Shopping Trips To The USA

[Chrys58]

I am new here so forgive me if I am not posting in the correct area and if this is a duplicate post.

I am planning a shopping trip to the US from Toronto, Ontario. I am not sure where to go. Is Buffalo any good or is there someplace else that is great. I have about 4-5 days to shop including travel. Any advice on stores/malls and the best hotels to stay at? This is a girls weekend and the credit cards will be flying, CHARGE....

Any advice would be very helpful.

[pippinelkhound]

If it's a girl's trip, head to Vegas! Outlet malls, high end designer and free people watching!

[cheekysaver]

OMG i am going to the states for the summer and i have been researching the heck out of this and i have some info for you!

Rite Aid they allow a store coupon plus a manufacture coupon and they have a program that prints off coupons to use instore. (get a customer appreciation card there even if you have to borrow a address from your hotel)

Kmart has a limit of 4 like items with coupons, but they do double coupons sometimes

Target has target cards and for those in canada you want to know this stuff too... they discount items there in sections on certain days of the week, like heath and beauty on one day and something else another day and every 2 weeks it gets discounted more until it is 70% off (unless it is seasonal like christmas that hit 90% the next day) Target does a big toy clearence in july and jan where they mark down their toys. There coupon policy states you can use a target coupon in addition to a manufacture coupon however they are sticky on printed coupons and they can not exceed 30% of the value (unless it is their instore coupon) they have sometimes 9 freebies a week there.

Walmart policy is the same except you don't have to bring in the flyer from other stores so you can go online and make your list and have them price match. They always have a freebie or 2 matched up with coupons and very often overage items.

Walgreens often doubles coupons but you have to check the state you are in. New York has tons of grocery stores that double coupons. You need to google the state and put in double coupons stores.

http://www.afullcup.com/ <<this is a site that is great for coupon match ups and deals
http://thecouponproject.com/ << this lady explains couponing and stores policies

You really need to google the state but this above info will be amazing for you.

Stores that double coupons do not double printable coupons. Some stores restrict them also due to fraud that has happened.

If your going try and hit it so your at the optimum start and end date of sales... get there 2 days before one sale finishes and you will be there for the week's start.

Sorry i don't know about hotels in the states, but good luck and happy couponing (whispers try a clipping service to get your coupons)

[Chrys58]

I wish I had the money to go to Vegas but I will have to settle for a trip that I can drive too.

Cheeky, thank you ever so much for all your valuable information. You have given me alot to think about and have saved me alot of time.

[cheekysaver]

I just found this site... she is some what of a rockstar for all the info she shares! http://capriscoupons.com/2012/03/01/...aid-walgreens/
and you are most welcome!

[EvilTofu]

Look for friends and family code for hotel booking. You can save up to 60% if you book few months ahead with those employee discounts. (Often half-off for friends and family, plus 20% off early booking) There is usually no penalty for cancellation up to a day prior. So book hotel early.

One of the most powerful traveling tool is your smart phone. Get the Google Shopper app so that you can compare prices. It can tell you the cheapest price of that item near you, so get the Google map app as well.

It looks like you don't travel much. Be aware that you have to declare your shopping at the customs when you get back in. If you go over the limit, you have to pay tax on those things. Keep your receipts. For 4/5 days, you can bring back $400 of stuff duty free.

http://www.cbsa-asfc.gc.ca/media/fac...s/060-eng.html

[peqwilber]

Only one remark... In this year's budget, starting June 1st 2012, the amount will raise to $200 (today it is $50) if you stay more than 24 hours and rises to $800 (today it is $400) if you stay more than 48 hours. No need to stay 7+ days to be allowed to bring $750 after June 1st... Keep a proof that you stayed that long (like hotel receipt). I was asked to show that last time I stayed 2 days...

Look for friends and family code for hotel booking. You can save up to 60% if you book few months ahead with those employee discounts. (Often half-off for friends and family, plus 20% off early booking) There is usually no penalty for cancellation up to a day prior. So book hotel early.

One of the most powerful traveling tool is your smart phone. Get the Google Shopper app so that you can compare prices. It can tell you the cheapest price of that item near you, so get the Google map app as well.

It looks like you don't travel much. Be aware that you have to declare your shopping at the customs when you get back in. If you go over the limit, you have to pay tax on those things. Keep your receipts. For 4/5 days, you can bring back $400 of stuff duty free.

http://www.cbsa-asfc.gc.ca/media/fac...s/060-eng.html

[Edward59]

Thanks for sharing.