Retail therapy? How to do it right now?

[diamondyes]

I’m trying to save money because who knows what the future brings. I’m trying to shop Canadian because I’m Canadian.

Help!

I’m buying stuff to cheer myself up and it’s coming from the US and then I’m feeling very conflicted about that.

If I may ask, what’s your strategy? How’re you coping? Wah I’m just buying all the expensive chocolate and dresses and jewelry.

 

[Rebel Rebel]

Bonjour! My husband's family is from Quebec City, original settlers.

We will always support Canada, in allegiance and purchases (Dare Fudge cookies are my all-time favorite, I've eaten a whole bag at once many times!).

I've been on a retail binge the past week. No reason except I'm tired of of my closet. Found beautiful earrings and mint Gucci jeans on TRR on my first visit to the site. I'm not sure if TRR ships to Canada, but they have great stuff and it's packaged and delivered impeccably.

Been buying some clothes on tjmaxx (US) because they can be returned near my house. Not sure if you have that in Canada?

I have a kid who lives in Hawaii, so we're used to crazy shipping costs. She orders most clothing online.

I do my own nails: One inexpensive polish I love & recommend is the Essie Expressie line, it really dries in less than a minute. It's $10 USD.

Another thing I do, is if I find something I want to buy, I sign up for the website for their discount, and once I get the item, I unsubscribe. Works for a lot of retailers.

I also look at expensive sites (sometimes European, like Senser) to see trends & then shop for similar styles at better prices.

 

[kenny]

I’m trying to save money because who knows what the future brings. I’m trying to shop Canadian because I’m Canadian.

Help!

I’m buying stuff to cheer myself up and it’s coming from the US and then I’m feeling very conflicted about that.

If I may ask, what’s your strategy? How’re you coping? Wah I’m just buying all the expensive chocolate and dresses and jewelry.

Dr. Kenny prescribes ...

 

[Avondale]

If I may ask, what’s your strategy?

Buy local, support small businesses and crafts. If you're in the mood for some fancy chocolate, buy it from a shop where they make it themselves. If you have bling budget to spend, I'm sure Canada has a number of skilled jewellers. That's the general direction.

 

[autumngems]

I don't let the origin of what I buy bother me. I think too much emphasis is put on that these days. No matter what you buy most of it is made in other countries.

 

[pearlsngems]

I bought vine ripe tomatoes today that were labeled as coming from Canada.
I didn't even realize we import tomatoes from Canada.

 

[Cinders]

If you're looking for luxe bedding St. Geneve is a wonderful Canadian brand. I only have pillows from them but they are fantastic!

 

[Rebel Rebel]

If you're looking for luxe bedding St. Geneve is a wonderful Canadian brand. I only have pillows from them but they are fantastic!

These look lovely!

 

[MJ_Mac]

@diamondyes - I too am Canadian and trying to support Canadian businesses and items made or grown in Canada as much as possible. I know there are lots of good independent jewellery stores out there (depending on where you live) and Birks. If you are looking at higher end clothing there is Holt Renfrew. I don’t think they have a huge online presence but they do have personal shoppers who will help you. For chocolate, there is Purdy’s which is well known across Canada. There are also smaller companies that make items for local chocolate shops. It just takes work to find retailers that work for our needs. I myself, will feel a huge void if HBC closes permanently.

I am trying to embrace the capsule wardrobe concept and am shopping in my closet and will only buy essentials that fit with these pieces. I purchased a number of pieces the last couple of years so I should be set for clothing, although I do plan on making some of my own clothing. I will be making a long skirt to wear to a formal event in early summer. I have an existing blouse (purchased from my favourite USA designer online just before everything erupted) which I will be wearing with a skirt made from Liberty of London Tana Lawn fabric, purchased directly from the UK.

I am trying my best to support Canadians first, and then other countries that support Canada or whose parent companies are not located in the USA. I hate that it has come to this, but ….

Remember you have to do what is best for you. Don’t be pressured one way or the other. The best thing to do is to make meaningful purchases during these uncertain economic times.

