Last night, I must admit I was really disappointed. Me thinks that the prices of clothing et al there were jacked up because our dollar is at par. No deals to be had, a waste of actually. The only deals were at the Wal-mart. Other than that, nope. Next time will be going to Bellingham instead. BTW, had the buffet at the Casino, it was pretty good. Also, just an FYI. In the mall's food court they have an oriental fast food place: rice and two side's for $7.49 or something like that. Here it costs $4.99 or $5.49. A small basic caramel apple cost: $5.95. This was more expensive than even in the expensive malls on the Las Vegas Strip.
If you queery prices like that and you are concerned you must be a financial piss ant!!!
Where do you live in a bus shelter.
Wow, really? Good to know, thanks!
wouldn't shock me if they jacked up the prices. Then saw a report on tv, the banks aren't giving you the actual exchange rate. You give them 100, you'll get anywhere from 96 to 99 dollars back instead of 1.01/1.02.
I think that was the general consensus the first time the Outlets were discussed.
I too found no bargains there.....long before the exchange rates had anything to do with it. In some cases I actually found the prices to be higher than here....at a regular department store.
That Outlet store is such a hype for the casino.
Better stay in Bellisfare/Bellingham.
I guess the lesson learnt here is..... stick to Zellers?
LOL, for sure. I say, stick to Walgreens, JC Penny, Kohl's and Target.
eh, walgreens only good for meds and medical products/photo development and soda. lol
kohl's is good.
I like Target. well its really Targèt but that's an american joke.
The makeup was good too and some household appliances/gadgets. Walgreens reminds me of London Drugs/Shoppers Drug Mart. Prices seemed to be ok.
Yup its very london drugs/shoppers mart. Walgreens started out as just a pharmacy store then about 15 years ago they were like "hey lets become a corner store!" and well they've never looked back. Although the funniest walgreens by my house used to sell alcohol. Always found that hysterical.
Jeez.....we were in a Walgreens, and it was EXPENSIVE. I was quite surprized. Everything was expensive. Maybe it was just the location.....I think it was in Santa Rosa.
wouldn't shock me if they jacked up the prices. Then saw a report on tv, the banks aren't giving you the actual exchange rate. You give them 100, you'll get anywhere from 96 to 99 dollars back instead of 1.01/1.02.
You've been misinformed. The banks are doing exactly what they ares suppose to do. The CDN/USD is only on par with the Bank of Canada. Banks have to make their money and that's how they do it. They have a buying and selling price of foreign currency. Currently, the Royal Bank will SELL you 1USD. This will cost you $1.0082 CDN. Now, if you want to the bank to BUY your USD they will buy 1 USD for 0.9633. That's the basis of foreign exchange. The US banks will BUY your CDN dollar at less than par. If you get $.99 that's an incredible rate. Banks typically have about a 2-3% markup and this is even higher if you pay by credit card.
[A href="vny!://www.rbcroyalbank.com/RBC:RhHU3I71JscAAL8MW88/rates/cashrates.html"]vny!://www.rbcroyalbank.com/RBC:RhHU3I71JscAAL8MW88/rates/cashrates.html[/A]
[TABLE style="TABLE-LAYOUT: fixed" cellSpacing=0 cellPadding=5 width="100%"] [TBODY] [TR] [TD style="OVERFLOW: hidden" vAlign=top width="16%" rowSpan=2][A title="View the profile of GORDY GAMBINO" href="vny!://discoverseattle.net/forums/index.php?action=profile;u=285"]GORDY GAMBINO[/A] [DIV class=smalltext]Sr. Member [/DIV][/TD] [TD vAlign=top width="85%" height="100%"] [TABLE width="100%" border=0] [TBODY] [TR] [TD vAlign=center align=left][A href="vny!://discoverseattle.net/forums/index.php/topic,5660.msg109296.html#msg109296"][img alt="" src="vny!://discoverseattle.net/forums/Themes/default/images/post/xx.gif" border=0][/A][/TD] [TD vAlign=center align=left][A href="vny!://discoverseattle.net/forums/index.php/topic,5660.msg109296.html#msg109296"]Re: Came back from the Seattle Premiums Outlets-Disappointed[/A] [DIV class=smalltext]« Reply #1 on: Oct 08 07 02:08 »[/DIV][/TD] [TD style="FONT-SIZE: smaller" vAlign=bottom noWrap align=right height=20][A onclick="if (!currentSwap) doQuote(109296); else window.location.XXXX = this.href; return false;" href="vny!://discoverseattle.net/forums/index.php?action=post;quote=109296;topic=5660.0;num_replies=12;sesc=b43847ff7f64af3be4d822d8d7b6e793"]Reply with quote[/A] [/TD][/TR][/TBODY][/TABLE] [HR class=hrcolor width="100%" SIZE=1] [DIV style="OVERFLOW: auto; WIDTH: 100%"]If you queery prices like that and you are concerned you must be a financial piss ant!!!
