A store in the Bronx has gained attention for selling $4 mystery packages sourced from returns at major retailers like Amazon and Walmart. However, this operation isn’t without its drawbacks.
Since a TikTok video went viral in April, showcasing the shop, known as Dollar Universe, items have been flying off the shelves. Store manager Louis Almonte mentioned that in just one day he sold 150 packages, attracting repeat customers from as far away as Brooklyn.
Despite the popularity, some original package owners have expressed concerns about privacy. For example, Melanie Bagley from Levittown, Pennsylvania, was dismayed to learn that her FedEx parcel, which still had her name and address, was up for sale in the Bronx. She described it as an invasion of privacy, voicing worries about potential misuse of her personal information.
Bagley firmly believes that selling these packages, which still contain identifiable details, should be against the law. “I will definitely watch a little more,” she warned.
Another individual, Tina Tian, a business owner from Long Island, shared her surprise upon seeing an item she had returned—a package of LED lights—among the mystery offerings, although she was puzzled about how a sports bra ended up in the same shipment.
The majority of these mystery packages and other inventory in Dollar Universe come from large clearing centers in Brooklyn and New Jersey, which handle returns for retailers like Amazon and Walmart. Typically, returned items are checked and then sold to places like Dollar Universe.
Almonte decided to sell entire unopened packages as a unique selling strategy, which appears to have been a successful gamble. He originally invested around $300 to $400 to acquire these packages, or about $1 each.
Customers have discovered a variety of items within these packages, from folding walking canes to kids’ tablet cases and even wigs. Although both Amazon and Walmart have stated that selling these parcels doesn’t seem illegal, they are assessing whether this practice conflicts with their policies.
A Walmart representative acknowledged the situation and expressed appreciation for being brought to their attention, adding that they aim to protect customer information and maintain trust. Amazon is also investigating, highlighting concerns about possible unauthorized resales.
Despite the worries about privacy, Almonte suggests that customers are more interested in the contents of the packages rather than who the original owners were. “People aren’t interested in names. They want to know what’s inside,” he explained.
A customer who bought ten mystery packages mentioned using them for giveaways, recalling an incident where she received a phone case that didn’t quite fit. She shrugged off the privacy issues, suggesting she preferred to focus on the novelty of the surprise in each package.
Almonte shows no signs of slowing down, recently purchasing six cargo loads comprising nearly 2,600 packages. “What I know is people keep buying,” he concluded. “They’re back.”
