Shopping in Canada – Part 2

CONSUMER RIGHTS AND SERVICES

Smart shoppers always check a store’s refund policy before purchasing an item. Policies vary, some stores will refund money for unwanted items, others offer store coupons, and many won’t exchange or refund sale merchandise. Reputable stores will accept the return of defective merchandise within 28 days, provided it is accompanied by the original invoice. As credit card fraud is on the rise, it’s wise to be careful when buying cards over the phone.

ENTIRELY CANADIAN

Products made in Canada offer buyers a wide variety of options. Although most specialty items are for sale throughout the country, many products are less expensive in their home province. Hand-knit sweaters and pottery are a particularly good value in Atlantic Canada, as is the highly praised Nova Scotia-made Seagull pewter. The provinces of Prairie and Alberta specialize in cowboy attire; carved belts, vests, cowboy hats and boots. Further west, British Columbia artisans producing elaborate carvings, jewelry, from locally quarried stone, are also reasonable here.

Local Quebec and Ontario specialties include maple syrup and related sugar products. Quebec artisans also make beautiful wood carvings. In Ontario, native basketball is good as a lasting memory.

For those who need an extra suitcase to bring their finds home, Tilley’s renowned travel cases and products are made and sold locally throughout Ontario. Native carvings can be found throughout Canada, especially in the far north. Genuine Inuit carvings are inspected and stamped by the federal government.

An igloo sticker marks a true piece; It will also be signed by the artist. Since the 1950s, the Inuit have been producing prints of traditional scenes, which are popular, as is native jewelry. Beautifully handcrafted parka jackets, embroidered panels, and soft deerskin loafers make great gifts.

Contemporary Canadian art features prominently in gift shops and galleries across the country. Photographs and prints are recommended for the budget conscious buyer. Canadian music recordings are freely available: Europeans will be pleased to discover that tapes and CDs are at least 50 percent cheaper in Canada. Modern sportswear and outerwear is durable and beautifully designed. Camping, hiking, and boating gear are good buys, as is fishing tackle. With such a strong tradition of outdoor living, a wide range of products is often available at prices well below European prices.

SHUTTERS DEPARTMENT

The Bay is the nation’s leading mid-range department store chain. Canadian department stores have suffered financially during the last years of the 20th century. They are changing to meet competition from American chains like Wal-Mart and discount stores, and membership stores including Costco and Price Club. Chains like Sears and Zeller’s occupy the middle and lower end of the market. Canadian Tire sells everything from auto parts to sporting goods and has become a national institution.

SHOPPING CENTERS AND SHOPPING CENTERS

The suburbs may not offer the most culture in Canada, but some of the malls are good destinations in themselves. The modern and renowned Eaton Center in Toronto is surrounded by an arched roof of glass and steel, with a wonderful flock of sculpted geese flying over shoppers. More than 42 million visitors annually enjoy this display of modern architecture, though conservative Torontonians have derided it as “brutalism.” Canada has the largest mall in the world, the West Edmonton Mall in Edmonton, Alberta. More than 800 stores, more than 100 restaurants, 34 movie theaters, a huge water park, an amusement park, a theme hotel, a miniature golf course, an ice rink and a dolphin zoo are just some of the places that they attract Canadians. and visitors alike to this retail paradise.

Upscale stores are found primarily in the nation’s retail capital, Toronto. Bloor Street and Yorkville Avenue are lined with world-renowned brands including Tiffany, Holt Renfrew, Ralph Lauren and Gucci. Both Vancouver and Montreal have their own selection of world-class luxury stores. Montreal stands out as the fur capital of the country; Good department stores will have a selection of winter and summer furs at very reasonable prices. For those unable to travel north, Inuit art features prominently in the craft shops here.

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *