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Canadian Shoppers Descend

By Samantha Maziarz Christmann

October 8, 2010

This weekend kicks off the holiday shopping season in Canada, and U.S. retailers couldn't be happier.

Stores in Western New York are preparing for the arrival of hundreds of Canadian shoppers as they begin their border-crossing shopping pilgrimage. Today is the start of a long weekend in Canada, which celebrates Thanksgiving on Monday, and the day Canadian holiday shopping really kicks into gear.

Many shoppers are beginning their journey at Duty Free stores on the border. "It's certainly something to see," said Bonnie Gates, marketing manager at the Peace Bridge Duty Free store. "It's pretty exciting. They're ready to shop, and they're ready to have a good time."

Beginning this weekend, Gates said, the store will see an average of 40 to 50 buses per week. Traffic will peak on Black Friday Ô the day after American Thanksgiving -- with upward of 80 buses. Shoppers come from as far away as North Bay, which is more than 200 miles north of Toronto, as well as Windsor, Brantford, Hamilton and Peterborough.

The Fashion Outlets of Niagara, a favorite among Canadian shoppers, is extending mall hours to accommodate its customers from the north.

"We're finding that at closing time, shoppers are still there and they want to stay and shop," said Julie Clark, a spokeswoman for the Fashion Outlets. "We certainly don't want to rush them out."

Stores are struggling to fill "numerous" temporary employment positions to get through the busy holiday season. In addition to customer service and cashier openings, stores -- which receive daily shipments to keep up with demand -- need employees to keep shelves stocked.

Stores have timed specials carefully to coincide with the holiday weekend, and the mall's Web site has seen a spike in traffic, especially to pages specifically outlining bargains and promotional deals. "They've really been preparing. Stores are posting sales sooner and extending deals further," said Clark. "The No. 1 one location on our Web site is the sales section. People are educating themselves on pricing and such, particularly in ways to stretch their purchasing power."

That purchasing power is boosted by the loonie's strength. As of Thursday, the Canadian dollar was worth about 98 American cents. American stores offer more selection than Canadian ones, while outlet stores, which offer designer names at discounted prices, help Canadians stretch their holiday budget.

"With the Canadian dollar the way it is, they can afford to cross the border to shop because they're getting a lot of value for their money," said Gates of the Duty Free Shop.

The tour bus trips are organized by various travel and tour agencies, but independent parties organize large shopping trips as well.

"There are professional groups, firefighters, teachers who book their own packages as a group. It's something they've been doing for years and years," said Gates. "It's kind of a tradition for them. It's how they kick off their holiday shopping season."

The Fashion Outlets and Walden Galleria are two of Western New York's strongest Canadian shopping destinations, but the tours also head for outlet malls in Grove City, Pa., and Erie, Pa., where there is no sales tax on clothing. New York State reinstated a 4 percent sales tax on clothing earlier this month.

The buses -- many filled with mother-daughter pairs and groups of friends -- start at the Duty Free store, picking up tax-free liquor for their weekend away. They also scoop up duty-free fragrances, cosmetics, watches, jewelry and leather handbags, then continue on their way over the border.

"Honestly, it's a great boost for both economies," said Gates. "They leave some of their money here before crossing and, of course, the big influx of Canadian money is great for the American economy."

schristmann@buffnews.com