53 - Sunday, November 26 , 1989 - North Shore News argain bonanza, IT’S TIME to explode a few myths about shopping south of the border. Perhaps the most persistent is “everything’s cheaper down south.”’ It's true that certain products are a real bargain for Canadian shoppers —- gas prices make us weep, we can buy cheese and turkeys for lowly sums and if your hand mixer or blow dryer conks out, beat a path over the border for a replacement. Unfortunately, the average tourist makes a lot of shopping mistakes. First. he is misled by the price-tags. After a while, he forgets to con- vert the amount into Canadian dollars. An item priced here at $60 and there at $43 seems like a bargain unless the shopper has the discipline to CONVERT. The other major blunder stems mostly from impulse buying. The tourist often has no idea what the same thing would cost in Canada, but because he’s about to buy it in the U.S. he ‘tassumes’’ it to be cheaper. Often it's not. It’s a matter of doing your homework. Know your prices be- fore you venture south. Also remember: We residents have access to sale flyers from our local stores that can lead to major savings if we have the patience to wait. A visitor on a 48-hour blitz of the U.S. has to take it as it comes. One good investment is a copy of the local newspaper, especially the weekend supplement, for the American area you intend to shop. 1 see only one other reason to shop in the U.S. Since their popu- lation is roughly 1C times ours, the variety of available products is greater. We are flooded with American ads, both from TV and publications, that feature many products unavailable here. Also, it might be something as THERE'S MONEY TO BE SAVED DOWN SOUTH IF SHOPPERS KNOW CANADIAN PRICES WELL simple as king-size bedding. Stores here often have a limited selection while the array of colors and pat- terns available in Seattle can dazzle the eye. c-* As I promised last week, here are a few observations about bargain hunting along the 1-5 be- tween here and Seattle. Located vight on I-5, on the east side, on the north outskirts of Mount Vernon. This is brand new — shops are still opening. I didn’t count the ex- isting stores but would guess at about 20 with famous names such as Evan-Piccone, Mikasa and American Tourister (luggage). Although the majority of the shops are clothing and accessory outlets I bought some interesting travelwise The first tip came from a fellow traveller at our hotel in Seattle. I was hunting for bedding (the remodelling is still in progress!) Pacific Linens: There are several outlets in the Seattle area but the largest is in Bellevue, at the Crossroads Mall (corner of 156th and N.E. 8th, tel: 562-9801). To get there: Take Highway 520 exit (east) from 1-5 to the 148th Street exit. Head south until N.E. 8th and go left (uphill) to 156th Street. The mail is on the corner and opens at 10 a.m. i bought sets of twin-sized, brand name comforters, pillow shams and bed skirts for $89 (US). The store is huge, so allow yourself plenty of time to brouse and KNOW YOUR PRICES. Pacific Edge Discount Centre: Barbara McCreadie cooking gadgets at Kitchen Collec- tion. Brian bought a couple of dress shirts at Evan-Piccone for $20 to $25 that would be $70 for com- parable quality here. A friend’s daughter picked up a set of china at Mikasa for under $200 — the same set is nearly $600 here. Again, it is vital to know your prices so that you can com- parison-shop. We took a quick run through Cascade Mall, almost next door (north) from Pacific Edge. Hv- hum. Fred Meyer's: Corner of {-5 and Lakeway in Bellingham. Tie only reason [| mention this is that Freddy’s gives a preferential exchange rate on Canadian moncy — currently nine per cent but NOT TILLEY CLOTHES MAKE MEMORABLE GIFTS? NA customer summed it up tor me: “Because they're so good looking and last so long, and because you can wear them anywhere, Tilley Clothes are appreciated. | ke to think thal each ume iney are worn, the person thinks of me.” | SUGGEST: Tiley Endurables: Smart-looking. confortable clothes with secret passport pockets and “give ‘en: nell” washing instructions Tilley Cottons: No sroming, no shanking, no kidding! Comlortatie, colourful warm wearer casuals for men and women. The Tilley Hat: Nearly everyone looks good in, can use and would appreciale owrung one. Acknowledged the best, most practical cutdoor hat in the world, it floats, ties on, repals tain, won't shank, and comes in every size and with a four-page owner's manuat iand a tletime avarantee Refund? Any time — even on our gift certificates. We fatwa ot erage on Canada wtere fi can kann a watch eye Alex Tilley Barbara Tilley 1537 West Broadway Vanecuver, B.C. V6J 1W6 Houss: 10-5:30, Mon.-Sat. Ph. 732-4287 SPECIAL OECEMBER HOUNS Sundays: 12-5 o.m. Fridays. open Hil? pom, WE WILL BE CLOSED DEC. 24th, 25th, 26th & JAN. Ist on items in the grocery depart- ment. They will accept personal che- ques drawn on Canadian banks, but remember to have them con- vert the prices for you and make out the cheque in CANADIAN dollars. Write this in big printing beside both amounts on the cheque to spare yourself bank foul-ups. Do not use plastic money becattse purchases are listed and totals are done in U.S. dollars at bank rates. net Where do you get your best grocery bargains in the Bellingham area? If you're down for some serious grocery shopping, get a copy of the Bellingliam Herald, weekend edi- tion, and scan the ads and clip the coupons. Don’t overlook the drugstore chains such as Pay-And-Save — they often offer attractive specials on packaged and tinned foods (i've bought black olives for as lit- tle as 59¢ a tin} and items such as dishwasher and taundrv detergent for half the price you’ll pay here. The twe grocery chains that | most often shop are Cost-Cutter at Meridian, near Bellis Fair and Freddy’s. Look for the very attractive seasonal specials — frozen turkeys are often featured around holidays at 5$¢ a pound and hams can be a steal arouic Easter. Remember that certain foods may not be imported into Canada — stoned fruits (fresh peaches, for example), potatoes and corn on the cob are some. You may be in for a long wait at the border crossings these days. If Bellis Fair isn’t enough of a magnet, Christmas shoppers really screw up the works. Bring along a picnic cooler with ice packs for your perishables, nacking frozen stuff on top of fresh meats (cold air sinks). One last tip: If you’re shopping for Christmas lights and decora- tions, don’t overlook the hardware stores, especially the big one (can’t remember the name!) in Meridian Mall, just across the road from Bellis Fair. Christmas lights can be a special bargain there. PORTUGAL IN APRIL March SOth to April 15th Lisbon, Estoril, Algarve, Madeira pius an optional Cruise Madeira, Canary Islands and Morocco. Fully escorted by Diane Redfern Well known travel writer from $2999 can. Please cail for details iypP PRIME TRAVEL 925-1212 1681 MARINE DRIVE, WEST VANCOUVER LEECCECTEECTECEEEECEECEE' Christmas At the Inn Come and enjoy an Old Fashioned Christmas at one beautiful year-round resort on Vancouver Island. Stay any 3 nights including Christmas and feast on 3 dinners and 2 breakfasts prepared by our chet. Ail this for only I RESORT. $1599 doubiv acel pany for reservations on further location Call 1800-663 7527 of in Vancouver Gul 266-224 Aga) A, Rae Si. ATI CIPAMON