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It is just pitiful how much cheaper things are across the border (people do seem a bit stupider, though). A Sephore foundation that is $42 in the US is $51 in Canada. Another foundation by Revlon is $10 in US but $25 in Canada. Ben & Jerry's is $4 in US, 7.50 in Canada. Everything is a rip-off in comparison. But I notice US stores keep popping up, like Victoria's Secret, Wal-Mart, and the new Target. Does this mean Vancouver is headed toward increased affordability?
Canada is more expensive for consumer products because there is less competition, and therefore retailers dare to demand much higher prices, and consumers have the habit of sucking it up.
There are other reasons (smaller economy etc) but lack of competition is the primary reason.
In Canada, get used to the idea of pay more for less; and maybe keep a blind eye on American prices. It is quite different how market economy operates there.
Also labour costs and commercial real estate prices are usually higher in most Canadian cities - impacting retailers bottom line.
Yes, it sucks paying more in Canada for most things - but it's not a case of getting gouged by retailers as most people think. The profit margins are no better than they are in the US.
Staples like potatoes and rice (large bags of basmati or jasmine) are sold more cheaply at the supermarkets in Canada than I can find in the U.S.
Packs of bottled spring water are way cheaper in Canada sometimes as low as $2 for a 24 pack (Compliments brand at Freshco). At Aldi in the U.S. you will pay closer to $3.50 or $4 for a 24-pack of spring water.
Most of the fresh produce is consistently cheaper at Freshco or Food Basics here in Ontario than in U.S. supermarkets. The prices are even lower here for the most part than at the big Asian markets and the discount produce chains I'm used to back on the east coast.
The discount supermarkets here tend to carry a much better selection of ethnic foods and produce than the ones in the U.S. I think that's because due to the huge diversity in cities like Toronto and Vancouver, the big supermarkets had to adjust to serve the ethnic demographic whereas in the U.S. most of the big players focus on the American audience and the ethnic groups supplement their shopping with locally owned ethnic markets instead.
Anything dairy or poultry is generally more expensive in Canada. However, yogurt and sour cream don't seem overpriced at all. The local stores here sell a couple middle eastern/indian styles of yogurt which often go on sale for $1.99 for a regular sized tub.
Haagen-Dazs is expensive because of the import duty on dairy products.
You can still find it for $4.99 at Wal-Mart.
It's $7.99 at the regular rip-off supermarkets like Loblaws/Zehrs and I am guessing Safeway on the west coast.
But I notice US stores keep popping up, like Victoria's Secret, Wal-Mart, and the new Target. Does this mean Vancouver is headed toward increased affordability?
It is just pitiful how much cheaper things are across the border (people do seem a bit stupider, though). A Sephore foundation that is $42 in the US is $51 in Canada. Another foundation by Revlon is $10 in US but $25 in Canada. Ben & Jerry's is $4 in US, 7.50 in Canada. Everything is a rip-off in comparison.
For the rest of us, look out for the weekly flyers and save the coupons. It also makes that occasional trips to the US so much more enjoyable.
Quote:
Haagen-Dazs is expensive because of the import duty on dairy products.
You can still find it for $4.99 at Wal-Mart.
Rotisserie chicken at Walmart at $4.99 with coupon.
I assumed it was more expensive because of the cross-border transportation and duties, it didn't occur to me that it's lack of competition. If that's the main reason, then the fact more and more US retailers are moving in will increase competition and drive prices down, correct?
Packs of bottled spring water are way cheaper in Canada sometimes as low as $2 for a 24 pack (Compliments brand at Freshco). At Aldi in the U.S. you will pay closer to $3.50 or $4 for a 24-pack of spring water.
Most of the fresh produce is consistently cheaper at Freshco or Food Basics here in Ontario than in U.S. supermarkets. The prices are even lower here for the most part than at the big Asian markets and the discount produce chains I'm used to back on the east coast.
That's probably untrue. I have seen $2 for a 24 pack, but it is more of a promotion than the normal price. I have seen lower prices for 24 pack water in the US for sure.
For Food Basics etc you have to compare with compare discount stores in the US. I agree prices in Asian markets are quite low here, sometimes even lower than Asia.
Quote:
Originally Posted by tarp
The discount supermarkets here tend to carry a much better selection of ethnic foods and produce than the ones in the U.S. I think that's because due to the huge diversity in cities like Toronto and Vancouver, the big supermarkets had to adjust to serve the ethnic demographic whereas in the U.S. most of the big players focus on the American audience and the ethnic groups supplement their shopping with locally owned ethnic markets instead.
I agree. Even mainstream stores such as Metro etc some carry ethnic food, which is something you don't see in most American cities.
Quote:
Originally Posted by tarp
Anything dairy or poultry is generally more expensive in Canada. However, yogurt and sour cream don't seem overpriced at all. The local stores here sell a couple middle eastern/indian styles of yogurt which often go on sale for $1.99 for a regular sized tub.
Haagen-Dazs is expensive because of the import duty on dairy products.
You can still find it for $4.99 at Wal-Mart.
Dairy is more expensive because the stupid quota on them just to protect exiting dairy farms, just like the taxi business here in Toronto, one of the most expensive in the world, not because the cost is higher, but purely because of artifical entry barrier. Toronto taxis fare more expensive than NYC and at part with London? You gotta be kidding
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In the end, I think the prices don't matter as much as how deep retailers provide promotions/discounts. American retailers often give 60%, 80% off discounts throughout the year, especially when it comes to clothing; and in online shopping, there are so much more selections with lower prices, often free shipping within continental US.
While in Canada, you get like 25% off and think it is a big deal, Or those "buy one get the second 50% off" deals (LOL). Online shopping is like in the primitive society and shipping is always expensive because Canada Post needs to pay fat salaries and has to make profits.
Doesn't Vancouver have something like a 13% sales tax plus a VAT tax?
I would think that would absolutely have something to do with prices.
In WA, I think taxes are around 8-9%.
no, either sales tax or VAT I think, but not both.
Sales tax is hardly the main reason for Canada's higher prices.
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