DENVER -- Not everything is a dollar but, on average, the Family Dollar store in Denver said you won't pay more than $2.50 on most items.

"Everywhere I go the prices are ridiculous. This is definitely more reasonable," said Belinda Rodriquez.

A recent survey conducted by Nielsen showed more and more people are turning to the dollar store to say a dollar, or two.

"I am a student and artist so every dollar counts for me," said Eli Hardy.

The study showed people making $100,00, o more, a year spent 18 percent more at dollar stores in the second half of 2008. As a whole, the stores are outpacing major consumer chains-grocery, mass, club and drug-in every income bracket.

A Family Dollar store in west Denver said they have seen a 12 percent increase in sales from the same period last year. Manager Matt Marshall attributed the economy and increased grocery selection for the boom.

Marshall said they added 200 new items to the grocery aisle. Most of the items are name brand.

Sana Alami said she would have spent double what she spent at a chain grocery store on the day's purchases.

The niche retailers said they hope they can keep customers like Sana Alami even after the economy turns around.