Interior decorating can be so expensive. Even if you’re just doing a little spruce up to a designated room in your home, you could easily end up spending way more than you budgeted for if you’re not careful. Which is where the dollar store comes in! Whenever we’re craving a small upgrade, we always see what the neighbourhood dollar stores have to offer. In this case, we went on a mission for kitchen items that would provide some sprucing. If you’ve grown bored of your kitchen, head over to your local dollar store and see what you can find!
Here’s what we found:
Kitchen Towels
Swapping out your old and ratty kitchen towels for fresh ones, maybe with a lively print, can do wonders for your kitchen ambiance! The dollar store had plenty of options, from fruit-themed to flowers to simple stripes, so you’re sure to find a set that matches your vibe.
Glass Jars
A super easy way to elevate and spruce up your kitchen is to put any ingredients you have out in the open into nice glass jars! It makes your counter top look so much fancier with minimal effort and spending.
Glass Dispensers
In the same thought, the dollar store also had all kinds of glass dispensers. If your vegetable oil container is a bit of an eye sore, replace it with a dispenser. The same goes for salt and pepper!
Dishware
We were pleasantly surprised by the dishes the dollar store had to offer! Nothing makes a kitchen feel more fresh than some new dishes. Some were even large enough to be used as chic fruit bowls.
Shelving/Racks
Create some extra counter or cabinet space with some shelving. Never underestimate the power some simple organization can do! The dollar store had a decent variety of options, from dish racks to cupboard shelfs.
Drying Mat
If you’re in need of a new dish drying mat, this one felt super high-quality and sleek. However, we will note our annoyance that the dollar store now carries items that are priced at $5.
Vases
Lastly, as we were heading out, we spotted some cute vases, which would work to house larger kitchen utensils in a fun and decorative way! When saving money, it’s all about being creative.
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Decorating for the holidays can become an expensive task quickly, so finding deals whenever possible is essential if you want to save some money this holiday season. And who doesn’t? The dollar store – specifically Dollarama in this case, actually has a ton of cute holiday decor items to spice up your space for the holidays! For me, the key was mixing dollar store decor with decor from elsewhere, in an attempt of the dollar store decor not looking overly “cheap” (even though it is). I picked up a few holiday decor items at the dollar store and then went home and to style what I found.
Here’s how shopping for holiday decor at the Dollar Store turned out!
Firstly, I needed a new stocking. To my surprise, there was an abundance to choose from. I ended up picking out a red sequin one and hung it on my living room mirror off of some holiday garland.
Next, in the ornament section, which was packed full. I spotted these 2 cute little cupcake ornaments and had to take them home and put them on my tree. They mix in perfectly with the ornaments that were already there.
I also had a tree skirt on my list. I’ve been looking for one, but have yet to find one I liked at a reasonable price. Enter – The dollar store! I found this fluffy red one, and I know it isn’t groundbreaking or anything, but it does the job! Plus, my cat approves.
I have a floor vase in my doorway that needed a touch of holiday in it for the season. No matter where you decide to purchase artificial foliage/branches, I feel like it all looks relatively the same. So, the dollar store it is! However, I’m not going to lie. This project humbled me. Apparently, I’m not talented at bouquet arrangements, but it’ll do.
I came across this reindeer that looks like it’s made of ice (even though it is, indeed, just plastic), and had to bring it home with me. I ended up placing it with my pink Santa decoration and some vases that I have out all year long. I love incorporating holiday decor with the decor I already have.
The last piece I picked up was a small table runner to put my existing holiday centrepieces on top of. I like how it really pulled it all together in an organized yet festive way!
Now, for some great holiday decor options from the dollar that I didn’t bring home with me (but I kind of wish I had).
How adorable is this snow globe with a puppy in it? It actually felt quite high-quality, too. A great holiday decor piece for any dog lover!
These sparkly pine trees would make wherever you place them feel festive and fun! They’re giving Whoville vibes.
If you need some Christmas-tree bulbs, the dollar store has you covered! I wish I had seen these before I bought mine.
It doesn’t get any cuter than this reindeer bulb with a light-up red nose!
