I've passed this store often, driving southbound over the Burrard Bridge. The green "Dollarama" sign is huge and clearly visible from Burrard. I finally got to visit the store recently and all I can say is, "Wow!". That, and "I've been the biggest sucker, paying double and triple or more at other stores on so much stuff the past few years. ARGH".
From the outside, this store looks large. But it is way WAY bigger once you are inside and see how deep the store goes. And all the shelves are super well stocked (unlike other places). And, with few exceptions, the prices are a fraction of what they are elsewhere (even compared to my No Frills, which tends to have lower prices than most other comparable grocery stores). And many of the products are name brands, too. Not all, granted, but many.
Walking the aisles, I kept kicking myself for shopping elsewhere for so many household cleaners and kitchen items and hair supplies and smaller hardware items - and more, so so much more. Seasonal decor? Check. Craft supplies? Check. Party stuff? Check. Closet organizers? Bathroom supplies? Snacks? Paper and stationery? Check, check, check and check. You get the idea.
Unlike dollar stores in the States, the cost of items at Canadian dollar stores are often over a dollar. Here they are just way cheaper than elsewhere. But they usually do cost more than a buck. But I found lots of items under $5 (many under $2). And I was able to find many items that I seriously couldn't find anywhere else I looked (like matchbooks).
This place is a wonderful resource here, in such an expensive city, especially if you have kids (school parties, projects, parties, etc.). But even if you're just like me, trying to keep your home stocked with basic supplies, this is the place! read more