Kandice VincentThe 5 Best Discount Stores in Toronto
Finding the best deals in Toronto can be easy if you know where to look, and they're even closer than you think!
Get ready to fill up your carts and check out the best discount stores in Toronto! With a wide variety of products at great prices, you're sure to find what you're looking for.
Top Discount Stores in Toronto
What were the particular standards by which we picked the top discount stores in Toronto?
How much do items at discount stores in Toronto cost?
We have compiled a list of common product categories and offered an estimate of the cost for each one so that you may get a general sense of how much these goods cost.
1. Dollarama
| VALUE | ★★★★★ (5/5) |
| PRODUCTS | ★★★★☆ (4.5/5) |
| > Variety | ★★★★★ (5/5) |
| > Quality | ★★★★☆ (4/5) |
| SHOPPING EXPERIENCE | ★★★★☆ (4/5) |
| LOCATION | ★★★★★ (5/5) |
| > Visibility | ★★★★★ (5/5) |
| > Parking | ★★★★★ (5/5) |
With over 1,400 stores all over Canada, Dollarama has become the largest dollar store retail chain in the country. Their goods are known to be priced at around $5 or less.
Some customers noted how Dollarama stores have become more clean and organised. From general merchandise, holiday treats to everyday products—the stores have become easier to walk in and find something you are looking for.
Also worth mentioning are their payment methods. Although they accept Visa and Mastercard, tourists have apparently found it hard to pay because some of their stores require Canadian cards only.
Some may not even honor the exchange rate for dollars.
Furthermore, the no return, no exchange policy of the store has become a problem for customers, especially for those who experienced problems with items they recently purchased.
One customer bought three sets of nail polish that were already dry and even mislabeled but wasn’t able to refund their money or return the item because of the said policy.
Despite these concerns, Dollarama has grown to different areas and towns in Canada. The store aims to continuously reach new customers and provide convenience for everyone.
Stores can be found near famous establishments, malls, and restaurants, which provide plenty of parking space for their customers.
Pros
- Diverse options
- Improvement in store cleanliness and organisation
- Available in different areas and towns
- Plenty of parking space because of location
Cons
- Inconvenient payment method
- No return, no exchange policy
Customer Reviews
No pressure or long line inside
“Took a walk to the mall… just to browse… I may see an item ot two that I may be interested i to purchase. Walked in, and saw an employee. Asked for the aisle to where I can find what I was looking for. In and out in a matter of seconds. No pressure or long line inside.” —Carmen Archibald (Husniya), Google Reviews
One of the best stores in Canada
“Best store for all kind of general items from chocolates to kitchen items, toys to decorations, mobile accessories to general clothing and much more at economical rates. Therefore, don’t miss to visit this store based on my personal recommendations and visit. The store is located in the basement of the mall. you can also find a huge range of food items, drinks, and toiletries. I loved shopping here, especially for mobile accessories and electronic items. Also good for kids since they will enjoy shopping the toys, chocolates, and stationery items. It is one of the best stores in Toronto, in fact, Ontario or you can say simply Canada.” —Farukh Shahzad, Google Reviews
2. Dollar Tree
| VALUE | ★★★★☆ (4/5) |
| PRODUCTS | ★★★★★ (5/5) |
| > Variety | ★★★★★ (5/5) |
| > Quality | ★★★★★ (5/5) |
| SHOPPING EXPERIENCE | ★★★☆☆ (3/5) |
| LOCATION | ★★★★☆ (4.5/5) |
| > Visibility | ★★★★★ (5/5) |
| > Parking | ★★★★☆ (4/5) |
Everything you need for every day, every holiday and every occasion—Dollar Tree has it for you. The multi-priced discount store offers a variety of great value products at a low price point.
At Dollar Tree, customers can purchase retail to bulk quantities of household items, manufacturer closeouts to over-the-counter medicines. Priced at $0.50 to $3, they have been a go-to place for cheap yet one-of-a-kind items.
Customers have also been delighted that although some discount stores offer junk products, Dollar Tree offers overstocked items that have been kept in good and clean condition.
