The Aloha Dollar Store in Lahaina Square features a wide selection of products, with new items stocked every day.

LAHAINA – Looking to save money shopping? Check out the Aloha Dollar Store at 840 Wainee St., Suite D3, in Lahaina Square.

The store features a wide selection of inventory with new products stocked every day.

There are many products on sale for $1, and 80 percent of the items sell for $2.

The name “Dollar Store” can lead some people to think the items for sale are cheap trinkets from China.

Wrong. Owner Pierre Parranto shops smartly and aggressively from over 70 vendors that sell to Ross, Target, Costco and other national retailers.

He sells many of the same products without the big markup, so customers can save money.

“We have the lowest prices on the island for almost everything,” Parranto said.

“Lower prices doesn’t mean lower quality. Everything is brand new and high-quality.”

Popular items include LA’s Totally Awesome Laundry Detergent, cleaning supplies and candy.

The store’s large and ever-changing inventory – including slippers, boogie boards and beach toys; household items; tools; gift cards; plastic wares and storage; pet supplies; lotions and soap; snacks; health and beauty products; party goods; and makeup – is featured on the Aloha Dollar Store’s website at alohadollarstore.net.

How does Parranto decide what to buy?

“We listen to the community,” he said.

The store is locally owned with six employees. Hours are 9 a.m. to 7 p.m. Monday through Saturday, and 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. on Sunday.

While enrolled at the University of Hawaii Maui College, Parranto was honored with the 2015 Association for the Advancement of Sustainability in Higher Education Award for Student Sustainability Leadership.

He was recognized for his role in leading the Student ‘Ohana for Sustainability, which raises awareness about sustainability on campus.

Parranto’s message is to support Maui’s small businesses and the local economy.

And, as a sustainability advocate, he wants to help households save money and improve their financial situation.

“I want to help residents deal with Maui’s high cost of living. It’s hard to get people to care about sustainability. You need to start with small steps,” he explained.

For more information on the Aloha Dollar Store, call (808) 859-0833.