A Florida couple is inspiring others with their "Dollar Tree date night," planning their meals based on the results of a contest using food found in the store.
The TikTok recounting the situation, captioned, "Dollar Tree date night because we're both poor and it was the [bomb emoji] #fyp #datenight #couple #food," has been viewed over 816,800 times and liked 83,500 times since it was shared on April 27.
According to Statista, the net sales for Dollar Tree in the United States, as well as Canada in 2021, amounted to $26.3 million. The company has seen an increase in sales since 2007 as well.
The increased cost of freight and operating costs was named as the reason behind Dollar Tree's increase from a dollar to $1.25 for most items, as previously reported by Newsweek.
An official statement relayed that the price increase will allow Dollar Tree "to expand its offerings, introduce new products, and sizes." In addition, the move allows the company to again offer items "that were previously discontinued due to the constraints of the $1 price point."
The $1.25 cost would enable the company "to return to its historical gross margin range by mitigating historically-high merchandise cost increases," which include more expensive freight and distribution, and operating costs like the increase in wages.
The 43-second viral clip was posted by TikToker @dylanowens84, or Dylan Owens, who filmed the date from his perspective in a Dollar Tree store as they used a game to choose what they would later eat.
The song The Very First Night by Taylor Swift played in the background as the TikToker and the woman, presumably his girlfriend, played rock paper scissors to determine who would choose the first selection, which was drinks.
They stood in the beverage aisle, and they played for the best out of three. Owens won the first round, and he chose two flavors of Jarritos Tamarind Sodas for their drinks, moving them closer to the camera for a better look.
Next, the couple played rock paper scissors again, this time to determine who would choose the appetizer. The woman won, and she picked out a package of pickles that were flavored hot and spicy from the refrigerated section. She held the item up before they played their next round of the game.
This time Owens won the game, and he chose alfredo sauce and penne pasta for the main course, holding the ingredients up to the camera.
Finally, one last game of rock paper scissors was played by the couple to choose a dessert. The woman won the final round, and she chose a package of chocolate chip cookies from the refrigerated section. She held them up with both hands and with a smile on her face.
Before the video concluded, a look at the finished product was displayed, and the cooked meal included the sodas in glasses with ice along with two bowls of the alfredo pasta with green beans added as well on a table.
Next, the couple pressed the pieces of cookie together to cheers, and the woman took a bite before the video cut off.
Over 600 comments poured in over the Dollar Tree date and based on what viewers had to say, it's an idea sure to be copied.
Numerous people seemed keen on participating in a date like the one displayed in the future. "I love Dollar Tree so much," a viewer said. "I might have a date like this!"
Other people think it's a great idea as well. "Let's do this," a viewer wrote. "It's budget-friendly."
The video stirred up memories for some. "This reminds me of when my husband and I first got together, times were tough, but man we were in love," a TikToker wrote.
Some people see the usefulness of being able to get everything in one place. "This is kind of cool just being able to find everything there I mean," a viewer expressed.
While one TikToker didn't think it matters "the price, it's just enjoying the special times with your person."
Apparently, the idea isn't new to some people. "Dollar Tree date nights were some of my favorite memories," a viewer said.
Comments of approval included things like, "I love this idea," "Stop, this is real cute," and "This looks so fun."
Newsweek reached out to TikToker @dylanowens84 for comment.
This isn't the only viral moment involving a date. A man laughed at his date who said their dating goal is marriage. A man schedules his dates with his girlfriend on Google Calendar. In addition, a man-made a "rude" comment, which prompted a woman not to see him again.