Dollar Tree stores are situated in locations near heavy foot traffic but are clearly and easily accessible. Customers can spend some time browsing through their stores and finding different types of affordable products.
However, a problem that some have encountered is their parking area. Customers have mentioned to us that the bulk of trash found in their parking lot ruins the experience, as some may even need to kick through the trash to get in the store.
There was also an instance wherein some customers experienced poor service from the cashier. They were not so friendly when dealing with customer concerns and inquiries.
Even with this, most customers are still encouraged and pleased with their shopping experience in Dollar Tree because of their unique and quality products even at a low price point.
Pros
- Can purchase retail to bulk quantities
- Products are clean and of good condition
- Located in areas with high foot traffic
- Interiors are well-maintained
Cons
- Dirty parking lot
- Remarks on cashier staff lacking friendliness
Customer Reviews
Great deals for arts and crafts
“Great deals and value for money specifically art and craft section.” —Mandy Saini, Google Reviews
Always on time for pick-up
“Preordered helium balloons a couple of times for school events and they are always ready for pick-up on time and thankfully tied in a certain manner to avoid tangles — very convenient! However, they are only good for the day of. Bank for the buck though :)” —Muskan, Google Reviews
3. Giant Tiger
| VALUE | ★★★★☆ (4/5) |
| PRODUCTS | ★★★★☆ (4.5/5) |
| > Variety | ★★★★★ (5/5) |
| > Quality | ★★★★☆ (5/5) |
| SHOPPING EXPERIENCE | ★★★★☆ (4/5) |
| LOCATION | ★★★★★ (5/5) |
| > Visibility | ★★★★★ (5/5) |
| > Parking | ★★★★★ (5/5) |
Giant Tiger is a Canadian discount store with over 260 outlets all over Canada. They provide different types of products, from recreational use, weekly grocery, and fashion to even group campings.
The retail store also provides sales and discounts that lure customers to purchase more. For instance, they currently have a promo where people who purchase $50 in-store or online will get $10 in GT dollars.
Though, people have noticed that Giant Tiger stores have been increasing prices which affected the customers’ willingness to do their shopping there. Some are thinking of lessening the frequency of going to the store because of this noticeable increase.
Furthermore, there have also been issues with regard to false advertising where customers would see “3 for $9” discounts but once scanned by the cashier, it would then appear as regular-priced items.
Nevertheless, people continue to patronise Giant Tiger because of its accessibility even in the provinces. Online stores are also available for easier browsing of available products.
Customers cannot also forget to take into consideration the shopping experience. One customer has mentioned that the staff takes care of concerns immediately, which makes their experience with Giant Tiger remarkable.
Pros
- Sales and discounts available
- Accessibility online & offline
- Staff taking care of concerns immediately
Cons
- Increased prices
- Some reports of false advertising
Customer Reviews
The staff is helpful, and the store is well-organized and clean
“This is one of the best bargain stores and now my favorite. I did my winter shopping at this location, and the prices are way cheaper than at other stores. On top of this, the cashier helped me to save an additional $10 for registering online. The store is well-organized and clean. There’s also enough free parking.” —Raj, Google Reviews
It has everything you want under one roof at an affordable price
“Giant Tiger is an amazing place to shop. It has everything you want under one roof at an affordable price. It’s clean and organized, and the staff is very helpful. There’s always something for everyone. You might go in for one thing, but you’ll come out with a cartful. They sell everything you need for your home with deals that you can’t refuse. I love shopping at giant Tiger because of everything they have I always come out with more than what I went in for.” —Linda Davenport, Google Reviews
4. Miniso
| VALUE | ★★★★☆ (4/5) |
| PRODUCTS | ★★★★★ (5/5) |
| > Variety | ★★★★★ (5/5) |
| > Quality | ★★★★★ (5/5) |
| SHOPPING EXPERIENCE | ★★★★☆ (4/5) |
| LOCATION | ★★★★★ (5/5) |
| > Visibility | ★★★★★ (5/5) |
| > Parking | ★★★★★ (5/5) |
Miniso is a Chinese lifestyle retailer that has launched thousands of outlets all over the world, several of which are in Canada. They aim to provide the young generation with high-quality unique items to make life better.
