Have a plan when cross border shopping

It’s almost Black Friday, which means shoppers are on the lookout for good deals. And those deals are no longer just in the U.S. Cross border competition means many that Canadian stores are now offering deals of their own.

So is it still worth it to cross the border in search of bargains? We compared prices at the Niagara Outlets and in the States. And when it comes to saving money, it all depends on what you are looking for.

Some of the Canadian shoppers we spoke to across the border found some good deals on clothing and a greater selection.

But make sure you do your research first. The big electronics we compared weren’t any cheaper in the U.S.

Canadian shoppers are always on the lookout for deals.

“The price is amazing.”

“There’s some great deals. You don’t even need coupons. 50 percent off, 25 percent off, it’s been really good.”

And these sale signs are proof that Black Friday bargains are no longer just for the U.S..

“The discounts are great, like it’s 50 percent off plus another 15-20%.”

And have convinced some people to stay on this side of the border.

Because you don’t have to worry about duty and you don’t have to worry about exchange. It’s just a flat rate you know what you are getting up front.”

So is it worth it to head stateside in search of sales?

“The normal price is $300, but I got it for $100.”

We found the same Kate Spade purse at the U.S. outlet for the same price.

Best Buy, Target and Walmart are some of the big box stores that are offering similar discounts in Canada. This TV is $599 here compared to $579 in the U.S., a difference of $20. So you’re better off picking it up here.

This iPad Mini is $279 in Canada compared to $249 across the border. But factor in the exchange rate, the money you spend on gas and the time you wait at the border and you’re actually paying more.

But there are still good deals to be had in the U.S. if you do your research before crossing the border. And it all depends on what you’re looking for.

Steve Tissenbaum, Ryerson’s Ted Rogers School of Business Management: “It becomes competitive from the shoppers perspective who can do their research online and head stateside.”

“This Justice is awesome. Prices down here are so better than at home because I know we have one at Mapleview. Yes, it was half price.”

(So was it worth it to drive an hour and a half to come here?) “Definitely because we got some really good deals and we aren’t even halfway through the budget that we came with. some really good deals over here. (Better than what you would find in Canada?) Definitely, for sure.”

The expert in holiday shopping and retail trends we spoke to said he expects a shift towards online shopping this year, especially now that you don’t have to be in the stores to get these Black Friday deals.

Many retailers are offering them online. Online sales are expected to be up 20 percent over last year.