Overall, I would say shopping for holiday decor at the dollar store was a success! I added some new pieces that I love to my home for the holiday season and spent about $35.
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If you’re a huge fan of Dollarama, then you’re going to love this news! Dollarama is opening around 700 new stores all across Canada.
As of January 31, 2021, the Canadian dollar store reported that it operated 1,356 stores. The President and CEO of Dollarama, Neil Rossy, spoke on the expansion in a press release, “Based on our historical performance, our hard-earned position as a weekly shopping destination for Canadian families, and a careful evaluation of market potential and dynamics, we are increasing our long-term growth target in Canada to 2,000 stores by 2031.”
Although Dollarama incurred $84 million in costs related to COVID-19 measures last year, the company actually had a sales increase by 6.3% overall and opened 65 stores.
This is definitely one of the largest expansions we’ve seen in a while, especially during the pandemic.
Dollarama first opened its doors with products at price points of $1, but as of 2016, it’s included items that are up to $4.
If you’re not looking to shop in-stores just yet, check out the online store that launched in 2019.
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Throughout the years, the Canadian retail landscape has seen its fair share of ups and downs.
From the launches of major American beauty chains to the closures of popular brands, 2019 saw many impactful events that reshaped how Canadians shop.
Take a peek at some of the most important stories from Canadian retail 2019 below.
What’s The Deal With Toronto’s Last Zellers Store? We Take A Peek Inside
In 2019, there were two Zellers stores still open in Canada: one in Ottawa and another in Etobicoke. With the Ottawa location gearing up to shutter and the GTA location slated to close in January 2020, StyleDemocracy went inside the store to give readers one final look around. Continue reading.
Dollarama Is Listening To Shoppers Who Think Prices Are Too High
Dollarama has seen prices for items rise up to $3 or $4, something not all customers have been happy about. In 2016, the Montreal-based chain made a move towards better quality products. Using toothpicks as an example, Dollarama’s Chief Executive Officer Larry Rossy said, “it’s not so much that we can offer 500 toothpicks, but it’s more if we offer 200 very good toothpicks that the customer will be happy with, I think that’s what counts at the end. It’s a culture that we’re trying to instill in everyone. Again, it’s not quantity but quality that counts.” But now the company is singing a different tune. Continue reading.
The End Is Coming For An Iconic Toronto Footwear Store
Long-standing Toronto retailer, Davids Footwear, was placed in receivership after 60 years of business in the summer of 2019. For those unaware, receivership is when a “receiver” is appointed by a creditor to take over all of the assets, undertakings, and properties from the debtor. In the retail world, a receiver will host liquidation sales so that creditors can recoup their money. Continue reading.
A Big American Beauty Brand Is Making Plans To Open In Canada
Ulta Beauty is expected to open its first Canadian stores in late 2020 or early 2021. This is huge news for beauty lovers across the country. The Illinois-based beauty brand is similar to Sephora, but has larger stores and a wider range of prices, services, and products. Ulta carries everything from price-friendly favourites like Maybelline and Revolution Beauty, to higher end exclusives like Tarte Shape Tape and Kylie Cosmetics. Continue reading.
James Charles Will Be At Square One Shopping Centre For The Opening Of Morphe’s First Canadian Store
At the beginning of 2019, Morphe opened its first Canadian location in Mississauga at Square One Shopping Centre. To kick off the launch, the L.A.-based beauty brand pulled out the big guns, inviting YouTube beauty guru for the official ribbon cutting event. Of course, chaos ensued. Take a peek at the response the opening saw or inside the store.
A New Korean-Inspired Dollar Store Has Landed In Toronto
Who doesn’t love dollar stores? In this economy, finding anything that’s a bargain is pretty amazing so when we see something available for cheap, it’s basically love at first sight. Now, there’s a new Korean dollar store in town and we’re ready to get shopping. Korean-inspired dollar store, Mumuso has just opened its first location in Toronto at North York Centre. Continue reading.
