When I was at Superstore last Friday with Madeline, the woman in front of me was packing her groceries purchases into a canvas tote bag from Trader Joe's. A feeling of envy immediately washed over me. I want to shop there, too. At least once. Really, one of the most unfair things about having the United States as a neighbour is that I hear about so many interesting-sounding places to shop that aren't available in Canada.
A Williams-Sonoma just opened up here in Calgary. There is a sign in the same mall with "Pottery Barn - Opening 2006" emblazoned on it. I have heard a rumour that Abercrombie and Fitch will be opening up a shop in Edmonton. I remember how long I waited for an Old Navy to open. Late 2002, I think. I stepped into the Williams-Sonoma store this past Saturday. I anticipate having an item or two from there on my list this holiday season :) I bought a jar of mole sauce for Chris - it's something we've never made at home.
If Canada had a Cracker Barrol I would be in bliss.
Posted by: Anne | June 30, 2005 at 09:29 PM
Well I'm a Cdn living in the States...I will try to cheer you up a bit.
Stores I miss in Canada:
1. Canadian Tire
2. Grocery stores in general - Sobey's and Superstore - they both have a million times better selection/quality - I could list so many things we stalk up on when we go home for a visit :)
3. Shoppers
4. Tim Hortons (does that count :))
5. Marks Work Warehouse - why I'm not sure but it's one of those places I like to go have a look around when I'm home
6. Magazine stores like Great Canadian News Company
Stores I'll miss when I move back:
1. Target
2. Crate and Barrel
Thing that bugs me most about stores in Canada (including American stores that have made it there) - lack of shopping online.
Posted by: Patti | June 30, 2005 at 10:31 PM
Mole sauce?! Made from moles?
Posted by: Helen | June 30, 2005 at 11:12 PM
You're not missing much with Abercrombie & Finch or Craberombie & Bitch as some people call them. Unless your are in their target group is as far as I can guess, gay males & girls btwn 14-20 yrs of age & sizes 0-6. And forget about getting help in the stores if your can legally drive.
And Tim Horton's has crossed the border! They're in Michigan at least.
Posted by: elizabeth | July 01, 2005 at 02:46 AM
Thanks for the warning about A&F - I won't be planning any shopping trips to Edmonton then :) That's cool about Tim Horton's ...
I also lament the lack of online shopping. It's really weird that Land's End and LL Bean are more than happy to ship to Canada, while I can't order from the Pottery Barn website or www.toysrus.com.
Posted by: laura | July 01, 2005 at 09:55 AM
I had that feeling in California. So many stores there that NYC does not have. That is true for many places in the US. Not all the states have the same deparmtne stores or home furninshing stores. Mole sauce is Mexican and not pronounced Mole. I believe it has chocolate in it?
Posted by: Ani | July 03, 2005 at 12:27 AM