Dollarama

The sketchiest dollarama by far… but they always have everything neatly organized and have staff that know where things are. I can always find what I’m looking for and lines move quickly. There’s always about 3 security guards in there too… who I know are looking out for theft but make me feel safer.

This is a pretty good store. They have the usual suspects I’d expect to find at dolladollarama, and a few surprises. The staff are friendly, helpful and non intrusive. I’m a fan of the neighbourhood. The only thing is I’m hoping they don’t out the smaller mom n pop shops outta business, is all.

I went in here to pick up some odds and ends and was trailed by the security guard like a bad smell. I am very familiar with the area and completely aware of the necessity for vigilance to avoid being robbed blind, but this was intense. I don’t think I look particularly sketchy especially in comparison to some of the other clientele. And I know I shouldn’t take it personally, but hot damn it annoyed me and was enough to make me boycott this location permanently.

Poor customer service. Unorganized and messy store. Desperately needs a proper management.

Enter at your own risk.
Located right across the street from Moss Park, I suppose I shouldn’t have expected much. In fact, had I not been wearing sunglasses at the time as a semi successful attempt to avoid social contact with the community there, I’m sure I would have run the risk of my bulging, paranoid eyes popping right out of their sockets during my trip here.
Once you are inside the store, the place is actually pretty nice. Of course, I’m talking dollar store standards, but I’d consider this a good one. It’s a good size for starters, nothing like the dinky little ones at malls, and very well lit. Fantastic selection of the usual things. And to top it off, the staff are friendly :) (minus the grunting security guards).
But the overriding «dud factor» of this store is it’s location. I guess it’s hard to find a store front which would be able to accommodate such a large retail establishment, but the community is such a turn off! It smelled like piss outside (just last week I had seen some guy peeing across the street too, in broad daylight!), locals within sight were of the homeless variety, a girl clad in a neon skirt and dingy bra was street walking outside. And there was of course the less-​than-​desirable regular clientele (think of the guests on the Maury Povich show) yelling at the workers to help them with navigation.

I came in here for latex gloves and felt that I should have been given a pair to peruse the store with. They were $ 1.25 for 5 pair. The risk you take with your life is questionable.