Toronto’s First Chick-Fil-A Location Is Revealed
Over the past handful of years, we’ve seen more and more American companies infiltrate the Canadian market. We’ve seen in it retail, and we’ve seen it with many fast-food and restaurant chains as well. Notable eateries like The Cheesecake Factory, Cauldron Ice Cream, and Chin Chin have crossed the border. In the upcoming years, Toronto will also see a Nobu open their doors. But one of the most talked about openings has easily been fast-food chain Chick-Fil-A. Continue reading.
Gymboree Is Closing All Of Its Stores Across Canada
Gymboree has filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy for the second time in two years. In January 2019, it was announced that the children’s wear retailer was successful in its filing for Chapter 11 bankruptcy. The company plans to close all of its Gymboree locations in Canada and the United States, as well as its Crazy 8 brand in the United States. Continue reading.
Dollarama Has Officially Opened Online Store In Canada
If you’re anything like us and don’t like wasting your time and money while shopping, you’ll be happy to know that Canada’s largest dollar store chain, Dollarama, launched its online store in January 2019. That means that starting today you can stock up on hundreds of Dollarama products from the comfort of your home and get them delivered right to your doorstep. Continue reading.
Take A Peek Inside Eataly’s First Canadian Location In Toronto
If your budget won’t allow you to travel all the way to Italy, then a visit to Canada’s first Eataly location at Bay and Bloor, in the newly renovated Manulife Centre, is most definitely the next best thing. Eataly Toronto opened in November 2019 and ever since, the 50,000 square foot space has been chock full with foodies alike who are filled to the brim with excitement. Continue reading.
Forever 21 Is Closing All Of Its Canadian Stores
This was another big story for Canadian retail 2019. At the end of September 2019, Forever 21 announced that it will be closing all of its Canadian locations. 44 Forever 21 stores closed across the country, including locations in Toronto, Vancouver, Edmonton, Montreal, and more. According to Retail-Insider, Forever 21 closed close to 880,000-square-feet of retail space in Canada. Continue reading.
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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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This year, we saw a plethora of retailers shutter amidst the retail apocalypse. But where there are failures, there are always champions to look to in every industry — and in Canadian fashion, it’s Lululemon.
BrandZ, the world’s largest brand equity database, recently released its inaugural list of the top 40 most valuable brands in Canada.
Overall, the brands on the list are worth a total of $144 billion in 2019. But aside from financials, the study also took criteria like consumer trust into consideration, which helped break down the list into six different categories: Brand Contribution, Best Purpose, Most Meaningful, Most Different, Most Innovative, and Best Brand Experience.
Of the 40 most valuable Canadian brands, Lululemon ranked as the top fashion brand.
Despite recent brand closures, sixth on the overall list and first in the apparel category, BrandZ has Lululemon’s 2019 brand value at $7,578 million USD.
Coming in as 17th on the top most valuable Canadian brands list and second in the apparel category is Canada Goose with a brand value of $2,199 million USD. Aritzia came in third for the apparel category and 31st overall with a brand value of $684 million USD.
In terms of shopping, the retail category has 12 familiar names on the list.
Metro, Dollarama, Shoppers Drug Mart, Real Canadian Superstore, WINNERS, RONA, Foodland, President’s Choice, Sobeys, and Food Basics were all ranked in the top 40 most valuable Canadian brands of 2019.
Retail was actually one of the top most valuable categories, falling third after banks and telecom providers.
While many countries and businesses face uncertainty, BrandZ’s study just goes to show that Canada is holding up strong. And while some of our favourite retailers may be shuttering stores, at the very least, we have the top 40 to rely on.
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Let’s be real: when you’re looking to update your kitchen or any room in your house, the dollar store probably isn’t going to be the first store on your list to hit. While there are a fabulous variety of home goods stores in Toronto and online, it’s important for you to know that Dollarama should not be overlooked. Of course it depends on what you’re looking to buy because there are kitchen items that you should never cheap out on, like knives, and others that you should be saving on.
For me, I was looking to update my kitchen with expensive-looking serving bowls, accents, and items that’ll help me keep my kitchen looking as pristine as possible so I headed on into my nearest Dollarama to get started.
I first set out to see if there were any unique looking kitchen utensils at Dollarama. Unfortunately not, but what I did find was a super cute metal canister that would be great to store my existing utensils in.
