For Canadians: What are some American stores that aren't in Canada?

Question

I am going to Toronto to visit my family for x-mas and need to buy x-mas presents. I thought it would be nice to buy things that my family can't normally get. What stores here in the US are not available in Canada?

I'm just trying to find x-mas presents for my family, I'd just thought it would be nice for me to buy something that they can't normally get themselves. Some of these answers seemed to be offended that I'm asking. This will be my first trip to Canada, I just want to know....GEEZ!

Answer 1

You guys will never have a White Castle!!!!

Answer 2

Some American Stores aren't in Canada because not every company wants to expand to Canada. Certain Companies which I'll list a few, Circuit City (The Source), Best Buy, American Eagle, GAP, Old Navy, Wal Mart etc. Some stores like K-Mart, TOPS, Target, Macy's aren't in Canada. It would be nice to have some more stores tho.

Answer 3

Well I hope you have a great time here in Toronto over the holidays. Make sure you check out the Christmas lights at City Hall at night (Beautiful!) and you could get in some skating on the outdoor ice rink.

Now there is a new Abercrombie & Fitch, just opened at the Eatons Centre. There is also an American Eagle there to. Pretty well anything you can buy in the USA will be available at one retailer or another. Why not bring them something that your city/state is known for? If your from Florida...oranges would be great. Or Maple syrup from Maine (tho' we do have our own here & it's very good).

I think your relatives would be pleased if you were to bring yourself & a little something that said "your home"

Have a great visit.....Merry Christmas and I hope you have a white Christmas!

Answer 4

Most large american retailers have found a home in Canada. You'll find that Toronto, Montreal, and Vancouver probably have the widest variety. Still no Target, Bon Ton, JC Penny though. More Wal-Mart's than you can shake a stick at. KMart is gonzo. Abercrombie and Fitch just opened up its first store in Toronto. Also, we don't have a lot of the large pharmacies from the states (yet) like Walgreens, Eckerd, or CVS. We have our own that are just as good (Shoppers Drug Mart and Rexall).

Answer 5

Just because a certain American store chain is not in Canada doesn't mean its merchandise is not sold here (stop being such an insular naive American!) - for example, we have no KMarts but the Martha Stewart private collection is sold here by Zellers stores. Almost anything that is sold in the States is sold here -- in fact there might be even greater varieties in the Toronto area because Toronto is the most multi-cultural city in the world (Yes! More than New York; more than L.A., but few Americans know that or otherwise take the time to learn about the rest of the world - that's why you screwed up so much in Iraq and why Bush is so hated around the globe). I'm surprised you do not seem to know all this if you have family in Canada - did they emmigrate to Canada whilst you went to the States, or what?

Anyway, if it is help for you I'll tell you the US stores not up here that I always make a point of visiting when I go south, not so much (with exception of TJs) for finding different or better variety than for saving money when your prices and/or taxes are lower:

Trader Joe's
Marshalls
Target
Building No 19
Job Lots
Kohls

I will also check out American units of stores that do have Canadian outlets such as Best Buy, Sears, Toys R Us, Wall-Mart, etc., etc. Before crossing back to Canada I will also check
out supermarkets to stock up on dairy foods and chicken, which
due to Canadian farm subsidy and quota systems are much more expensive here (but Oh! what a broad, wonderful variety of artisan cheeses we have that you do not!). In case you are interested you are allowed a duty-free exemption of 10kilos (22lbs) of American chicken or chicken parts per person.

Answer 6

Wouldn't the obvious answer to this be anything with an American flag or reference to America on it? Just don't expect it to be prominently displayed in a Canadian home, of course.

It is a somewhat offensive question to us because so many of our southern neighbours still believe we live in the backwoods of civilization. We have lots of great shopping, so a lot of the things that used to be available only in the US are just as available here now. We do have American Eagle, Children's Place, Old Navy and lots of American stores. And don't forget that almost anything can be ordered online and shipped here... so it's really not that difficult to get stuff that we used to look for in the States.

Answer 7

Hmmm I moved back to Canada 5 years ago so this may be out of date, Abercrombie and Fitch, Aeropostale, New York and Co, Express, The Childrens Place (that might be here now), Target, Kohls, LL Bean is availible via catalogue but the duty and shipping is a killer, Lands End same thing.
When you come home for Xmas, you are allowed to bring $60 of gifts (that's canadian money) per person without paying duty. Not per gift, I used to do an itemized list with my receipts. Customs dudes like that. FYI

Answer 8

Okay, first off, there ARE American Eagle stores in Canada. I've been to one. Secondly, just walk down a mall corridor, you'll see plenty there that you haven't seen before. And also you have to remember, that even in the US (AND Canada), you don't come across all the same stores everywhere. I've traveled to Canada numerous times and I know that all you have to do is just take a gander, you'll see plenty new stuff.

Also on a side note, there's always the possibility of buying things that actually ARE area specific. For example I've started collecting shot glasses when I travel, and when I went across the states when I was younger, I bought state magnets to put on the fridge. There's plenty of chance to get creative.

Answer 9

Tiffany's, Marcus, Saks, Tom & Jerry, Abdel's Falafel, Jerry Burgers, Dickson general store, 14th convinence store, Albany music, Jam gallery, Mighty dollar, Shona nail and beauty, Prime Cuts, Hollywood Video, Chevron, Friendly's, Kohi-noor Resturant, Seven Travel, 24-7 convininence store, The Pasta Company, Flagstone clothing store, Story Books on Main, Basics cafe, Yun-Kee Noodle, Roger Mills General Store, Label discount designer store, Py-hel furniture, Savy Deli, Mighty Burger, Sely Gyro, Felicita hair salon, Downtown Atlanta Pizza, Dradco, Faykra discount clothing, Lucky Toys, Rebel Books, Keith Rodison antiques, Retro Clothing and Shoes, Spinster Vinyl Records, B&S Enterprises, Lotus Garden Chinese Restaurant, Budget Shoe Depot, Dawn & Company, Pro-Communications, Flexagon Inc, Arnie the ham store, 360 Computer Systems, Artez Higher Hair, Austin furniture mart, Portabilly's Camping Store, Aivalis, B G Convinence, Baker's Man, Alpine Ceramic, TSA Interiors, Genx jeans, National Camera...............

Answer 10

Hii there, am not sure either. but am glad u asked such a question as i myself will be making a trip to Canada this Dec 2006. i might just get in touch will some frens n see if i cud help u out in your present hunt. Take care n all the best.
Always be happy n ever smiling:-)

Answer 11

To make sure you are relaly getting things that are unique, go to stores that sell artisan and craftsman gifts. Things that are made by artisans and craftspersons in your own local area. Usually you can get some very nice things, including things that are not real expensive. Check out tourist oriented shops, shops in the central downtown area, small owner-operated shops, etc.