Shopping for Savings
This manufacturer sells to smaller boutiques that like to carry unique lines. The leather line includes men's and women's classic car coats, jackets, skirts, pants and tops, while you'll find women's blouses, skirts, jackets and pants by French Laundry. Expect to save at least 30 per cent off retail prices. And don't miss added savings at the seasonal and sample sales and meet-the-designer events.
252 East 2nd Ave., Vancouver; 604-875-8474
Mon. to Sat. 10 a.m. to 6 p.m.
Gourmet Warehouse
Wholesale-style prices make these gourmet items affordable and accessible. "If you're a 'foodie' like me, you'll appreciate the assortment of unique products that are otherwise hard to find in this city," says frequent customer Celine Turenne. Local and hard-to-source international specialties include spices, pastas, sauces, chocolate, dry mixes, condiments and kitchen gadgets. Items are priced 20 to 50 per cent less than at other retail locations.
1856 Pandora St., Vancouver; 604-253-3022
Mon. to Sun. 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.
This store carries discontinued and special-purchase stock for Bata and Athletes World. Plus, one-quarter of the store is filled with new stock sold at list prices. Branded shoes and apparel include jeans, shorts, Ts, tanks and sweats by Reebok, Nike, Adidas, Fubu, Echo and Lugz. A wide selection of sizes and styles are on offer at 20 to 80 per cent off list prices (suggested retail prices).
901 64th Ave., northeast Calgary; 403-274-4082
Mon. to Fri. 10 a.m. to 9 p.m., Sat. 9:30 a.m. to 8 p.m., Sun. 11 a.m. to 5 p.m.
The Jean Outlet Discover discontinued merchandise straight from the manufacturer or bought from area stores that have shut their doors. Find jeans, jeans and more jeans, plus sweaters, casual shirts and Ts by such popular labels as Mavi, Silver, Levi's, Calvin Klein, Guess and Ralph Lauren at 25 to 70 per cent off.
640 3803 Calgary Trail, Edmonton; 780-461-9203
Mon. to Fri. 10 a.m. to 9 p.m., Sat. 10 a.m. to 6 p.m., Sun. 11 a.m. to 5 p.m.
This store launched its first outlet in Saskatchewan in February 2003 to offer the whole family the largest selection of discounted quality-brand shoes in Regina. "The items are discounted but current," says shopper Heather McIntyre. "You don't have to wait for the clearance table to get a good deal." Casual and polished purses, accessories and shoes by Reebok, Nike, Adidas, Merrell, Rockport, Dockers, Nine West, Wanted, Bandalino and Osh Kosh can be had for 30 to 50 per cent off the ticket price. Seasonal sales in June and December offer an additional $10 to $15 off.
2038 Prince of Wales Dr., Regina; 306-781-0033
Mon. to Fri. 10 a.m. to 9 p.m., Sat. 10 a.m. to 6 p.m., Sun. noon to 5 p.m.
Find the discontinued and seasonal products you love, including bath and body products, cosmetics and fragrances. Score 25 to 75 per cent off regular retail store prices, and find 3-for-1 items.
7500 Lundy's Lane, Niagara Falls; 905-371-2810
Mon. to Sat. 10 a.m. to 9 p.m., Sun. 10 a.m. to 6 p.m.
The William Ashley Warehouse Sale
This once-a-year blowout sale is a one-stop shop for gift giving. "I love to stock up on gifts for everyone from a hostess to a bride-to-be to myself," raves Cathie Mostowyk, president of www.shoestringshopping.com, a resource for bargain shopping opportunities across Ontario. Crystal, china, silver and flatware by such recognizable brands as Royal Doulton, Wedgewood and Denby are available at 40 to 90 per cent off ticket prices.
62 Railside Rd., Toronto; 416-964-2900
Opens late October for 20 days only; call for specific dates and times in late Sept.
Procter & Gamble sale
The semi-annual P&G sale is stocked with family, household and personal care products, from makeup to paper towels to detergent. You'll save 30 to 75 per cent off such brand names as Oil of Olay, Max Factor, Tide and Crest.
Locations vary; call 905-513-7266 to be put on the mailing list
Open for 18 days in April and October
This store opened in March 2003 to offer Quebec's brand-conscious shoppers a wide assortment of quality leather, including leather outerwear, pants, skirts and shirts, plus accessories and novelty items. Everyday discounts start at 35 to 40 per cent off; Boxing Day final sales offer up to 80 per cent off.
Boucherville Factory Outlet, 582 ch. de Touraine, Boucherville; 450-449-4126
Mon. to Wed. 10 a.m. to 6 p.m., Thurs. to Fri. 10 a.m.-9 p.m., Sat. 9:30 a.m. to 5 p.m., Sun. noon to 5 p.m.
Canada's only cookware manufacturer has a strong brand name in Atlantic Canada. The store features stainless-steel pots and pans and dinnerware lines that are always on sale, while kitchen gadgets such as peelers, trivets and garlic pressers are sold at list price. First-quality lines start at 40 per cent off retail, while factory seconds sell at 50 per cent off.
201 Chain Link Dr., Halifax; 902-450-1885
Mon. to Fri. 9:30 a.m. to 9 p.m., Sat. 9:30 a.m. to 8 p.m.
North River Causeway, Charlottetown; 902-629-2217
Open April to December; call for store hours
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