(Shopped 04/03/2025 TH @ 11:45am): There were more than 99 items total at this place, let alone…read morepriced more than cents on the dollar!
In my quest to explore the various cuisine scenes and businesses throughout Jersey City and specifically the Heights, my latest exploration was 99 Cent-Ral. Your garden variety discount store, thrift shop, immigrant menagerie, etc., I was here in search of luggage tags for a friend who was leaving on a weekend international trip the next day with her new piece of luggage. I initially searched a nearby Walgreen's to no avail, so they were on my next list where I was. Was this place heaven sent, hopefully not having to search up to 99 different places!?
PURCHASE
Valley Greene Seeds - Parsley, Pepper, Sweet Basil 3pk ($1.00): My friend had started to try and grow some seasonings and vegetables with the excruciatingly-high grocery prices, so I thought this was a nice opportunity to try these seeds once the weather warmed up. Hopefully, they flourish! https://www.yelp.com/user_local_photos?userid=8jVT2inwc8GIQ6sH2UG9Vw&select=Bu-kC1fZ3tTMCTROx_0zjw
Yuge Luggage Tag 2pk ($1.49): This was the sole reason why I came here, and thankfully, they had them! As basic and simple as these were, they did the job for my friend on her recent short trip. She arrived back home,the tags were still on the luggage pieces, and they held together! https://www.yelp.com/user_local_photos?userid=8jVT2inwc8GIQ6sH2UG9Vw&select=K-mjmetiBvI5Zwlg5XmdZg
Wick & Wax Tumble Candle Honey Dew Scented ($1.49): This was solely for me as I wanted something aromatic, calming, and fruity while I worked remotely. Sadly, the aroma was very faint.
SERVICE
I was quietly greeted by a young woman behind the counter who easily showed me where the luggage tags were, which was right at the base of the checkout counter. After that, I "cased" the place if there was anything that caught my attention (e.g. candle, seeds). Once payment was made, I was given a simple "thank you" - all was good!
PARKING (FREE; N/A this instance)
This was an easy flat 10-minute walk from my friend's place. Otherwise, the only option was the plenty of spots along the main drag of Central Ave. and all surrounding roads - 'nuff said.
ATMOSPHERE, DÉCOR, AMBIENCE
A small floorplan that went back reasonably deep with only a handful of somewhat cluttered aisles https://www.yelp.com/user_local_photos?userid=8jVT2inwc8GIQ6sH2UG9Vw&select=X0JMdWMXy59KIMgKRKfp6A with packed shelves while there was a glut amount of merchandise stacked from floor to ceiling and wall to wall. You found all sorts of items that made you think why they had these things to whether or not you needed any of them. Decent natural lighting came through the front windows and doors while bright electric ceiling lights filled in the rest. There weren't any TVs nor background music.
ATTIRE
Totally casual, so I would normally be in a t-shirt, boardshorts, and flip-flops.
OVERALL
Mad props to 99 Cent-Ral who had the primary item I was looking for, and everything else I bought was just gravy! Frankly, I had no idea how businesses of this type of oddball products at extremely discounted prices with no rhyme or reason how they all fit together stayed open on a daily basis, but managed somehow. If you were looking for a gag or white elephant gift, this place was perfect. If you needed inexpensive toys to donate to Toys For Tots, please consider this place since they had a good supply. And, if you needed any kitchenware, they had it all. The prices were obviously cheap while the service seemed hit-or-miss. Just don't come here with high expectations and looking for the latest pair of Jordan's, any designer brands, or anything currently relevant. There were treasures but only for the right person. And, I always loved supporting small businesses whenever possible. I found very good value based on the prices, service, and experience noted above (TOTAL paid experiences was around $4.00 BEFORE any discounts and/or tip). And, although they accepted credit cards, not mine of choice... AMEX! 4.0 STARS
