Weekly Wish - Lower prices on U.S. imports

I have one simple wish this week now that our dollar has achieved parity with that of our American neighbours. I’m wishing for retail prices to be the same on both sides of the border.

Why?
Sure I want to save money. Who doesn’t?

Even more so, I don’t want local retailers to lose out to cross-border shopping bargains. The big chains may be able to handle the pinch. The little indie boutiques may have a tough time. I’d hate to see them go.

What’s Next?
Will the strength of the Canadian dollar change your shopping habits? If so, how? Leave a comment.

Photo credit: The American Loonie by mattkiazyk on Flickr

Technorati tags: Canadian dollar, cross-border shopping, dollar, parity

Hard as nails and other strange stories

A funny thing happened last week while I was at Cozy Nails, my favourite Saturday morning hang-out. You see Cozy Nails is so customer-focused, they offer free gourmet coffees, teas and smoothies to all their clients. For those with a sweet tooth, they also have dishes and containers filled to the brim with all kinds of chocolates and other candies to enjoy while your nails are drying.

I was sitting minding my own business when all of the sudden a familiar neighbourhood teen and her younger sister appeared. I thought they were having a mother-daughter day. Wrong. Their mother was just behind them and she came into the shop. But instead of her usual outgoing self, she seemed a bit reserved and uncomfortable as she stood with her dog on a leash waiting for her girls. They stuffed their hands full of candy and the three of them walked out. What nerve!

Clients and staff alike were taken aback. Turns out the mom isn’t even a client. It’s not like Cozy Nails is the only place to get candy in the neighbourhood either: a variety store is up the street.

So this post is a bit different. Instead of me ranting incessantly about bad service, I’m ranting about bad customer behavior. As customers we all want excellent service. Relationships are a two-way street. We also owe it to the service providers to be respectful, courteous and not take advantage of their generosity.

I had another strange experience that day. I stopped into the Bagel House. My son wanted a pepperoni stick. I politely asked the cashier to cut the package open. She cut it and ran. Unfortunately, she didn't cut it enough to open the package. I politely asked her to try again. She threw a pair of scissors at me. Huh? I asked her if I had been rude (because I found her behaviour odd.)

“No, you have been polite. I’m just busy ’cause I have to clean up and I have a bunch of orders to fill for other customers.”

WTF? The store was empty. Speaks volumes, doesn't it?

Do you have any strange shopping stories to share? Leave a comment.

photo credit: marjanhols on Flickr

Technorati tags: Cozy Nails, Bagel House

Anita Roddick, you’ll be missed

I can’t remember a time without The Body Shop. It was founded 31 years ago and although it became part of the L’Oreal Group last year, the successful beauty products chain continues to operate independently.

I definitely have my favorite Body Shop items such as the Peppermint Cooling Foot Lotion. But the one thing that has always stood out in my mind is the legacy created by founder, Anita Roddick who died on Monday.

Dame Anita Roddick through The Body Shop has probably done more for corporate social responsibility and animal rights than anyone. At the very least, Ms. Roddick was a pioneer who made a difference.

What’s your favorite product from The Body Shop? How will you remember Anita Roddick? Leave a comment.

Technorati tag: Anita Roddick, corporate social responsibilty, CSR, L’Oreal, The Body Shop

Tip of the Week - PC products for less

If I didn’t know better, I’d assume all President’s Choice (PC) products were the same price no matter where you buy them. But I do no better and now you do too!

My neighbourhood is bookmarked by both No Frills and Loblaws grocery stores. No doubt Loblaws has a larger selection and better produce (in all fairness, it’s a much bigger store.) Both stores carry PC products but In my experience, the prices vary significantly. I’ve saved as much as $2.00 on package of frozen sole by buying it at my local No Frills.

Have you had a similar experience? Do you have any shopping tips to share? Leave a comment.

Technorati tags: Loblaws, No Frills, President’s Choice