Where do you live in a bus shelter.[/DIV][/TD][/TR][/TBODY][/TABLE] And you must have so much money coming out of your ass that you don't know what to do with it...or you're a careless spender.
[TABLE style="TABLE-LAYOUT: fixed" cellSpacing=0 cellPadding=5 width="100%"] [TBODY] [TR] [TD style="OVERFLOW: hidden" vAlign=top width="16%" rowSpan=2][A title="View the profile of purelife" href="vny!://discoverseattle.net/forums/index.php?action=profile;u=18"]purelife[/A] [DIV class=smalltext][img alt=* src="vny!://discoverseattle.net/forums/Themes/default/images/star.gif" border=0][img alt=* src="vny!://discoverseattle.net/forums/Themes/default/images/star.gif" border=0][img alt=* src="vny!://discoverseattle.net/forums/Themes/default/images/star.gif" border=0][img alt=* src="vny!://discoverseattle.net/forums/Themes/default/images/star.gif" border=0][img alt=* src="vny!://discoverseattle.net/forums/Themes/default/images/star.gif" border=0]
[DIV style="OVERFLOW: auto; WIDTH: 100%"][/DIV]
[/DIV][/TD] [TD vAlign=top width="85%" height="100%"] [TABLE width="100%" border=0] [TBODY] [TR] [TD vAlign=center align=left][A href="vny!://discoverseattle.net/forums/index.php/topic,5660.msg109305.html#msg109305"][img alt="" src="vny!://discoverseattle.net/forums/Themes/default/images/post/xx.gif" border=0][/A][/TD] [TD vAlign=center align=left][A href="vny!://discoverseattle.net/forums/index.php/topic,5660.msg109305.html#msg109305"]Re: Came back from the Seattle Premiums Outlets-Disappointed[/A] [DIV class=smalltext]« Reply #5 on: Oct 08 07 03:15 »[/DIV][/TD] [TD style="FONT-SIZE: smaller" vAlign=bottom noWrap align=right height=20][A onclick="if (!currentSwap) doQuote(109305); else window.location.XXXX = this.href; return false;" href="vny!://discoverseattle.net/forums/index.php?action=post;quote=109305;topic=5660.0;num_replies=13;sesc=b43847ff7f64af3be4d822d8d7b6e793"]Reply with quote[/A] [/TD][/TR][/TBODY][/TABLE] [HR class=hrcolor width="100%" SIZE=1] [DIV style="OVERFLOW: auto; WIDTH: 100%"]That Outlet store is such a hype for the casino.
Better stay in Bellisfare/Bellingham.
Yeah, that's what we will be doing from now on. I remember Burlington had some deals about 7 years ago but that was then.
[/TD][/TR][/TBODY][/TABLE]
What sort of things were you shopping for, Hmm? Clothes? Jewelry? Electronics? Makeup?
Did you print out the coupons from the outlet site for further discounts?
Clothes, sunglasses, household items...food. No make-up. Just checking out the prices of electronics but I didn't do my homework or research on that. I know at some places you can get deals on electronics if you know what you're buying but right now electronic toys are not something we are looking for. We need a new tv but we are holding off until we see what the newer technology has to offer as far as better refresh rates. Would've like to seen what Costco had to offer but it was closed.
In Wal-Mart they had [A class=l onmousedown="return clk(this.href,'','','res','1','&sig2=ZhN0vgxCSSAfD_FNVZKmdw')" href="vny!://www.haagen-dazs.com/" target=nw][FONT color=#551a8b]Häagen-Dazs®[/FONT][/A] for like $3.49 and the best we have seen here is $4.99 and once in a blue moon at Yahoan mall for $3.99. But, for some reason they don't carry my favorite flavor Rocky Road.
