Sometimes truth in advertising hurts, especially when you can still see the outline of the former sign above the new one.

Update: The new sign may have actually gone up a while back, in which case it's more an illustration of NYC's high cost of living than current inflation. Even if that's the case, you'd think they'd do something about the remnants of that old sign taunting everyone.

Update #2: Another reader, David, sent us a picture he took last summer of the same store. It appears "99¢ Dreams" is in a constant state of naming flux:

We sort of like "OR LESS OR MORE" as a slogan—makes it seem more like a carnival game, somehow.

(Thanks to Larry!)

[It is] definitely on the table. That is something we’re looking at . . . in the future for us. We’re looking at doing some experiments. Obviously one way [is that] you can start selling things for $1.05, $1.09, $1.15 and other ways. You could have more of a break between your 99 cents price point and the next price point."

Of course, breaking their 99-cent promise—the core of their branding—would be risky, not to mention expensive (think of all the signage they'd have to change). But the economy still sucks, the company has been in the red for two quarters, and shareholders are getting restless. You'd better buy all of your off-brand toothpaste now while it's still cheap(er).

"'Mostly 99 Cents Only'? Chain rethinks its pricing scheme" [LA Times] (Thanks to Anthony)
(Photo: heyjoewhereyougoinwiththatguninyourhand)

 
In the commentary on last quarters scores, ACSI says they've started including Nordstrom again because of its increasing market share, and back before it dropped off the survey in 2001, it held the top spot frequently, so no surprise there.

They also suggest that Dollar General, "which typically serves neighborhoods that may be too small to attract Wal-Mart," may be scoring high because of its wide variety of items in such small retail spaces.

Sears and Kmart are pretty much exactly where we'd expect them after their plunging customer service last year.

One thing we're not sure about is how the various recall disasters last year affected scores—clearly Dollar General emerged unscathed, despite its healthy dose of lead-tainted toys, Halloween pails, and holiday decorations.

"Q4 2007 and Historical ACSI Scores" [ACSI]
"Customer Satisfaction Falls Again; Retail, Financial Services Down; Wal-mart, Home Depot at All-Time Lows" [ACSI]

RELATED
"How are ACSI data collected?" [ACSI]

(Thanks to Shaula!)

Stores in Carmichael, Modesto, and elsewhere were targeted.

The Secret Service is currently investigating, saying little, but one spokesman said "it's big."

For the time being, California discount shoppers may want to look elsewhere for their 100 tiny soldier packs and bags of single-ply toilet paper. Or pay in cash.

(Thanks to Beth!)