2013 Back to School deals and prices - a summary

Interesting things here:

As of August 9
Canada has

10 cents for 80 page notebook, 32 page exercise book, 8 pack pencils
15 cents for 150 sheets of refill paper

Source Walmart Canada

US has

10 cents for 8 pack pencils
50 cents for 100 sheets of refill paper
59 cents for 70 page notebook
10 cents for 10 pack paper mate pens/black or blue

Source Officemax


Seems the paper is cheaper in Canada and the writing instruments are cheaper in the US. Is it all those trees in Canada making paper cheap?

Duty free limits goes up June 1st

Great news for crossborder shoppers:


http://www.moneyville.ca/article/1179567--new-duty-free-rules-to-fuel-cross-border-stampede

and here is more stuff to get there:

Shoes: 37%
Winter clothes: most likely on clearance

Shopping for fairness: Why Canadians pay more for everything

From this article here is what is expensive in Canada compared to US on most everyday items:

Soap
Shampoo
Conditioner
water Filter
Ibuprophen
Aspirin
Ketchup
Freezer Bags
Laundry Detergent
Orange Juice
Printer - Ink

for food its
Milk
Chicken Breasts
Butter
Eggs





Articles:

http://www.retailcouncil.org/mediacentre/newsreleases/pr20120424.asp

http://www.retailcouncil.org/mediacentre/newsreleases/pr20120424-submission-to-senate-committee.pdf

Recently, JC Penney has changed their pricing strategy. In the past they issued coupons and deals about once a month on rotating categories of items every week. Here is their new strategy:

http://www.usatoday.com/money/industries/retail/story/2012-01-25/penneys-price-overhaul/52787388/1

The gist of it is : " Items that don't sell well go on clearance and will be tagged "Best Price," signaling to customers that it's the lowest price."  " a blue tag a "Best Price.""

so look for the blue tag. now just because it has a blue tag doesnt mean that is the 'best' price but the lowest at the time. Unknown if they make the discount further but Im curious to find out. Tune in later.