Oh, yeah I printed the casino coupon and I was pissed off cuz they said they don't take print outs only the original from the paper. I said it made no mention of this in the ad. I had the manager come over and he was native who said that's the casino's policy and they reserver the right to refuse any coupon. I told them they must advise the Vancouver Sun about this. They couldn't care less.
Speaking of the casino, that was the only casino I have ever been and I have been to many in Vegas and River Rock where the casino was actually rowdy. It was weird, the rednecks and country folks got all dressed up to go to the casino on a Saturday night.
That's a bummer. When I was down there for the first time, I was really disappointed as well. The clothes and shoes were expensive. I didn't get much there. I like Bellingham better. Heck, even our Queensborough outlets are better, in a way.
I've always enjoyed shopping in the States for their selection, more than for price.
Yeah PC. the selection really is much better in the US but unless there is something that I really MUST have I usually pass on it. Back in the day we did a lot of our shopping in Bellingham for the variety and selection but nowadays that doesn't seem to be the case any more for what we want or need.
Like purelife said, we have the Queensborough outlets which are just as good. I think as we get older, I think we are not into the designer labels so much. But, I like going to the US because it's like a mini getaway. Even in Vegas we went to the factory outlets all of them...even the one near the Nevada California border and there was not much we bought. The deals are not their. I think Bellis Fair, Target, and Ross have better deals. [/DIV]
Hey.....Welcome Hmmm.
Yes.....I think that's true about the 'must haves'. My 'must haves' is changing.....lol. I don't find I spend my money on the same things that I used to. Used to be clothes and shoes.....now it's usually house stuff.[/DIV]
so what's the overall draw to shopping in the states if it isn't for 'deals'? Somebody tell the american why Canadians flock south, because I'm befuddled, really.
I haven't flocked for years.....lol
I rarely go to the States, specifically to shop. Most of the experiences I've referred to, are shopping WHILE I'm in the States.
Friends that I know, that live near the border often shop there so they can fill up on gas.....which is almosts always cheaper.
Sportsdude wrote:
so what's the overall draw to shopping in the states if it isn't for 'deals'? Somebody tell the american why Canadians flock south, because I'm befuddled, really.
--
Selection. American stores stock more products. Some specialty items aren't readily avail in Canada. A lot of tall/large people shop in the States because there are more tall/large sizes in stock.
So... you're saying most Americans are big and huge, Lil Me? (//vny!://discoverseattle.net/forums/richedit/smileys/Happy/10.gif)
Lise wrote:
So... you're saying most Americans are big and huge, Lil Me? [img style="font-style: italic;" src="vny!://discoverseattle.net/forums/richedit/smileys/Happy/10.gif[/img]
--
Ah...no...*stammerring* I think with the greater population, there are more sizes in stock and, er...therefore...
Seriously, a lot of tall people I know have an easier time buying clothes in the States...
I find the selection of paper products excellent there. I do wedding invitations, and HERE, they call ivory envelopes a 'specialty' item. They are also about 5 times cheaper there....even with duty and exchange and shipping. .....(and even when the exchange was bad)
tall/large sizes in stock.
ah, so I won't be able to find clothes here?
I've noticed the portion sizes are extremely smaller in Canada.
Then again I had to buy clothes off the internet because America is short and fat. I couldn't find a 36 length jean for example at least at my waist size. But they have 36 length mid 40's jeans. ugh.
shoes the same way.
maybe the huge portion sizes made me grow? lol
wasn't suppose to be blocking the sun tall.
Hub wears a 36, and doesn't have trouble finding them......mind you, he's not into the designer type of jeans.
yeah but he's probably skinnier then me.
What's designer?
There is a lot of hype and the media does a good job promoting the shopping in the US. I enjoy going for the drive and to fill up....that relaxes me. Some deals to be had on food like tools, milk, ice cream, and other dairy products but nearly as much as before. People seem to feel compelled into buying something in the US because they have travelled that far so they must buy things to justify the trip. I think big ticket items can be a good deal as is auto supplies too. Years ago the Costco USA had designer glasses considerably cheaper than in Canada. Like everything you have to know your prices but I wonder how many actually do when they shop in the US?
