For those of us here in Vancouver, it is only 30 minutes to the U.S. border. Then another 30 minutes to an hour at the Peace Arch border crossing. And then — alas — another 2.5 hours driving down the I5 to Seattle before we finally arrive in bargain outlet shopping heaven.
In a matter of four to five hours, we can access an all-you-can-buy buffet table of the best deals for clothing and electronics at U.S. bargain-basement prices.
Ummm, but wait a second . . .
At the last global-meltdown-glance, the Canadian Loonie had dropped 25 per cent of its value against the U.S. dollar, and was hovering around 75 cents.
And then there’s that other pesky problem of how much we can bring back from the States without paying those wallet-whacking duties and taxes. Because remember, unless you spend 48 hours down south to qualify for the $400 duty-free exemption, you can only bring back $50-worth of items — not a lot of Christmas shopping.
Yes, Toronto. Let me explain.
In the same time it takes to get to Seattle’s outlet centres, you can fly across country to Toronto. The only difference is that you will spend that time in an airplane as opposed to listening to talk radio in gridlocked traffic.
When you fly east, instead of heading south, there is the added advantage of skipping out on the horrid ordeal of appeasing those rude U.S. border guards. Are you really married to your spouse? Why did you leave your last job? And why, if you are an immigrant (and who isn’t these days?), did you chose to come to Vancouver and are now are trying to cross my border?
Let’s face it, since 9/11, going through U.S. Customs has not been a pleasant experience.
By staying in Canada, you are not limited in your spending or left in a state of paranoia about losing your receipts underneath the parking stubs and fastfood wrappers when Canadian Customs officials ask how much you have spent.
While not quite as bad as their U.S. counterparts, Canadian border officials can be pretty hard on shoppers coming back to their own country. Maybe they can smell the bargains.
And don’t forget that when you head to Toronto for a shopping experience, you will be happy to find the prices for consumer goods like clothing and electronics are actually cheaper than in Metro Vancouver. In fact, the price difference for the same brands can be as much as 20 per cent and more on certain items.
So, instead of spending $150 for a day trip to Seattle and dealing with all those border hassles, book a seat on WestJet, take two empty suitcases along, and spend a weekend shopping and enjoying the best of Canada’s commercial capital, Toronto.
Here are a few must-visit places for every shopper heading for their weekend getaway.
Vaughan
Mills
This is Canada’s premier outlet shopping experience — both in terms of size and quality. Every year the mall attracts 13 million visitors from Ontario and around the world.
The mall is a 15 minute drive from Pearson Airport (to the west) and 15 minutes from Richmond Hill (to the east).
There are over 250 shops, which include huge spaces for stores like H&M, Le Chateau, bebe, Aritzia, Jacob, Banana Republic, Danier Leather, Costa Blanca, Tommy Hilfiger (the largest in Canada), Toys R’ Us, La Senza and many more.
The mall also has the only outlet stores in the country for premier brands like A|X Armani Exchange, and Holt Renfrew. The ‘Holt Renfrew Last Call’ store is the only one if its kind in the world.
There is even an outlet for Hugo Boss. Suits from Boss normally selling for $1,200-$1,500 can be purchased for as little as $600. Jackets normally retailing for $800-plus, can be snatched up for as little as $350.
The mall also has a unique Ontario sales tax rebate program. If you have any single receipt totaling more than $625, you can receive a rebate on the provincial sales tax you paid.
For shoppers coming in for a weekend travel outing, the mall will have special hotel packages available as of early next year. For more information on this unique shopping experience go to www.vaughanmills.com.
Unionville
Main Street in Unionville has preserved its heritage buildings and village feel while becoming a tourist and shopper destination for boutiques and restaurants. At the end of the shipping district there is a family home that has been standing for 180 years.
If you are looking for unique women’s wear, dresses, shoes and even brand name jeans, give the area a look-see — you will find bargains but also great value. The largest distributor of Spanx in the Greater Toronto area is in the area at a shop called ‘What Girls Want.’
The store-owner, Sharon, insists you ask for her by name.
For more information go to www.unionvilleinfo.com.
Pacific Mall is an Asian shopping centre with approximately 500 stores.
The typical store spaces are no larger than condominium bedroom but you will find everything from traditional Chinese cheongsams, to chrome rims, electronics, sunglasses, herbs, and even bubble tea selling hand over fist on a typically brisk weekend shopping day.
The mall is the largest indoor Asian mall in North America.
Though it is viewed as an Asian mall, it attracts a significant crowd of non-Asian shoppers looking for the best bargains.
Negotiating, while uncommon or even frowned upon in most stores in Canada, is acceptable, especially where cash deals are made. A silk cheongsam for your girlfriend? Listed prices start from $100, but in reality a bargain can be struck for as little as $50 if you have the gift of the gab.
The mall is located at 4300 Steeles Avenue East in Markham (off Kennedy Road).
Yorkville
Bloor Street/ Yorkville is the premier high-end shopping destination in Canada and is comparable to other world-class destinations like Fifth Avenue in New York, and Rodeo Drive in Los Angeles.
The area has undergone considerable changes in the past few years with numerous world-class brands coming into the area such as Prada, Hermes and Gucci.
Premier Canadian brands like Harry Rosen, and Holt Renfrew meanwhile anchor the shopping district and ensure its distinct Canadian feel.
Holt Renfrew in particular has taken the shopping experience to a whole new level. You feel like you are walking into a 5-star hotel when entering through Bloor Street — this is immediately confirmed when you are greeted by the concierge.
You could literally spend the day here, browsing through the store’s inventory of premier brands. When you feel hungry take a break for a gourmet lunch, and maybe even an afternoon outing at the Holt spa?
The store is so focused on providing luxury treatment that there is even onsite fur treatment service. Here you can have your fur coat treated, altered and even stored in climate-controlled vaults.
More information on this area go to www.bloor-yorkville.com.
Eaton
Centre
Toronto’s Eaton Centre is still the anchor of the city’s downtown shopping experience.
The mall has 230 plus retailers — you will find many of the major and even minor mainstream brands here.
The centre is accessible by subway (it’s at the Dundas stop). Outside the mall is Dundas Square — Canada’s equivalent to New York’s Times Square — where on any given weekend you will find a myriad of activities: from singing Peruvian musicians to street performers to organized events.
Over the Christmas season, there are great bargains to be had in and around the mall along Yonge Street. More information on this shopping centre go to www.torontoeatoncentre.com.
to stay
If you are going to shopping in the Vaughan Mills and Markham regions, then a good central point is Richmond Hill’s Sheraton Parkway.
It is located at 600 Highway 7 East (just off Highway 404 which runs north-south to Downtown Toronto). We recommend the suite, complete with mini-bar and Jacuzzi tub.
Tel: 905-881-2121; 1-800-668-0101.
www.sheratonparkway.com.
If you are going to be shopping in the downtown Bloor/ Yorkville and Eaton Centre areas, then a great central spot is The Delta Chelsea. The lobby is pure elegance, with 4 exits to Bay, Yonge, Gerrard and Elm Streets. The staff is warm and friendly, great service, and the room service is world class.
Tel: 416-595-1975; 1-800-CHELSEA
www.deltahotels.com
