If you are new to the stock market and feel like a small amount of money isn’t enough to get started, I think you might be underestimating what a small beginning can lead to.
I understand why some investors hesitate to start small, as most of the market news focuses on six-figure portfolios and huge market gains. But everyone has to start somewhere, and I’d much rather begin with $1,000 today than spend another few years waiting until I have the perfect amount.
However, I wouldn’t treat that money like a lottery ticket. Instead, I’d look for businesses I already understand, with products people regularly buy. And Canada has some excellent examples in everyday retail, including companies that have expanded far beyond their home markets.
In this article, I’ll share two top Canadian stocks I’d consider buying with my first $1,000 and explain what makes their businesses appealing for beginners.
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Dollarama stock
If you’re starting your investment journey with $1,000, Dollarama (TSX: DOL) could be an excellent stock to consider, especially given its resilient business model and impressive growth opportunities.
This Montréal-based discount retailer operates more than 1,700 stores across Canada, offering everyday essentials and general merchandise at affordable prices. After climbing 22% over the last six months, DOL stock currently trades at $207.45 per share with a market cap of $55.6 billion. It also offers a small but reliable 0.2% annualized dividend yield.
Interestingly, Dollarama’s recent stock price gains have mainly been backed by its strong financial growth and expanding international presence. In the second quarter of its fiscal year 2027 (ended in August 2026), the retailer’s revenue rose 17.6% year-over-year (YoY) to just over $2 billion. This increase was mainly driven by higher Canadian comparable-store sales, new store openings, and a full quarter of revenue contribution from its Australian operations. More importantly, Dollarama’s diluted quarterly earnings climbed 11.2% YoY to $1.29 per share.
Beyond its strong Canadian business, Dollarama is expanding internationally through its Australian operations and investments in Latin American retailer Dollarcity. Although its Australian business is still reporting losses, ongoing store renovations and network expansion could lead to stronger results over time.
Given these growth initiatives and its ability to consistently increase earnings, Dollarama could be a great stock for beginners looking to turn their first $1,000 investment into long-term wealth.
Alimentation Couche-Tard stock
Another attractive Canadian stock I’d consider buying with a $1,000 starting investment is Alimentation Couche-Tard (TSX: ATD), which has built a massive convenience retail business across international markets.
The Laval-headquartered firm operates more than 17,200 stores worldwide, primarily under its popular Circle K and Couche-Tard brand names. After gaining 11% so far in 2026, ATD stock currently trades at $83.33 per share with a market cap of $76.5 billion. It also rewards shareholders with a 1% annualized dividend yield.
Besides its recent share price gains, Couche-Tard’s improving profitability and strong fuel business performance make it worth considering for long-term investors.
In the first quarter of fiscal 2027 (ended in July 2026), the company’s total revenue jumped 25% YoY to US$21.7 billion. Higher fuel selling prices, contributions from acquisitions, and organic growth in its convenience retail business were the main drivers behind this increase.
As a result, Couche-Tard’s adjusted quarterly earnings rose 12.2% YoY to US$827 million, helped by stronger fuel margins and acquisitions, partly offset by higher operating expenses.
Interestingly, the Canadian retail giant plans to acquire Poland’s Żabka Group in a deal worth US$8.6 billion, which could significantly strengthen its presence in Central and Eastern Europe while creating new opportunities for future growth.
With its global retail network, improving earnings, and continued focus on strategic expansion, Couche-Tard could be another solid stock to buy with your first $1,000 and hold for years to come.
