Canadians can get better Black Friday deals in the U.S.

Canadians can get better Black Friday deals in the U.S.

Black Friday and Cyber Monday, two of the biggest retail events of the year, may not be the best days to get big projects finished at work. It’s the time of year when Canadians shop furtively online while keeping an eye out for the boss as they search for Fingerling toys and debate which model of Instant Pot or smart phone to buy.

The first jobs – and lessons learned – of eight Canadian business leaders

The first jobs – and lessons learned – of eight Canadian business leaders

The entrepreneurial spirit is deeply ingrained in most successful business people. Many say it surfaced when they were children, and that they earned their first dollar before their 10th birthday.

We asked eight successful Canadians to take us back to their formative years. Most say they never shied away from hard work and hustling for their next job.

Money can buy happiness – or at least a good story to tell later

Money can buy happiness – or at least a good story to tell later

Originally published in The Globe and Mail.

an material objects make you happy? Some people say yes and indulge in retail therapy. But experts have found that spending money on experiences can lead to greater life satisfaction.

It’s not always easy to give away gobs of cash. Just ask Mark Zuckerberg

It’s not always easy to give away gobs of cash. Just ask Mark Zuckerberg

Originally published in The Globe and Mail.

In his latest book, David Callahan writes about how high-level philanthropy is being wielded on social, political, health and environmental concerns in the United States and around the world.

Ten firms that cater to the offbeat whims of wealthy Canadians

Ten firms that cater to the offbeat whims of wealthy Canadians

(Originally published in The Globe and Mail)

Let’s say you want to make a splashy wedding proposal with the help of a flash mob in Vancouver. How do you co-ordinate such an event? Tricky, right? Not necessarily...

U.S. vs. Canada: Who's got the better Black Friday deals?

Nothing kills the joy of the holiday season faster than fighting for a parking space at the mall, then standing in huge checkout lines on December 23, and fighting for the year’s hot toys while sweating in a winter coat. 

This year “Santa” finally got his act together at my house and started early, shopping at Amazon and Indigo websites, Costco — both online and in the store, and at Joe Fresh. 

A recent trip to New York City was an eye opener — the deals there were few and far between thanks to the weak Canadian dollar, but who goes to the Big Apple for savings?

To finish off my shopping list (and perhaps add in a reward or two for me for being a smart shopper) should I stick with Canadian stores and websites this November, or make a run for the border — real or virtual?

There are some excellent websites such as savingsguru.ca (with a complementary Facebook page) that have hard-to-beat prices. But be warned — it’s addictive and easy to get caught up in the discounts. Make your list and check it twice so you don’t blow the bank while “saving” money. 

This writer is loathe to line up in the middle of the night for discounts, so we’ll look at a few popular items online to compare. 

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Toys

Code-A-Pillar: One of the season’s hot toys, this Fisher Price gadget teaches 3-6 year olds problem-solving skills. 

Walmart Canada: $59.94 

Amazon.ca $63.62

Toys R Us Canada: $44.97 (but currently out of stock in many stores) 

Toys R Us (U.S.):  $38.99($52.79 CAD) 

WINNER: Canada — if you can get one from Toys ‘R’ Us.

For older kids, you might be searching for a Trolls Hug Time Poppy by Dreamworks. A perfect gift for nieces and nephews, she speaks 25 phrases when you press her tummy. 

ToysRus.ca: $59.97

ToysRus.com: $39.99($54.21 CAD) 

Winner: U.S. 

 

Sneakers

Runners know that sneaker styles change fast. The current editor’s pick at a popular magazine is the Saucony Hurricane ISO 2, available in men’s and women’s versions. 

Dick’s Sporting Goods: $119.97 U.S. ($162.59 CAD)

sportchek.ca: $189.99

The Running Room (Canada) $189.99

Winner: U.S.

Canada Goose parkas

Surely these pricey jackets should be cheaper in Canada, right? The further our dollar drops, the more it makes sense to shop at home for these luxury coats. A quick comparison of Canadian and U.S. websites reveals the same prices — but once the exchange rate is factored in, you’ll save enough to buy… well, another (normal) coat. 

Canada Goose Beechwood Parka 

Canadian website: $1150

U.S. website): $1150 U.S. ($1,558.88 CAD)

Winner: Canada

Technology

Best Buy, known for lineups of diehard customers who camp out for Black Friday deals on TVs, computers and other tech gadgets, previewed Black Friday bargains he week before the big day. 

At the American bestbuy.com the Sony PlayStation Four 1TB comes bundled with a game (Uncharted 4: A Thief's End Bundle) for $349.99, including $50 off for Black Friday. ($473.67 CAD)

In Canada, it’s $579.98 for the same model plus the game; the Canadian website isn’t advertising Black Friday deals yet. 

Winner: U.S. 

Clothing

The Gap has long been a go-to spot for jeans. We compared the company’s Stretch Selvedge Skinny Fit jeans in both countries.

Canada: $118.00 with 40% off = $70.80

U.S. $108.00 with 40% off = $64.80 ($87.75 CAD) 

Winner: Canada

Cars are becoming autonomous — is Canada ready?

Cars are becoming autonomous — is Canada ready?

nuTonomy beat Uber’s planned self-driving ride-hailing service in the U.S. by a few weeks. Many automakers, as well as Google, have been testing various applications of this technology with prototypes for years, but this company claims theirs is the first to be offered to the public.

Tourism is booming in Canada, especially from the U.S.

Tourism is booming in Canada, especially from the U.S.

My my, Charlottetown was packed last weekend, with the downtown streets full of people eating Cows ice cream and cheering on the Pride Parade. The Confederation Centre in P.E.I.’s capital city played host to a large enthusiastic crowd who sang along with the feel-good Mamma Mia! musical show.

How can I resist you, indeed.