Ichiban Living

Preferable to Daiso in my opinion, even it is a bit smaller. They have the usual inventory of made in China and made in Japan products at very good prices. Also, some uniquely odd Japanese items. Worth checking it out if you’re in the Pacific Mall area. Entry from the underground parking lot.

Could not be more glad that I couldn’t hold my bladder any longer and needed to take a pee break in the Pacific Mall basement because I would not have otherwise stumbled on this little gem of a Japanese dollar store (actually $ 2 store). I love Daiso and this is like Daiso but even better because the US dollar is strong and works out being cheaper than $ 1.50 per item (as priced in Daiso). Furthermore, I found more nifty and useful household items here than I did at Daiso. Thusly, Ichiban Living = win.
I also like that a majority of the products are made in Japan and are super cute and seem pretty durable… unlike some comparable made in China goods. No offense, motherland. Gotta tell it like it is.
Will be back over and over and over until the US dollar drops in value again… but possibly even then, I will be back.

Wonderful Japanese dollar store that carries many tools and accessories for the home and office. As others have mentioned, it is like Daiso, but on a much smaller scale. The size of the store is quite small. Being located on the parking level inside the Pacific Mall. There are 2 levels, so be sure to go inside the store and downstairs. There are so much more goodies.
It is quite fun to browse around and see what kind of things are available. Some of them quite cute and others are just so creative things that cost $ 2 CAD per item. Of course the more items you buy, you might be entitled to get some free items included with your purchase. If you enjoy the One’s Better Living located in Market Village or the Best Shop on the upper level of the Pacific Mall, you will enjoy browsing through this store as well.
Go check it out!

Ichiban Living is probably the closest you’ll get to the likes of Daiso, the most famous Japanese discount store in the west coast. They were originally located in the basement of Pacific Mall, but have recently moved to Market Village, right beside Sam’s Congee Delight.
Ichiban Living can be considered as a discount store, as every single one of the products are $ 2, including bottled drinks (yes, they sell bottled drinks). For every 10 items or more you buy, you get 1 item free, and you can sign up for a VIP card which gives you 10% off each visit. This is probably the best deal you can get nowadays, as true dollar stores are all but gone.
There are a lot of interesting items in this store, similar to the likes of Smart Maple, One’s, or Broadcast Books and Gifts; all well known gifts and household departments stores in Markham. In fact, I find this store has a wider selection of low cost gift ideas compared to the three aforementioned stores.
With another one of these Japanese-​style department stores added, Market Village is home to at least three gift-​styled stores. Surely there’s a trend happening with this mall in order to better distinguish from its Pacific Mall cousin?

Man this place is so cool! Now, I’m a little confused if this is the same location I went to, as I was inside Market Village. Some other reviews say it’s in Pacific Mall, so now I’m not sure if they moved or have two locations now?
Anywho, this location is definitely newer. This is almost a Japanese version of the normal dollar store most of us are used to. With all its stock from Japan, this is probably the best kind of dollar store around!
Japan gas been known to make little trinkets and gadgets that are unique, cute, and life hacks. They have rows and rows of items from Japan, ranging from kitchen helpers to beauty products and stationary to miscellaneous things that you never knew existed! It’s always fun to go through the different things Japan has to offer and learn what they are used for.
Unfortunately, majority of the store is in Chinese or Japanese, making it harder for English readers to figure things out. The aisles and shelves were also minimally stocked. They had lots of stuff, but also lots of space on their shelves as well. Would be wise to fill those babies up!
Definitely come check this place out! There are definitely some things in here that you were looking for, or weren’t even looking for, but could use! #lifehacks

This 2 $ store sells products one would find at the Seria dollar store in Japan! It may not seem like much of a deal because you would have to pay 2 $ plus tax, whereas in Japan it’s a flat 108 yen each item, but these are so adorable and you cannot find these products at your regular dollar store in Canada. I find that Japanese dollar stores carry great quality items for a low price. Overall it’s still worth buying here, more so when comparing to One’s Better Living store which is in the same building!!! Their markups are crazy.
Only thing I would have to say is that this is a relatively small store, and doesn’t carry all of the seria products that one would see in Japan. All items are Japanese designed, mostly made in China, but some are made in Japan.

This shop beats Dollarama by miles! Everything is so cute and cheap, especially the stationaries! They have really cute note paper, envelopes, wooden desk accessories… you name it! And everything is only $ 2, I wish they would open more Japanese dollar stores in Toronto.

Yet another example of an Asian retail concept that actually has international locations (except in Canada), which prompted locals to emulate said concept and start their own business. These kinds of 1 – 2 dollar stores filled with super cheap and cute Japanese household goods are very popular in Asia under the brand Daisho. But just like Japanese burgers, Japanese hot dogs, and countless other Asian concepts, they don’t seem to show any interest opening up a chain here.
Step forward local talent Ichiban Living.
I actually went here for the first time when they first opened. Since then, I’m happy to say that they have expanded their offerings and now provide even more things that you (never knew) needed!
This is a great place to buy little files and desk organizers for your home office or study room. Also you can find lots of cheap little cups and soy sauce containers, there is no better place to get them. Oh, and bowls! And salt-​pepper shakers! And cute chopsticks! And cleaning cloths! And binders and gloves and soap and beauty products and and and…
BASICALLY IT’S LIKE A DOLLAR STORE WITH WAY CUTER-​LOOKING STUFF. Just without the cleaning products aisle or the greeting cards section.

A Japanese dollar store finally arrived in Toronto!
Well sort of… Ichiban Living is located in Pacific Mall on the Markham border and all their merchandise are $ 2 (each). Items are neatly displayed and the aisles are surprisingly spacious for a shop inside Pacific Mall. Dining items and beauty supplies are on the upper level so make sure to go to the lower level for everything else.
I’m used to going to Daiso when I’m in San Francisco which is a lot bigger and everything is $ 1.50. But, Ichiban Living is a good start for the city.
Solid 3 stars!
Now if they start selling Macha KitKats… then this place will get an automatic 5 stars ;)

Step aside Dollarama!
Ichiban Living in the basement level of Pacific Mall is now my to go place for «Dollar Store» merchandise.
Everything here is $ 2 and 90% of the stocks are «MADE IN JAPAN».
The selection and quality here is just amazing compares to other Dollar Store with merchandise for kitchen, bathroom, stationary, beauty and more.
The store has 2 levels, so made sure you go down to the lower level to take a look.