While many mid-priced brands and fast fashion retailers have seen better times as of late, the good old-fashioned dollar store has continued to thrive. As reported by Modern Retail, data from e-commerce analytics firm Edge by Ascential reveals that discount retail stores have been growing at a faster rate than other retail sectors in the United States.

According to the figures, non-food value-based or discount retailers are expected to grow at an annual rate of 5.2 per cent through 2024. Meanwhile, food discount stores (the equivalent to our No Frills) are forecast at 4.9 percent. On the other hand, supermarkets are expected to grow at a more modest rate of 4.4 per cent, and superstores at a rate of 2.7 per cent.

The report revealed that more than 900 Dollar General stores were expected to open south of the border, in addition to a net increase of 160 Dollar Tree and Family Dollar discount stores.

Up here in Canada, I don’t have to tell you that the dollar store game is going strong, with that impossible-to-ignore green and yellow Dollarama sign being a familiar one throughout Toronto and the surrounding area.

In fact, new stores seem to have popped up everywhere. The rapidly growing company is currently valued at an impressive $3-billion.

Furthermore (as you probably know), a far cry from a go-to for pens, balloons, and candy, Dollarama has increased its offerings in recent years. The retailer offers similar items as the big box suburban staples like Walmart and Canadian Tire, but at more affordable prices.

Items generally range from $1 to $4 and price increases are kept at a minimum – something customers know they (and their wallets) can rely on.

Dollarama has also started to accept credit cards in recent years, catering to a new type of customer.

The typical dollar store customer is changing, after all. In the U.S., it’s the more affluent customers – those who earn $70K a year or higher – who are making the largest impact in the dollar store sector, according to The New York Times.

This demographic comprises over 22 per cent of the customer base. In some cases, the bells and whistles of the shopping experience make no difference whatsoever to deal-seekers.

Because dollar stores lack all the said frills and fancier design of traditional retail outlets, discount retail spaces are relatively affordable to open and overhead costs are kept at a minimal. These retailers forgo advertising and keep the spaces as basic as possible, terrible lighting and all. And it works.

Another key contributing factor to the success of Dollarama is its venture into the world of knock-offs.

As Meagan Campbell highlights in a recent Macleans article, the key to dollar store’s success comes from selling cheap knock-offs of more expensive brands. From pencils and liquid soap, to toys, they are pretty much carbon copies of the real deals, with similar packaging – right down to the colour of the packaging and its accompanying text.

There are some differences, but they are so subtle that some customers may not at first glance realize the difference between the knock-off and the brand they’ve known and loved for years.

The knock-off game – though not without its occasional lawsuits – is a hugely lucrative one, as Dollarama continues to rake in the cash thanks to the higher profit margin that comes with selling products at a fraction of the cost of the real thing. For the most part, the retailer is getting away with it.

Whereas the increase in popularity of online shopping has been the death of bricks and mortar locations for many mid-range brands (R.I.P), the dollar store appears untouched by the shift to shopping via a screen.

After all, most people have a Dollarama store within a short walk or drive away. The thing about dollar stores is that they are often quick fixes, catering to convenient last-minute purchases like Halloween costumes or party favours– something the online world can’t do.

In Canadian cities like Toronto and Vancouver – where ridiculously high housing costs leave little in the way of extra cash – discount shopping may be more of a necessity than a last-minute fix.  In today’s world, there is no shame in being strategic on dollars you spend (and save).

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There’s something happens inside our brains when we step into any dollar store. We see signs with items available at crazy low prices, and even if we don’t need it, for some reason we just have to have it simply because it’s cheap. While the price may be right, it doesn’t mean the item is of quality or is even safe to use. When shopping at any store, it’s a good idea to remember that you really do get what you pay for. Now don’t get us wrong because here at StyleDemocracy, you know we love a good deal and bargain, but there are even things we think folks shouldn’t buy at the dollar store.

Read on for 11 items that you should never buy at the dollar store.

Toys

While the dollar store might seem like a great place to get toys and other children’s items for less, it’s important to be mindful of the quality. Cheap toys from your local dollar store can easily break and small parts can be a real choking hazard for your kiddos.

Batteries

Batteries purchased at your local dollar store might be poorly made, which means that they can drain super quick. Besides not lasting a long time, dollar store batteries can even leak so it’s best to purchase batteries from stores and brand names you can trust.

Chargers

We know that the Apple store charges a pretty penny for its chargers (pun intended), but it might be worth it to spend a bit more. USB chargers from the dollar store likely won’t charge your smartphone or tablet quickly and some phones can even detect if the charger is a knockoff.

Plastic cooking utensils

For all you home cooks out there, we know it can seem enticing to step into the dollar store and see various kitchen products available at such great prices. However, sometimes these kitchen utensils, especially the plastic ones, can contain chemicals aren’t good for you or your family. To be sure you’re not ingesting anything other than nutritious goodness, we suggest purchasing your spatulas and whisks from more reputable kitchen retailers.

