On October 1^st, Chinese retailer MINISO (NYSE: MNSO, HKEX: 9896) unveiled a new “$2 Plus” concept at the re-opening of its Vaughan Mills store in the Greater Toronto Area. The concept reflects MINISO’s aim to provide shoppers with a unique in-store experience while offering excellent value, well-designed products in response to the effects of rising inflation on consumer budgets. 

Traditional Chinese lion dance at the event

Having been closed for refurbishment for several months, MINISO’s store at Vaughan Mills, one of the largest shopping malls in Canada, re-opened its doors to shoppers with a brand-new look. Inspired by MINISO’s original creation, the MINI Family of adorable animal characters, the store’s remodeled interior embodies the brand’s lively and youthful atmosphere and reflects the company’s intention to feature more of its own original products. 

The interior of the renovated store is inspired by MINI Family

The revamp heralds MINISO’s new direction in Canada, introducing the brand’s all-new “$2 Plus” concept to local consumers. The concept sees MINISO take inspiration from the much-loved dollar store as a means of offering customers products at low prices, while the brand provides more diverse and higher quality goods than traditional low-cost retailers. As inflationary pressures grow, MINISO’s long-standing Chinese supply chain capabilities ensure customers, who are increasingly cost-conscious, can rely on the “$2 Plus” model for quality, affordable, design-led products today and into the future.

“Ever since we first set foot in Canada in 2017, our ambition has been to provide customers with well-designed products at reasonable prices, as well as enjoyable shopping experiences, and the ‘$2 Plus’ concept is our way of further realizing this. With affordable prices and a unique treasure hunt shopping experience in-store, our ‘$2 Plus’ stores aim to be the go-to place for everyone looking for quality lifestyle products on a budget,” said Bella Tu, General Manager of MINISO Overseas Operations.

The Vaughan Mills store is one of the first four stores to be refashioned for the “$2 Plus” concept. Three other stores, in the Scarborough district of Toronto, Markham, and Vancouver, also opened on the same day. The remaining MINISO stores in Canada are slated to undergo similar makeovers soon.

MINISO has opened 50 outlets across Canada since May 2017. The brand is well-known for its licensed collections with Marvel and Disney, We Bare Bears, Coca-Cola and more.