 

[diamondyes]

@diamondyes - I too am Canadian and trying to support Canadian businesses and items made or grown in Canada as much as possible. I know there are lots of good independent jewellery stores out there (depending on where you live) and Birks. If you are looking at higher end clothing there is Holt Renfrew. I don’t think they have a huge online presence but they do have personal shoppers who will help you. For chocolate, there is Purdy’s which is well known across Canada. There are also smaller companies that make items for local chocolate shops. It just takes work to find retailers that work for our needs. I myself, will feel a huge void if HBC closes permanently.

I am trying to embrace the capsule wardrobe concept and am shopping in my closet and will only buy essentials that fit with these pieces. I purchased a number of pieces the last couple of years so I should be set for clothing, although I do plan on making some of my own clothing. I will be making a long skirt to wear to a formal event in early summer. I have an existing blouse (purchased from my favourite USA designer online just before everything erupted) which I will be wearing with a skirt made from Liberty of London Tana Lawn fabric, purchased directly from the UK.

I am trying my best to support Canadians first, and then other countries that support Canada or whose parent companies are not located in the USA. I hate that it has come to this, but ….

Remember you have to do what is best for you. Don’t be pressured one way or the other. The best thing to do is to make meaningful purchases during these uncertain economic times.

I feel horribly guilty when I buy things from the US. I also think it’s hard not to!

 

[MJ_Mac]

I feel horribly guilty when I buy things from the US. I also think it’s hard not to!

I understand completely. I just bought a bunch of sewing patterns last night from an American website .

 

[diamondyes]

I understand completely. I just bought a bunch of sewing patterns last night from an American website .

American retailers are plentiful and offer us things we love. It feels really complicated to add to the American economy right now. But to deprive myself of things that bring me cheer also feels really challenging.

Maybe it’s just a hard, hard time, and there’s no easy answers.

 

[MJ_Mac]

American retailers are plentiful and offer us things we love. It feels really complicated to add to the American economy right now. But to deprive myself of things that bring me cheer also feels really challenging.

Maybe it’s just a hard, hard time, and there’s no easy answers.

No easy answers is right. I know there are things we will have to modify as a country going forward and I know for myself I'll have to just adjust my expectations. But at least I feel good about the fact I am trying to do my part, even if it's small.

 

[canuk-gal]

HI:

Canadians make the best whisky, craft beer and other libations. My province alone, has many award winning offerings.

Of course I would talk about booze!

cheers--Sharon

 

[MJ_Mac]

HI:

Canadians make the best whisky, craft beer and other libations. My province alone, has many award winning offerings.

Of course I would talk about booze!

cheers--Sharon

My sister is planning on replacing her Bourbon with an Albertan whisky. I forget the name - “something” Springs I think. She said she heard it was very smooth tasting. I don’t drink so can’t comment but I am planning on making a chocolate Bourbon cake with the leftover Bourbon from her last visit. No point in dumping it down the drain .

 

[canuk-gal]

My sister is planning on replacing her Bourbon with an Albertan whisky. I forget the name - “something” Springs I think. She said she heard it was very smooth tasting. I don’t drink so can’t comment but I am planning on making a chocolate Bourbon cake with the leftover Bourbon from her last visit. No point in dumping it down the drain .

https://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/calgary/alberta-premium-cask-strength-whisky-named-best-in-the-world-by-annual-whisky-bible-1.5727452

award winning alberta whiskey - Search Videos

www.bing.com

Eau Claire Distillery wins prestigious Canadian whisky award at San Francisco World Spirits Competition

Alberta's Eau Claire Distillery has been awarded "Best in Class" for Canadian Whisky at the 2024 San Francisco World Spirits Competition.

calgaryherald.com

I drink this award winning vodka

Alberta Pure Vodka - Sierra Springs Liquor

Produced in Calgary by Alberta Distillers this classic vodka recently brought home the much coveted 'double gold' at the San Fransisco World Spirits Competition. Subtle and smooth with creamy, bread-like notes this is a great addition to any cocktail.

sierraspringsliquor.ca

 

[MJ_Mac]

@canuk-gal - Thanks for the recommendations, I will pass these along to my sister.