Pet food

Our furry friends deserve the absolute best and that includes the food we feed them. Dollar store pet food and treats can often be made from sub-par ingredients, or the food itself might even be expired when placed on shelves. It’s recommended that you double-check ingredients and best before dates just to be on the safe side! Another pet item you might want to reconsider buying from the dollar store is a leash, especially if you’re looking for something with strength and durability.

Makeup

If you’re super careful about what products you put on your face, you might want to steer clear from dollar store makeup. While your local dollar store might carry a few name brands, it’s possible that these products didn’t make it past quality control, or contain harmful chemicals, or worse, could even be expired.

Canned goods

We’d never think it, but canned goods available at the dollar store can often contain traces of BPA which is incredibly harmful. In addition to the health risks, you might not even be getting the best deal. It’s best to really know your prices and price match the canned goods sold at the grocery store.

Sunscreen

Did you know that sunscreens actually degrade over time? If you’re looking to save on some SPF at the dollar store, make sure you zone in on the expiration date before you buy.

Fragrances

We know it’s exciting to find a great beauty dupe, but the fragrances available at the dollar store can possibly contain chemicals that should never be in perfume in the first place. We’re all about saving money, but perfumes should be purchased from reputable retailers for the peace of mind.

Tools

Buying cheap tools is fine for emergencies but if you’re looking for tools that’ll last you a while, the dollar store is not the place to buy them. It’s best to spend a bit more on items that you want to be of quality. Plus, there’s nothing worse that a pair of pliers or a screwdriver breaking mid-use, right? Visit HealthyHandyMan.com to help make an informed decision on these tools.

Knives

Ask any chef or foodie where they buy their knives, and we’ll bet that the dollar store isn’t the place they’d recommend. You truly get what you pay for when it comes to knives so it really pays off to splurge when it comes to these items. A great knife is a kitchen essential so you really shouldn’t cheap out.

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Going into your local dollar store can be quite overwhelming due to it being so oversaturated with stuff. Shopping for a couple things can quickly result in your total at the front desk going a through the roof. We all know how easy it is to end up wasting time and money on things you’ll never use, or that won’t last. However, the dollar store can be a wonderful place for a variety of items. There are a lot of things you’re better off buying at the dollar store, whether it be for convenience or price.

We’ve put together a list of 7 things that you’re better off buying at the dollar store than anywhere else! 

Arts & Craft Supplies

Instagram/@ashleymaryart

The dollar store offers a large section of arts and craft supplies. If you have an art project or just want to do something artsy and creative, you’re better off checking the dollar store before shopping for these supplies elsewhere. Art supplies can range in price and get to be quite expensive in traditional art supply stores. Unless you’re looking for professional grade art supplies, you’re better off buying things like acrylic paints, bristol board, canvases, and sketch books at your local dollar store. 

Office & School Supplies

Instagram/@motivatudy

The dollar store is a great place to find affordable yet still cute office and school supplies. There’s a whole section dedicated to these supplies usually ranging from $1 – $4, which is a steal compared to other retailers. You can find a variety of stationary products from pens and pencils, to notebooks and binders, and just about everything in between at your local dollar store. 

Cleaning Supplies

Instagram/@dollartree

The dollar store is loaded with household cleaning products at a fraction of their usual cost. When shopping for cleaning supplies it’s definitely worth a trip to the dollar store to check if they have what you need first. They’re stacked with a variety of washing solutions as well as brooms, mops, rags, dish sponges and more.

Hair Accessories

Instagram/@ilovedollaramafind

Any dollar store offers a variety of hair accessories. You’re better off grabbing your standard hair supplies at your local dollar store, especially the simple essentials like hair elastics, hair bands, bobby pins, hair clips even hair brushes and combs. 

Beauty Products

Instagram/@dollarama_doesitagain via @glamzilla

While most products at the dollar store are a great bargain, when it comes to makeup products, we wouldn’t recommend trusting the dollar store for all your beauty needs. However, there are some beauty essentials that you’re better off buying here than anywhere else! Nail files, nail polish remover, cotton pads, q-tips, chapstick and sometimes you can even find good brands of deodorant and shaving cream at the dollar store. 

Party Essentials

Instagram/@gatherhere.events

The dollar store has pretty much anything you need when it comes to throwing a party or even being a guest at one. Some common party supplies you’re probably better off buying at the dollar store to avoid over-priced party stores are solo cups (in all different sizes and colours), party decorations like streamers, balloons, and signs. You can even find super cute wrapping paper and a large selection of fun greeting cards. 

Anything Travel Sized

Instagram/@clutterawayla

You’re better off getting your travel essentials at the dollar store because other retailers hike up the prices of these tiny products for no good reason. The dollar store offers a variety of travel sized essentials as well as travel sized containers in various forms like bottles, squeeze tubes, and spray bottles so you can simply just put your favourite full-sized product into a smaller container if you wish to do so, and you’re ready to go. 

Featured Image: Instagram/@bironnicolas

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