By Gagandeep Ghuman
Published: Dec. 15, 2012
Another dollar store might be coming soon to Squamish.
Dollar Tree plans to open a location in downtown Squamish on Winnipeg Street, in the building adjacent to Sears Store.
The building was previously occupied by Home Hardware store and by a grocery store before that.
Calls and emails to Dollar Tree head office were not returned, but sources close to the project confirmed the dollar store chain plans to open the store by the end of March.
It would be the third dollar store in downtown Squamish, existing alongside Only Deals Dollar store in the Chieftain Mall and the newly opened Happy Hills Market on Cleveland Ave.
The market for cheaper goods is getting crowded in Squamish.
Along with three dollar stores, there are at least four other second-hand goods stores in downtown Squamish.
Red Apple, Pearl’s Second, Mini Flea Market, and St. Joseph’s thrift store all vie for business on the main drag of our town.
Edith Cutler from Mini Flea Market doesn’t seem to mind another dollar store.
“The more places people have to go to shop, the better it is,” she said.
She doesn’t feel threatened by the dollar store because what she offers is different from dollar store, she insists.
A few steps away is Red Apple, which took over from Fields last September.
Deron Collins from Red Apple says business has been slowly picking up, but the new dollar store might cut into it.
Collins said people coming into Red Apple tend to be from low-income backgrounds, although he notices a variety of people looking for deals.
“Where else can you get a litre of coke for $1,” he asked, adding that appeal of a good deal cuts across social class, more so in a tough economy.
Mike Baloney brought his wife and grand children to shop at Red Apple, and said he wouldn’t mind seeing another dollar store in town.
“People don’t have money these days,” he said.
Squamish resident Mark Wilmot feels there are one too many dollar stores in downtown Squamish.
“Why can’t we have something cool and different here instead of another dollar store,” he wondered.
In the kind of economic slump the world—and our town—has experienced, a dollar store can be a sure bet for its owner.
Dollar stores have recorded increased sales across North America as a tepid economy forces people to pinch pennies.
Family Dollar, CNN reported this April, reported higher-than-expected quarterly profits as it sold more food items at its stores.
The chain also saw net profits soar to $136.4 million, an increase of $ 12 million from previous years.
Dollar General was 15 places up on the exclusive club of 500 biggest American companies in 2009.
Another dollar store made its first entry into that exclusive club: Dollar Tree.
Dollar Tree also plans to grow its store base by 25 in 2012, with growth projectins looking at 1,000 stores across Canada in the long run.
Tracy says
Another dollar store loaded with products from China…. *sigh* Everytime a Canadian shops at one of these stores, they are shopping for goods that are imported, helping to export jobs to China. I realize that times are tough, but purchase products made within Canada & you will no doubt strengthen our economy by creating jobs for your fellow Canadians, neighbours, friends.
Dave says
I have no problem with this. So many stores now have products made in China…some good , some not so good. Think of it as another store Down-town to increase our “diversity of choice”….enjoy! Think globally and help those who desparately need jobs offshore too. This really is not going to hurt us. We export and import….this is called balance of trade.
Jane Iverson says
Absolutley the worst thing for Downtown.
adam says
Try finding cheap products not made in China. It’s just the way it is and I am OK with that. Just not sure we need more than one of these stores. Only time will tell.
Not That Old says
More cheap, disposable junk that we don’t need to buy even if it does only cost a dollar. But then again, who else could fill a store that big?
Mike says
This is the worst thing I could possibly imagine. Downtown needs pretty much anything except another dollar store. This idea is totally disgusting. I should really hope we can stand united and make our downtown more vibrant and less embarrassing!! 1 step forward 2 steps backward welcome to Squamish.
Barry says
I call them landfill stores, thats where most of the stuff ends up,walmart included!
Scott says
And we continue to lament the fact that we can’t encourage traffic off the highway to visit downtown ? Is it any wonder ??? Sure there are some stores/restaurants/cafe’s that are great but a bunch of Dollar and Thrift stores ? Doesn’t that just reinforce the stereotypical view (no matter how incorrect it may be ) that a lot of Vancouverites already have of Squamish ?