There are tons of outlet stores popping up across Canada that promise amazing brands and even better discounts. Unfortunately, many of us live more than a stone’s throw away from the outlets we want to visit or end up driving the hour (or four) only to be disappointed by the selection.
Outlets tend to be messy, over-picked, and chaotic but our desire to score a discount outweighs all the cons — snagging a deal while shopping is our number one priority! While there are a number of ways you can save by shopping online at regular-priced retailers, we’ve found a number of retailers with online outlet stores that will help you save a couple of bucks while you’re shopping.
Here are online outlet stores to take advantage of.
StyleDemocracy
StyleDemocracy brings the world of warehouse sales online for limited-time flash sales. Head to shop.styledemocracy.com to shop limited-time sales that feature a rotating selection of brands for up to 80% off. Past sales StyleDemocracy has hosted include Ted Baker, Frank And Oak, Lacoste, and more.
J.Crew Factory
The classic American retailer has its very own factory store online with clothing, footwear, and accessories for the whole family at a fraction of the price of its regular retail stores. While they do ship to Canada, shoppers should be mindful of their American prices and the $9.95 USD that it costs to ship across the border.
Pro tip: Check out the website’s clearance section for extra deals on deals.
GUESS Factory Store
If you’re a fan of GUESS, you’ll be happy to hear that they’ve got a factory store that you can shop stress-free online. Included in the online store’s offerings are clothing, shoes, and accessories for both men, women, and kids. Handbags and footwear are a major steal in particular, and the store often hosts extra discounts on top of already-low prices throughout the year — it’s best to keep checking back for better deals.
Gap Factory Store
Another North American classic is Gap, and their online factory is a great place to start your online shopping spree. Of the retailers on this list, Gap Factory Store probably has the largest selection to shop for the entire family. Not only do they offer clothing, footwear, and accessories for men, women, and kids, but they also boast a large selection of apparel, shoes, and accessories for toddlers and babies, as well as lingerie and loungewear for women.
Under Armour Outlet
Everyone knows that Under Armour can get pretty pricey, but if you’re looking to shop the brand on a dime, you’ll definitely want to check out their online outlet store. While their selection isn’t as large as the other retailers on this list, their sales are no less impressive. Visit back often to shop deals on sneakers, athleticwear, backpacks, duffles, and more for men and women.
Banana Republic Factory
Banana Republic and Gap are both under the Gap umbrella, so it’s no surprise that this factory store exists. Shoppers can expect similar styles to their full-priced store at lower prices. In addition to regular size ranges for men and women, they also boast a women’s petite and clearance section. Bring on the deals!
adidas Outlet
Athleticwear is made affordable by adidas in this online outlet store. Discounts range between 10-70% off and span across a variety of categories, including clothing, shoes, and accessories for men, women, and kids. While the selection isn’t huge, the deals are worth it. Keep checking back for new offerings.
Best Buy Clearance Outlet
There’s no need to wait until big sales to save on electronics! The Best Buy Clearance Outlet is open all year round. In addition to clearance items, shoppers can save big by shopping refurbished, open-box items, and overstock. From appliances to laptops and tablets to cellphones and game consoles, there’s something for everyone to shop!
REISS Outlet
This high-end U.K.-based fashion brand just got a little bit more affordable! Online, shoppers can find deep discounts of up to 60% off on coats and jackets, suiting, office wear, and more. While the prices are low, the quality’s not, so don’t sleep on this online outlet!
Swarovski Outlet
Swarovski is a girl’s best friend! And in the brand’s online outlet, there’s a selection of bracelets, watches, earrings, rings, sets, decoration, pens, and more. The selection is exclusive and only available for a limited time, so it’s best to check back on a regular basis. Act fast on things you like because you never know if it’s going to sell out!
Lole Outlet
You might already recognize this Montreal-based yogawear brand, but did you know that it has its own online outlet store? The Lole outlet features deals on tops, bottoms, intimates, and of course, everything you need to get your sweat on.
Amazon Outlet
Amazon is a favourite for many and their outlet is just one of the reasons why. The Amazon Outlet offers savings on overstocked items, spanning across a variety of categories. From home to beauty, to books, computers, and more, Amazon is a one-stop-shop for savings.
Reebok Outlet
Another athletic brand that hosts its very own online outlet is Reebok. Open all year round, find savings of up to 55% off on athletic apparel, footwear, and accessories for both men and women. If you like what you see, check back often, as Reebok updates the online outlet frequently.
ASOS Outlet
If you’re a fan of this U.K.-based fast-fashion retailer, you’ll be happy to hear that ASOS has an online outlet with up to 70% off footwear, clothing, and accessories. If you dig deep enough, you’ll even find brands like Lacoste, Puma, adidas, Nike, NYX, and more.
Saks Off Fifth
And if you love Saks Fifth Avenue, you’ll want to check out its online off-price store. With many of the same brands Saks is known for, its Off Fifth online store is filled with designer deals. Luckily, prices are based in Canadian dollars, so there’s no guesswork when it comes to conversion, and usually, Canadians receive free shipping on all orders over $99.
