SAAN had more than 350 stores in the late 1990s; however, by May 2005, after it emerged from bankruptcy protection, this was reduced to 142 outlets in a number of communities (mostly smaller towns and cities) across Canada.

[1] SAAN was established in 1947 by founders Albert and Sam Cohen, who opened their first store on Main Street in Winnipeg, Manitoba.

SAAN expanded into Eastern Canada in February 1997 with the acquisition of 89 locations once owned by other retailers including Greenbergs; that same year, the chain added hard goods such as kitchen items, bed and bath items, furniture, toys, housewares, stationery and health and beauty products to their product lines.

By May 2005, however, after it emerged from bankruptcy protection, this was reduced to 142 outlets in a number of communities (mostly smaller towns and cities) across Canada.

Most of the chain's locations and its intellectual properties were bought on an asset basis by TBS Holdings, owner of The Bargain!