The chain began with a single store in 1998, founded by Russ and SherryMeszaros. The chain expanded quickly in the early 2000s, and by 2003 it had grown to 140 stores in Canada. The chain's expansion was fueled by a combination of a lowfranchise fee, and a wideselection of products, including those above $1, which the company claims is part of what makes it a "higher-end concept". By 2004, the chain had grown to 175 stores, becoming the second-largest franchiseddollar store in the country, then behind the Ontario-based A Buck or Two. The chain is now considered the largest franchised dollar store in Canada.