What customers love about Miniso are the cute little unique items you never knew you’d need. From plushies, robot toys, and beauty products to tiny storage boxes to gift your loved ones.
The staff is very friendly and accommodating. One customer shared that when a Miniso store opened in their location, they immediately went to it and were delighted at how the staff promptly helped them to find what they needed.
It must be noted, though, some items can be quite expensive as compared to other discount stores.
A customer also said that some items weren’t properly packaged, which could be a problem for mugs and glasses.
Most Miniso stores are painted white, which makes them look very open, clean, and neat. The staff has also maintained their stores to make it easier for customers to find what they need.
Moreover, outlets of Miniso are available in cities and malls, which provide a variety of parking options for their customers.
Pros
- Cute little unique items
- Accommodating and friendly staff
- Stores are clean and organized
- Variety of parking options
Cons
- No proper packaging for fragile items
- Quite expensive pricing
Customer Reviews
Large selection of products
“The largest Miniso I’ve been to so far. They have a large selection of products, and very friendly employees.” —Rachel Tran, Google Reviews
Customer service is always great
“Location for this venue is perfect and the customer service is always great as well. Love coming here!” —Mitch Tucker, Google Reviews
5. Oomomo
| VALUE | ★★★★☆ (4/5) |
| PRODUCTS | ★★★★★ (5/5) |
| > Variety | ★★★★★ (5/5) |
| > Quality | ★★★★★ (5/5) |
| SHOPPING EXPERIENCE | ★★★★☆ (4/5) |
| LOCATION | ★★★★☆ (4.5/5) |
| > Visibility | ★★★★★ (5/5) |
| > Parking | ★★★★☆ (4/5) |
With the aim of providing affordable quality to the everyday lifestyle, Oomomo is a Japanese store in Canada that offers high-quality general merchandise.
They hold a variety of goods, from kitchenware to beauty products. One customer shared how their parents loved buying at Oomomo because of the dining products that suit their needs.
Another customer also specifically mentioned how the quality of the face masks and false lashes seemed too good to be true considering the price; that’s why they even bought a lot more than usual on her second visit.
However, one problem that customers have mentioned is the pricing. Some may consider it costly, especially for food snacks, as you can also find it in other discount stores.
Most items were also not tagged, which made it hard to check the price.
Stores are notably huge, bright, and spacious. Parking lots are also available in Oomomo, but it can get quite crowded over time.
What made people continuously go to Oomomo is how warm their staff is. A customer told a story when they experienced checking out, and they were greeted by a Filipino staff that even inspected each item for damages.
Pros
- Variety of items in high-quality products
- Staff checking the quality of goods
- Stores are huge and spacious
Cons
- More expensive than others
- No price tags on items
Customer Reviews
Everything is really cheap but still of good-ish quality
“It is like a dollar store for Japanese imported stuff. Everything is really cheap but still of good-ish quality. Their tableware is fantastic, beautiful, and affordable. The store provides bathroom accessories, toiletries and cleaning products, kitchen accessories, storage options… and so much more. It is huge! They have a rewards program. Recommend registering and waiting until your card is ready before going shopping for the first time. Otherwise, you won’t collect any points on your first visit. Sometimes they also have a promotional stall with discounts/sales/free stuff next to the checkout.” —L. Cla, Google Reviews
I visited this store and it was a great experience
“I visited this store after seeing it on TikTok a few months ago. It was a great experience, the cost of most of the products is about 2.75+HST, up to about 14 for larger items. Very similar to a dollar store, however, it felt like a much better selection!” —Summer Mckay, Google Reviews
FAQs About Discount Stores in Toronto
Now that you know how to save big bucks in Toronto, explore what else the city can offer!
If you’re looking to bargain some more and save money, you can read our review on the top places for used office furniture in Toronto.
