dipmicro- I grew up at a time when shopping in the US meant bargains on clothing, and linens AND FOOD!!!!! So many things MADE IN USA were less expensive in the 1960's, and 70's, than they were in Canada.
It didn't matter that the exchange was for the most part in favour of a higher US DOLLAR- though most people forget when NIXON was around- the Canadian DOLLAR was worth more than the US one.
Then came a STRONG US DOLLAR- making things so expensive in the US, that a whole generation of cross-border shoppers did not happen.
Now- with near parity- don't be fooled, the BEAVER has awaken- and the myriad number of Canadians flocking over the border is evidenced by the sheer volume of CANADIAN licence plates found at any near US/Canada border town.
HOWEVER- anyone who cares to look at an online flyer for TARGET, or WAL-MART- or a grocery chain like WEGMANS or TOPS will clearly see that US prices in many case ARE NOT LESS EXPENSIVE than shopping in Canada!
(I am in the US 10-12 days a month)
WEGMANS- COKE 2L 3/$3.33 + 0.15 Deposit
WALMART CANADA COKE $2.97 12x355mL Cans
WALMART USA COKE $3.33 12x12oz Cans (PLUS 0.60 deposit)
PLEASE- anyone who shops can make a quicker comparison, as it is difficult to find identical products advertised at the same time.
For years I did not step foot over the US border- no need.
Now- I spend about a third of my time there.
So, with so much time logged in- I think I can say things aren't what they used to be. So many items that were once "PROUDLY made in the United States" simply DO NOT exist! Whether it's shopping at TARGET- or WAL-MART, the proliferation of CHINESE goods is pretty much what one would find at ZELLERS, or any other Canadian store.
Though to be fair- SEARS US stocks many items made in Canada- including men's clothing of all things!
Ironically- you'll even find pharmaceutical products from SWEDEN, or ISRAEL on the shelves of US stores- as well as Pakistan, Mauritius, and countries even I can't remember how to spell that make clothing.
I remember been taught one thing to be aware of, as a sign of an economy tanking.
Look to the number of DOLLAR stores in a given area.
Then- look to the number of VACANT stores, and store closing.
IF- some of those stores are DOLLAR stores- prepare for the worst!
If a DOLLAR Store can't survive, then EVERYONE IS IN TROUBLE.
The US economy is in BIG trouble! Even with the limited area from Niagara Falls New York- to Buffalo- the number of VACANT LARGE store locations is numerous. MANY have been vacant for years! Some malls have as many vacant locations, as those occupied. And even the occupied ones have seen better days. As for well paying jobs- just having a job in the US is a blessing! Taxes are a mixed bag- some higher, some lower. TOLL ROADS- and indirect taxation, like on lotteries (exempt in Canada) have their own impact. And let's not get started on Heath Care!