I’m so happy the canister is white because my kitchen colours are white and grey, so it fit right in.
To be honest, I’m not sure why I didn’t have one of these canisters before because having all my utensils, that I use regularly, right by the stove is majorly convenient.
I was pleasantly surprised to see that Dollarama has a lot of quality ceramic items that all look much more expensive than they were.
During my shopping trip to Dollarama, picked up two different ceramic serving bowls, as well as a ceramic pie plate that will definitely come in handy with all of the holiday cooking and baking I have planned.
With the holidays coming up, I also purchased this cheese board from Dollarama for just $4. This board looks like high quality wood and will be great for making a tasty charcuterie board when entertaining.
If being eco-conscious is important to you (as it should be), then you should know that Dollarama has ceramic containers with fitted lids.
I was so excited to get my hands on this super cute container because not only would it be great for bringing my lunch to work, but I could also use the container as a bowl if needed.
One thing that I didn’t know about Dollarama is that it has a lot of kitchen items that are smaller in size, which makes it great for shopping for a small space. Normally colanders can be pretty large but this green one that I picked up at Dollarama is smaller.
When not using it as a strainer, you can store fruit or any type of fruits that don’t need to be refrigerated. I love that it also adds a pop of colour to my mostly monochromatic kitchen.
Keeping with the pop of colour, I snatched up these fun oven mitts and tall pink bottle that can be used in a variety of ways. I love it as a vase, but it can also be used for salad dressings, too!
Being someone who cooks a lot, I’m always looking for ways to stay as organized and tidy as possible while I’m cooking and prepping meals. Small bowls are super useful to put chopped ingredients into to keep your workspace mess-free.
I love these small bowls that I found at Dollarama and they can be used in a million different ways, not just for prepping.
For any bakers out there, Dollarama has you covered with this cute cake stand. While it’s not the highest of qualities, it definitely does the trick, and I actually like that it’s made of metal because it’s super light if you have to take it anywhere. The best part is that it costs only $4!
All in all, I’d say this was a pretty successful shopping haul at Dollarama. My kitchen certainly looks like its in much better shape, and I did it all for just $50!
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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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I love a good dollar store haul, so I’m super excited to share with you how I updated my bedroom with $50 at Dollarama.
In the last couple of years, Dollarama has raised their prices, which has been a tad frustrating. But, with the increase in price, we’ve seen an increase in quality, more trend-forward options, and a wider variety of products.
So while it seems to be impossible to get anything for $1, a lot of the things Dollarama sells are in the $3-4 range and they’re actually pretty great.
Most of the items I got fell into that range, but with $50 I was still able to get a lot of storage, decor, and functional items.
Storage
I have an IKEA bookshelf that I use as a TV stand for clothes, knick-knacks, and other things I don’t know what to do with. On the right side, we have some storage bins for our clothes, but the left side was in desperate need of some love.
Everything was living in storage tote bags and being shoved into the cub so I needed something cute, but functional in this space.
I got two of these striped storage bins for $4 each. I like the colours, the stripes, and how they were relatively neutral in my space. Dollarama has a wide variety of storage bins, baskets, and cubes, all at different price points!
Lighting
I have been obsessed with these lamps since I first saw them on the shelves at Dollarama. I knew they’d make an adorable addition to my TV stand, so I got two of them at $4 each to place on either side of my TV.
I love that they’re battery operated, so I can move them around my house as needed with ease. Although they don’t give off a ton of light, they do add some nice ambiance to any space.
Decor
Where I had the most fun was with decor, and I was really blown away by the decor options for homes at Dollarama.
Dollarama even sells those funky vintage letter boards for just $4. I already own two, so I didn’t get one but it’ such a steal.
I am obsessed with wooden crates, and have always wanted to own one, so when I saw that Dollarama sold small sized ones for $4, I knew I needed to have it. Even though I wasn’t exactly sure how I’d fit it into my space, I still got it. What’s great about the crate is that it’s unfinished, but looks great as is or painted. Who knows, I might get crafty with it later!
One of my biggest scores, was a book of prints that only cost $4.