Having said that, Canadian retailers are starting to catch up on the selection of clothing apparel. I saw on the news that they are trying to attract more customers to buying electronics locally. It's also true that many Vancouverites have a lot of disposable income or just charge things on their credit card and get even more into debt.
I was thinking about getting the Nexus pass but now I am wondering. With the dollar the way it is, it probably won't be long before the Nexus lane will have long line-ups too.
Here is an article in the Toronto Sun. For the most part, I have no use for these items:
[span id="ctl00_ContentPlaceHolder_article_NavWebPart_Article_ctl00___SubTitle1__" class="subhead1"]Many items such as cellphones, games, golf bags are considered `free' under Customs Tariff Act[/span][span id="ctl00_ContentPlaceHolder_article_NavWebPart_Article_ctl00___Credit1__" style="text-transform: uppercase;"]
[/span] OTTAWA– Golf bags, microwave ovens, plastic toys, cellphones, video games.[/p] Guess what? You don't have to pay duty on any of these items when you return from a shopping trip to the United States, or anywhere abroad for that matter.[/p] Even if you go for only a few hours, or you blow your personal exemption of $50 for a 24-hour trip or $400 for 48 hours or more, you're only required to pay Canadian taxes on many common items.[/p] Few Canadians are well briefed on the extensive list of items that are considered "free" under the Customs Tariff Act, and it's no surprise. Even officials at the Canadian Border Services Agency can't easily rhyme off a list of top duty-free items without first doing some research.[/p] It's all based on complex international tariff agreements, as well as specific free-trade deals between Canada and others. Tariffs on goods from some developing countries are also low or non-existent.[/p] When a shopper drives back to Canada and declares his or her loot at customs, agents must go through hundreds of pages of detailed descriptions of what percentage duty is owed on a particular item.[/p] For example, downhill skis and boots are considered duty-free, as long as they're made in a country that is considered a "most favoured nation," which includes most of the world. China, Japan, and other key manufacturing centres are among them. Curiously, cross-country skis are slapped with a 7.5 per cent tax – that is, unless they're made in the United States, Mexico or other free-trade partner countries.[/p] That's when it pays to pay attention to the label.[/p] Products that are made in the United States, Mexico, Chile and Costa Rica – countries we have a free-trade agreement with – are generally duty-free. That means the silver jewellery from Taxco, or those New Balance runners made in American factories, can be purchased without fear of a big bill at the border or airport.[/p] David McCaffery, CEO of Ottawa-based wedding dress manufacturers Justina McCaffery Haute Couture, says the business has been taking advantage of duty-free for years. There is no duty on silk.[/p] "One of the best things about the silks is that they come in from different parts of the world. We're able to take the product and make the dresses and ... there's absolutely no duty because it's 100 per cent silk that we're using," said McCaffery, married to designer Justina.[/p] But even the McCafferys had no idea about how many personal items they could bring back without duty.[/p] Officials suggest shoppers keen to save money do a little research before they leave home.[/p] "If they know the item they're specially looking to purchase, and they want to know what duty they'll face, they should call the line," says Chris Williams, of the Canadian Border Services Agency.[/p] That line is the Border Information Service – 1-800-461-9999. The more patient shopper can take a gander at the Customs Tariff descriptions, on the Canadian Border Services website [a href="vny!://www.cbsa-asfc.gc.ca/trade-commerce/tariff-tarif/tariff2007/01-99/tblmod-1-e.html"]here[/a].[/p]Here's a list of some of the items that can be brought across the
Canada-U.S. border without paying duty. (Canadian taxes always apply.)
. Almost anything made in the United States or Mexico
. Toys, including puzzles, trains, dolls, action figures
. Video games
. Cellphones
. Antiques
. Most kinds of original art
. Downhill skis and boots
. Toasters
. Breadmakers
. Electric irons
. Artificial Christmas trees
. Billiard tables
. Chess sets
. Office furniture
. SLR and instant cameras
. Unset diamonds, pearls and precious stones
. Golf bags made mostly of synthetics.
. Books
. Glassware (including crystal)
Source: Canadian Border Services Agency
[/p]
Thanks for the good info, Hmm.