When you’re first moving to France, or just visiting, you may be trying to discover local alternatives to some of your American favorites, like the classic affordable “dollar store.” So, with the popularity of dollar stores in the US, are there any dollar stores in France?
Let’s dive in and find out.
Want to check what level of French you are? This free quiz run by AI will figure out exactly what level you are (it’s crazy accurate!)
Are There Dollar Stores in France?
Yes, there are dollar stores in France, although they are called “euro shops” instead and may not be labeled that way.
While Euro shops are available throughout Paris, you’ll normally find a lot of independent, corner-shop-style Euro stores instead of big brands.
When you get to the more recognizable cheap stores they tend to be a little bit more varied in price. You’ll still be able to get items for super cheap, but they might not have a guaranteed one Euro price tag.
Start learning French before your trip to France! I’ve been using italki (I’m taking 3 classes per week right now) for years to learn French and Italian from home! Try out a class and you’ll thank me later. They’re usually $9 or less!
What are the Names of Popular French Dollar Stores?
So, what kind of affordable household shops should you be on the lookout for? Let’s check them out.
1. Dealz
Okay, essentially Dealz is the French and Spanish version of the UK’s Poundland. It’s a Euro store that has a website so you can see what might be in the store, but you can’t buy anything on it.
You can get anything from cleaning supplies to snacks to socks to mascara, and pretty much anything in between.
If you plan to move to France or just want to understand the French better, definitely read this book or this book before your trip! Trust me, it will make your transition and understanding of French culture so much better.
2. Gifi
So, you might have heard of a discount chain called Tati that was beloved in France but sadly closed during the pandemic.
Well, it was bought up by Gifi, another cheap household and ‘we sell everything’ store that has over 500 stores with the vast majority of them being in France. Especially if you’re in a city, you won’t be far from your nearest Gifi.
3. Amazon.fr
Okay, so not exactly a French dollar store, but you can get a lot of the same stuff for a ridiculous price on Amazon.fr, and there’s the benefit of having delivery included.
No hauling bags around town! Make sure you set up a French Amazon account if you’re staying out there for a while – it’s definitely going to be worth it!
What is a Dollar Store?
Well, it’s pretty self-explanatory. A dollar store is a place where you can get a whole host of items for a dollar or less. There are also 99-cent stores that operate in a similar way.
These stores don’t always offer the best quality in the world, but they do stock a lot of useful household items as well as food, healthcare, beauty, and more. If you’re moving somewhere new and need odd bits and pieces for your new apartment, dollar stores can be a lifesaver.
Summary
So, while there aren’t really a ton of specific dollar stores in France, there are a lot of discount homeware and hardware stores that definitely fill that void.
It’s all about finding the alternative that works for you in a pinch. Who doesn’t love a good deal anyway?
Read More About France:
- Do You Want to Live in France? Here’s Why You Should
- Hostels in Paris That Are Great for Partying
- How to Travel Between Nice & Villefranche-sur-Mer
- Is There a Lot of Crime in Nice? Find Out Here
- How to Travel Between Nice & Eze Village
Dayna Brockbank is a travel and language-learning blogger who has lived around the world but has now settled in Nice, France. She speaks 3 languages at varying levels of fluency: Spanish, Italian, and French, and graduated with a Bachelor’s in Spanish Education. She and her husband focus on making travel part of life by living cheaply and traveling on a budget.