This is a small variety store that focuses on exotic snacks, cereals, and sodas. They are imported from different countries, including from Asia. This is their second location, which opened on 2022-07-16.
I saw so many varieties and together, they are so colourful; it livens up the store. The store itself is decorated with various colours. Only pictures (my pictures ? ;) ) will do it justice.
The prices are not listed. The staff don't mind telling you if they know or they will check the cash register. Most items range from $5 to $6. Prices depend on from where it is imported and the size of the item.
Here are a few example prices:
- candy bar: $3.50 to $4.00
- bag of candy: $5.00
- cereal box: regular $15, large $17.50
The staff are very courteous and helpful. It is usually the owner and one other staff member.
I was curious about the owner because he looked so young. Below is his story.
The owner is Giordano. Ever since he was 4 years old, he always saw opportunities to sell things. When he visited other countries, he loved finding unique snacks and bringing them back to Canada to enjoy them; incidentally, so do I! When he was 19 years old, he started this business in his basement. Then he expanded to operate out of a storage unit.
When he was 20 years old, in Nov 2019, he opened a very small store in Vaughan. But then the pandemic hit, so he was selling the snacks online via his website. In 2021, he moved to a much larger space near his original location, with a warehouse in the back. When stores were allowed to have 25% occupancy (during the pandemic), a viral TikTok made lineups 2 hours long!
When speaking with Giordano, I could tell he had a passion for these exotic snacks. His nickname is Giordana Exotic! He really believes in sharing his passion for foreign and unique snacks to everyone.
There is no free WiFi, but you can use the free WiFi from Fido next door. The store is wheelchair accessible. Thete are no washrooms. There is paid neighbourhood street parking.
Review 2023-110 read more