices" rollout, you’re seeing items priced at $3, $5, and even $7 in some aisles. It’s a bit of a shock if you haven’t been in a while.
The One Store Still Standing (And Why It Matters)
For a long time, Lawrence had multiple options, but as of early 2026, the primary hub is the Dollar Tree at Park Plaza Retail Center. You’ll find it at 2108 W 27th Street, tucked in right near the intersection of 27th and Iowa. It’s a busy spot. If you’ve ever tried to park there on a Saturday morning, you know the struggle.
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Why is this specific location so central?
Basically, it's the survivor. We lost the North Lawrence location—the combo Family Dollar/Dollar Tree on North 3rd Street—back in 2024. That closure hit the north side hard because it was one of the few accessible spots for quick essentials without crossing the bridge. Now, everyone funnels into the 27th Street location.
What’s Actually Inside Right Now?
Walking into the Park Plaza store today feels different than it did three years ago. They’ve fully embraced the "Dollar Tree Plus" sections. You’ll see:
- The Frozen Section: They’ve expanded this heavily. You can get name-brand ice cream and frozen dinners, but watch the labels—these are usually the $3 to $5 items.
- Craft Haven: The "Crafter's Square" section is legit. It’s a massive draw for KU students and local teachers.
- Party Supplies: Still the king. Balloons are still a mainstay, though the helium shortage occasionally messes with availability.
The store hours are pretty standard: 8:00 AM to 10:00 PM most days, though they usually close an hour earlier on Sundays at 9:00 PM. Always check the door before you walk in, though; staffing shortages in the Lawrence retail sector sometimes lead to "surprise" early closures.
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The Reality of the "Dollar" Price Tag
Let’s be real: the name is kinda a lie now. In late 2025 and heading into 2026, the company shifted a huge chunk of their inventory. Most of the basic stuff—cleaning supplies, snacks, stationery—is sitting at that $1.25 or $1.50 baseline.
I was just looking at some of the new 2026 inventory arrivals. They’ve got these "Plus" items like Arm & Hammer laundry detergent for $5. It’s a 67-fluid-ounce bottle. If you compare that to the grocery stores further down Iowa Street, you’re actually saving a few bucks. But you have to be disciplined. It’s incredibly easy to walk in for one $1.25 item and walk out having spent $40 because you "didn't realize" those cute storage bins were $5 each.
Recent News and Local Headaches
It hasn't all been smooth sailing for the Lawrence locations. Just recently, in January 2026, there was a pretty distressing incident reported by the Lawrence Journal-World involving a child abuse case that took place inside a local store. It’s a reminder that these high-traffic retail spots are often the backdrop for real-world drama. The community has been talking about it quite a bit on local forums, focusing on store safety and the need for better security presence.
Beyond that, the big local complaint is the checkout lines. Since the North Lawrence closure, the 27th Street store is often understaffed for the volume of people it gets. It’s not uncommon to see one lane open with ten people deep while the self-checkout (if it’s working) has a line of its own.
Expert Shopping Tips for Lawrence Locals
If you want to actually win at shopping here, don't just wander in. You’ve got to have a strategy.
- Tuesday is the Day: Typically, this is when the new trucks get unloaded. If you want the viral TikTok finds or the good seasonal decor, get there Tuesday morning.
- Avoid the "Student Rush": Avoid late afternoons when the high school and university crowds descend for snacks.
- Check the Unit Price: Honestly, some of the $1.25 items are smaller than what you’d get at the nearby Walmart for a similar price per ounce. Check the weight on the back of the bag.
- Download the App: They’ve finally started pushing digital coupons and "scan as you go" features that actually work.
Is It Still Worth It?
People keep asking if Dollar Tree is still worth the trip now that prices aren't a flat dollar. My take? Yeah, but only for specific categories.
For office supplies, greeting cards (which are still a steal compared to Hallmark), and seasonal decorations, it’s unbeatable. But for groceries? You’ve gotta be careful. The "food desert" issues in parts of Lawrence make these stores a necessity for many, but the value proposition is getting thinner.
If you’re looking for the Dollar Tree Lawrence KS experience, stick to the West 27th Street location for the best variety. Just keep your eyes peeled for the price stickers—they aren't what they used to be.
Actionable Next Steps:
- Check your pantry: Before heading out, list exactly which "disposable" items (foil, trash bags, cards) you need to avoid overspending on the new $5 "Plus" items.
- Visit mid-week: Aim for a Wednesday morning visit to catch the shelves at their most organized after the Tuesday restock.
- Verify current hours: If it's a holiday or a particularly snowy Kansas day, call the store at (785) 330-5398 to ensure they haven't adjusted their hours due to local staffing issues.