The discount merchandiser was founded in 1993 by Bud and Vivian Walker, with the set-up of a head office in Victoria, British Columbia and opening of the first BC store in Kamloops.

In 2015, Great Canadian Dollar Store was purchased by Kevin & Jane Kane of Quispamsis, NB.

[2] Founded in 1993 by Bud & Vivian Walker, Great Canadian Dollar Store sold products with a retail price of $1.00.

As the company grew and product lines expanded, the maximum retail price moved between $1 to $3.

With the purchase of Great Canadian Dollar Store by Kevin Kane,[3] the emphasis is to grow the brand in smaller rural communities.