There is a Japanese competitor growing in the US recently. I have seen a few of them in San Francisco. Interesting to see their take on this concept vs American version. http://www.daisojapan.com/
https://flyingtiger.com/ -- And this is a Danish competitor, also popping up in the US. Has a vibe similar to the non-furniture section in Ikea.
I love Flying Tiger. Since it's still novel in America, it's the perfect place to get holiday gifts.
daiso is more akin to dollar tree, in that their products are generally priced at $1.50 (they carry more expensive stuff, and some $1 snacks). dollar general seems to just be a convenience store
During my trip to LA I made time to visit the Daiso. They have a lot of neat stuff you don't generally find in other dollar stores and to me the products seem to be of higher quality (whatever that means for dollar store items).