There’s about 30 prints of various sizes in the book, and they’re all really cute. I got the “love” collection, but Dollarama had a few other options as well. I used two large 11×14 inch prints, cut them out of the book, and framed them with two white picture frames that were $4 each.
The frames themselves also surprised me. I’ve bought frames from Dollarama before that were made out of plastic and not the best quality. However, these frames are made out of metal, and really looked premium compared to others.
Since there were so many prints in the book, I cut out a few smaller ones and placed them around my room in different areas. I still have a bunch left, and I think they’ll make excellent gifts for other people as well. I can’t wait to share them!
Plants
If you know me, you know I have a healthy obsession with plants! While Dollarama may not sell any real plants, the store has a great gardening section with beautiful pots, soil, and everything you need to get started.
However, if gardening isn’t your strong suit and your plants don’t live long lives, you can get a ton of artificial plants and flowers at the dollar store. That’s why I used some ivy to hang off the tapestry behind my bed.
Other Items
I have a huge collection of earrings that hang in my bedroom, but I didn’t have a small mirror handy to try them on. I picked one up for only $2!
I also wanted a way to hold back my curtains. I found a nice rope in the craft section that matched the handles on the storage bins. Now I have a cute way to tie them back!
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If you live in Toronto, you most likely have a strong love affair with dollar and variety stores, because, real talk, living in the city isn’t getting any cheaper. Being able to find low cost kitchen supplies, cooking ingredients, cleaning supplies, and anything related to adulting, is a definite win. Not to mention, you’ll almost always leave with some strange, but wonderful odds and ends! After scouring the city with $1.00 signs on the mind, we compiled a list of dollar and variety stores that have just about anything you are looking for.
Check out 6 of the best dollar and variety stores in Toronto below, and hit up one of these locations the next time you need to pick up supplies.
Dollarama
Instagram/@_jyotsna
The amount of things you can find at Dollarama is seriously amazing from makeup and kitchen utensils, to cleaning supplies and all seasonal decorations and party supplies. While there are many locations in Toronto, not all are created equal, as certain stores get limited products.
Miniso
Instagram/@miniso.canada
Miniso, the Japanese-inspired lifestyle store, has opened up multiple locations across Canada, and we’re not mad about it. Carrying a wide range of products including health & beauty, stationary, electronics, and more, the retailer takes a low-cost, high quality approach with its product lines. You can find a snapshot of our favourite products from Miniso that are under $10 here, some highlights being face masks, makeup brushes, notebooks, and water bottles.
Oomomo
Instagram/@oomomo_bc
Oomomo is one of the latest Japanese dollar stores to open its doors to Canadians. While the GTA store is a little bit outside the downtown core at Don Mills & Lawrence, it’s definitely worth checking out. The retailer doesn’t sell anything over $12, and while its shelves are stocked with just about everything, it also carries the popular 100-yen Daiso line.
Sanko Trading Co.
Instagram/@toronto_tonto
There might be only one small location, but this little Japanese variety store is a favourite of many in the Queen West neighbourhood. Selling ceramics, cooking ingredients such as soy sauce, Japanese noodles and teas, lunch boxes, tea pots, and gifts, the store has a wide range of groceries to choose from. If you’re out in about by Trinity Bellwoods you won’t miss Sanko due to the super colourful mural on the side of the building.
Your Dollar Store With More
Instagram/@yourdollarstorewithmorelv
Similar to Dollarama, you can expect to find the same range of products at Your Dollar Store With More. A quick search on Instagram will give you an idea of what the dollar store chain is offering: electronics, cleaning supplies, kitchenware, party supplies, as well as cheap gift cards. Your Dollar Store With More has multiple locations across the city so you’re bound to find one close to you.
Metro Paradise
Yelp
If you frequent the Yonge/Adelaide neighbourhood, Metro Paradise is a great store to check out! It essentially has every random item that Dollarama has, along with cheap clothing, such as hoodies, pants, and even skirts. The store even has a better selection of winter accessories like gloves and hats, when compared to other dollar stores. Check out the store’s Yelp page and you’ll see what I mean.
Featured Image: Instagram/@oomomo_bc
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