If the cost of just about all consumer goods in Canada is getting you down, it may be time to turn to low-cost retailers that offer cheap prices to pick up everyday essentials.
While Dollarama is a popular option that likely many know about, there are actually a few other stores dollar stores and bargain shops across the country where you can pick up goods at a cheaper price than traditional retailers.
So, if your wallet needs a bit of a break, check out these stores for some sweet deals!
Krazy Bins
Details: If you love going for a good bargain hunt, Krazy Bins is the retailer for you. Every week, they sort tens of thousands of goods into various boxes, and prices never exceed $25.
It means you definitely have to go searching for the products you want, but you can find some great deals on brand-name items like electronics and clothes.
Go armed with a little bit of patience and a good attitude and who knows — you might just score a pair of designer shoes!
Brands Gone Wild
Details: Much like Krazy Bins, you never quite know what you're going to find at Brands Gone Wild. The retailer works with "Toronto-based wholesale buyers and sellers" to get brand-name items that they can then sell for "ridiculously low" prices.
But you'll have to be quick: "Once our stock is gone, it's gone for good," they warn.
'"Opportunity buying' is the name of our game," they say of their offerings. "We scavenge around for the best dead stock opportunity purchases from the brands you love, and mark them down ridiculously low. Our access to curated, keenly-priced brand name goods have kept us going for over 30 years now, with many more years to come."
Check out Brands Gone Wild
Once Upon A Child
Details: Kids grow so, so quickly, and buying new onesies and play clothes every few months (or even weeks) can seriously take a toll on your wallet, particularly when you're already buying diapers and everything else that goes with having a little one.
At Once Upon A Child, you can shop gently used kid’s clothes, shoes, toys, furniture and baby gear for up to 70% off. As well, you can bring in the stuff that your kiddo no longer uses and possibly get paid on the spot.
"When you bring in your gently used kid’s clothing, toys and furniture, you are helping make the earth a better place," they explain. Recycling clothing can save thousands of gallons of water and millions of barrels of oil. Selling your gently used items to our stores allows other kids to enjoy them again. That helps cut down the emissions of toxic chemicals and gases that are generated when new textiles and other materials are created to make brand new toys and baby gear."
A win for your wallet and the environment!
Miniso
Details: From beauty products to Japanese snacks to home items, Miniso sells items priced between $2 and $10, with a few items going over that threshold. Still better-priced than most stores offering international goods!
They also update their stock ever seven days, so there'll always be something new to shop every week.
Giant Tiger
Details: From affordable cute clothing to just about everything you need for your home, Giant Tiger labels itself as "the go-to destination where Canadians can shop smart and save smart with everything they want and need at a price they can feel good about."
"From finding treasures to brag to your friends when you browse the aisles of your local store or shopping online for delightful products delivered to your doorstep or in-store pickup, we’re focused on providing you with quality merchandise and everyday low prices," they say.
JYSK
Details: If you're a fan of IKEA but looking for cheaper prices, JYSK might just be the ticket.
"With a passion for Scandinavian design, our products range from furniture to accessories, including mattresses, bedding, and outdoor products, that will enhance any living space with a sense of sophistication at extraordinarily affordable prices," says the company.
Your Dollar Store With More
Details: Your Dollar Store With More is actually the largest dollar store franchise in Canada and offers great deals on many household necessities as well as seasonal goodies.
Check out Your Dollar Store With More
Dollar Tree
Details: If you're looking to diversify from Dollarama, Dollar Tree offers many products starting from just $1.25.
The store notes that they try to create an environment where shopping is fun during "tough economic times" by offering products at "extreme values."
"Some of the product departments you’ll find at a Dollar Tree store in Canada include housewares, glassware, dinnerware, cleaning supplies, candy, snacks, food, health and beauty, toys, gifts, gift bags and wrap, party supplies, stationery, craft supplies, teaching supplies, books, seasonal décor, and more!" they explain.
"We carry everything you need for every day, every holiday, and every occasion… and every single item is affordably priced."
Great Canadian Dollar Store
Details: Founded by Canadians for Canadians, Great Canadian Dollar Store believes in "an incomparable ratio of price to quality for everyday living."
"From local artisans to global suppliers, our products offer quality and value for everyday use – perfect for families, kids and students alike," they say. "Step inside one of our stores and you will leave inspired and wanting more."
This article has been updated since it was originally published on January 29, 2023.
This article's cover image was used for illustrative purposes only.
