Quick Facts
- Budget-conscious Canadian shoppers
- Bargain hunters seeking alternatives to grocery stores
- Urban shoppers in Ontario/Toronto area
- True dollar stores are nearly extinct - most now use multi-price models up to $5-$10
- Dollarama remains the top choice for brand-name essentials but discontinued direct online sales in December 2025
- Miniso and Oomomo have shifted toward premium/licensed products priced $14-$35+
- Smaller local chains like Absolute Dollar offer liquidation stock treasure hunts
For practical household and grocery savings, stick with Dollarama. For aesthetic lifestyle items and gifts, try Miniso or Oomomo, but expect boutique pricing rather than true discount deals.
Let’s be honest: the concept of a “dollar store” has completely changed. With inflation driving the cost of living in Canada to new heights in late 2025, finding a store that actually sells items for a loonie is rare. Most major chains have shifted to multi price models, pushing price tags up to $5 or even $10.
However, if you know where to look, these retailers remain the most effective weapon against rising grocery and household costs. The trick is knowing which store specializes in whatand avoiding the ones that are just overpriced boutiques in disguise.
Top 10 Discount Stores in Canada (2025-2026 Edition)
We’ve cut through the marketing noise to rank the current state of discount retail in Canada. Here is where you should be spending your money.
1. Dollarama
Dollarama remains the undisputed king of Canadian discount retail. Unlike smaller competitors, they have the buying power to keep shelves stocked with brand name essentials (like Heinz, Lysol, and Kraft) at prices that consistently beat major grocery chains.
The Practitioner’s Tip: Don’t look for a direct online store. As of December 2025, Dollarama has discontinued its direct to-consumer bulk online store. If you want Dollarama goods delivered, you must now use third-party apps like Instacart, Uber Eats, or DoorDash. You pay a premium for delivery, but it saves the trip.
2. Miniso
Miniso is not a dollar store; it is a Japanese inspired lifestyle brand. While they brand themselves as affordable, their pricing strategy has shifted significantly by late 2025. Following the opening of their massive flagship store in West Edmonton Mall, the focus is now heavily on licensed IP collaborations (Harry Potter, Sanrio, Disney).
The Verdict: Go here for gifts, plushies, and aesthetic stationery. Do not go here for practical household cleaning supplies. Expect to pay anywhere from $2 to $35+ for premium licensed items.
3. Absolute Dollar
Often confused with larger chains, Absolute Dollar is a smaller, local player with key locations in Ontario (like Milton and Toronto’s Gerrard Square). It doesn’t have the corporate polish of Dollarama, but that is exactly why it’s valuable.
Because they are smaller, they often carry liquidation stock that big chains won’t touch. It’s a true “treasure hunt” experience. If you are looking for specific party supplies like helium balloons or fireworks in the GTA, this is a solid local option.
4. Oomomo
Oomomo is a Japanese variety store that filled the void when Daiso originally operated under a partnership model. However, the partnership ended years ago, and Oomomo now stands alone. It is critical to note that Oomomo is no longer a “nothing over $12” store. In 2025, you will find high-end stationery and beauty products priced at $14 CAD and above.
It remains one of the best spots for Japanese ceramics and bento boxes, but for pure price competitiveness, it is becoming more of a boutique. If you love the hunt for vintage and unique items, you might also want to check out the best flea markets in Canada for similar hidden gems.
5. Mumuso
Similar to Miniso, Mumuso offers a Korean inspired aesthetic. Locations like the one in North York (CF Fairview Mall) are popular for beauty tools and cute home accessories. Be warned: the “under $10” rule is largely a myth in 2025. Quality items like memory foam pillows will run you $25 or more. Shop here for the vibe, not for rock bottom utility prices.
6. Metro Paradise
This is a Toronto specific “street smart” pick. Located at 117 Yonge Street, Metro Paradise is the type of unpolished discount store that often gets ignored but offers incredible value on apparel. Managed by the Sugshe Group, they stock basics like t shirts and hoodies that are often cheaper than thrift stores. If you are downtown and need a quick, cheap souvenir or a replacement shirt, this is your spot.
7. Your Dollar Store with More (dollarstore.ca)
Often just called “The Dollar Store,” this is actually Canada’s largest franchise chain in the sector, with over 80 locations concentrated heavily in British Columbia and Alberta. Unlike the corporate uniformity of Dollarama, these stores are franchised, meaning inventory can vary wildly from town to town.
Hidden Gem: Because individual owners run them, they are often more responsive to local needs. If you are in Western Canada, this is often a better bet for party supplies than the big box stores.
8. Dollar Tree Canada
Dollar Tree was once the last bastion of the “everything for $1.25” promise. That era is officially over. As of late 2025, Dollar Tree Canada has aggressively rolled out its “Plus” and multi price format. You will now see shelves stocked with items at $1.50, $1.75, and premium seasonal goods up to $10.
Despite the price hikes, it remains the superior choice for greeting cards (still cheaper than Walmart) and crafting supplies. Just double check the price tag before you get to the register.
9. Buck or Two Plus!
A nostalgic name for many Canadians, Buck or Two Plus! has downsized over the years to roughly 27 specialized locations across the country. They have survived by pivoting away from “cheap junk” toward party supplies and seasonal decor. They aren’t the retail giant they once were, but for specific seasonal events (Halloween, Christmas), their smaller footprint often means less chaotic crowds than Dollarama.
10. Sanko Japanese Trading Co.
Sanko on Queen Street West (Toronto) is in a league of its own. It isn’t a traditional “dollar store,” but rather a cultural institution for affordable Japanese goods. If you cook at home, this is where you buy your ceramics and specialty ingredients.
As of December 2025, they are generally open 7 days a week (11 AM – 6 PM most days), making them a reliable stop for last minute gifts. The quality of their $5 ceramic bowls often exceeds what you’d find at a department store for $20. For comparison, the variety here rivals some of the niche spots you might find when shopping in New York City, but with a distinct Toronto flair.
A Note on Online Shopping Scams
When searching for deep discounts online, be cautious of websites that look too good to be true. Many “liquidation” sites pop up claiming to sell dollar store overstock. Always verify the legitimacy of the site before entering your credit card details. We have written extensively on how to spot these issues in our review: Is Interconnect Shop Legit? A Comprehensive Review.
For most Canadian discount shopping, the physical store is still the best way to guarantee you are getting the price you expect.
