Dollar Land

This dollar store is conveniently located in the heart of Kingsgate Mall. Parking and a bike rack provided. Their hours are based on the mall. I presume today, Sunday that they’re open until 5pm.
Usually when I buy anything at this dollar store I’m disappointed. The selection is great, however their prices are so random. I usually only shop here out of desperation and I usually leave feeling ripped off. Also, note they have strict policy on returns and exchanges. So, whatever you buy you better REALLY need it.
Today I went looking for a spool of black thread. I was pleasantly surprised to find out I could get 2 for a dollar. YIPPEE! Not only that, the customer service was a pleasant experience as well.
For such a small shop they do have a great selection. Everything from USB cords to seasonings. I can’t complain about that.
Maybe in the future I’ll take more of a positive attitude when shopping here. Usually, I promise myself I’ll never shop there again but for some reason I always end finding a reason to return.

I have this thing that I cannot pay more than $ 1 for an item, however, where this place loses points is in the general selection. I’ve walked in here a few times and have come out empty handed. That rarely happens with me and dollar stores.

There is an art to running a dollar store and when it is done well these can be some of the most convenient places to buy all sorts of things. However when a dollar store is used to sell bad quality products and the prices start to consistently rise above a dollar, you have a problem on your hand. The latter is my opinion of Dollar land.

Dollar Land is just OK… with the mass of dollar stores around the city these days I feel like with so much competition that Dollar Land might want to step it up a notch.
The usual suspects that you depend on finding in a dollar store, like a broom or paint roller. seem to be absent from this location… and the prices are WAY over a dollar…$ 4 for a dollar store quality screw driver? BUT in a pinch they will do for those house hold item you don’t want to spend a lot on… like the purchase I made of a bright green mop pail:)
They are also not the friendliest crew of employees… I was shocked at how rude one was to a customer that just wanted to exchange a flash light he had just purchased minutes before. that didn’t work. she wasn’t going to let him because all sales are final apparently. but come on. he just bought it… where is the service? I guess you can’t expect much though when the average item they sell is $ 2.50…

You never know what you are going to find at Dollar Land. In general, it’s really a crap shoot, but what do you expect for a dollar? I’ve found some great bargains here and I’ve ended up with some junk. One thing that you can always find here are cheap Vancouver postcards so if you are in the area and from out of town, come by and stock up. They also have a decent selection of party supplies. Any kind of sponge or dish washing item has been a dud though. Shop with caution.