Thomas Sabo Outlet
This is one of our favourite online outlet stores for accessories. Head over to the Thomas Sabo online outlet to save up to 70% on beautiful fine jewelry, watches, and beaded bracelets — this online outlet is truly a hidden gem! Shipping is $15 for orders under $50, and for purchases over, shipping is free!
Fossil Outlet
Another online accessory outlet that’s worth checking out is the Fossil Outlet. Featuring watches, belts, handbags, jewelry, sunglasses, and more, you can save up to 60% in the section of the website.
Sport Chek Clearance Outlet
For all things sports-related, head to the Sport Chek Clearance Outlet. Here you can find deals on women’s clothing and shoes, men’s clothing and shoes, kids’ clothing and shoes, gear and equipment, electronics, and jerseys and fan gear. Shipping is free on all orders of $99 or more.
AllSaints Outlet
Not many folks realize that this luxury label has its own online outlet store. The AllSaints Outlet features pieces from the archives and seasons past. Find dresses, pants, leather bags, tops, and so much more for men and women at a discount.
Aldo Outlet
Footwear, accessories, and handbags at a steal can be found at the online Aldo Outlet. Prices start as low as under $20 for men and women, and the retailer offers free shipping to stores and on orders of $70 and more. Keep your eye out because every once in awhile, Aldo will offer sales-on-sale at the outlet, too.
PUMA
Another athletic brand with its own online outlet store is PUMA. You’ll find deals on apparel, footwear, and accessories for the whole family online. Plus, keep an eye out for extra discounts on outlet items, which happen every so often!
Coach Outlet
The online Coach Outlet periodically has sales and when it does, they’re good. Be sure to become a member to receive sale notifications and stay on top of when these magical deals happen! Just keep in mind that the prices are listed in American and shipping to Canada is $15.
Arc’teryx
Outdoor enthusiasts will be happy to hear that Vancouver-based brand Arc’teryx has its very own online outlet. Save on apparel, footwear, and accessories that are meant to last through all of your adventures.
BookOutlet.ca
Save on books and get to reading! BookOutlet.ca is a Canadian store that has amazing deals on books for all ages. Shipping is free on orders of $45 or more and the online outlet is constantly hosting discounts on top of already low prices.
Bench
Find deals on all things Bench in the brand’s online outlet store. There are comfy sweaters, t-shirts, pants, accessories, and more to discover. And the best part? Prices start at around $10.
The Last Hunt
The Last Hunt is a Montreal-based Altitude Sports‘ online outlet store and it’s Canada’s largest online destination for discounted outdoor apparel, footwear, and accessories. In addition to being able to find brands like The North Face, Patagonia, Fjallraven, and more for up to 65% off, our favourite part about the website is the ability to shop by percentage off.
Factory Shoe Outlet
Factory Shoe Outlet aims to be your one-stop footwear paradise. With a wide selection of functional and trendy shoes at reasonable prices, you’re sure to find what you’re looking for!
Articles You Might Be Interested In
The Running List Of Retail Store Closures And Bankruptcies In 2019
The 11 Best Canadian Online Stores for Sneakers
The 6 Most Trusted Online Stores According To Thousands Of Canadians
15+ Canadian Shopping Websites To Know
11 Classic Designer Items Worth the Splurge
If sleep is one of your biggest sources of frustration, you’re in good company. You may not be able to fix your sleep patterns overnight, but you can support yourself in building a nighttime routine that helps get you on the right track. These well-loved products will amp up your tool kit and help you get the best sleep ever.
Here are products that’ll help you have your best sleep ever.
Articles You May Be Interested In:
6 Wellness Treatments To Keep Seasonal Depression At Bay
6 Wellness Products To Buy That Work & Aren’t Total BS
11 Winter Wonderland Getaways To Go To In Ontario
7 Spas To Check Out That Are Just A Road Trip Away From Toronto
6 Super Chill Wellness Spaces In Toronto To Know About
If you feel like you have been stuck in a rut lately or lacking inspiration for whatever reason, changing up your house or apartment can be just the thing you need to refresh your life and boost your energy. If you want to shop for home decor without leaving your home, then we have great news for you! There are so many awesome online furniture stores that offer affordable pieces, yet are still super chic. Never compromise style for price!
Here are places to shop for affordable and great quality furniture online.
WickerPark® Patio Furniture Store
WickerPark® Patio Furniture Store is a Toronto & Mississauga business that offers quality patio furniture, at an affordable price. Using the best in market materials like Rust Proof Powder Coated Aluminum Frames, Polyethylene All Weather Wicker, High-Density Quick Dry Foam, Cushions & Pillows with High-Grade Piping and Zippers, everything is made using industry-leading Sunbrella Fabric.
WickerPark® makes their furniture locally allowing them to offer over 500+ Sunbrella Fabric options, and a promise to support the local economy, and made with love in Canada! WickerPark® also boasts a 3-5 business day turnaround on 19 Sunbrella Fabric options.
In summary, you can feel good about supporting the local economy and shop products made of the highest grade materials. All of this at mid-market pricing, with most sectionals offered under $2,000. Check out www.wickerpark.ca.
Leon’s Furniture
For decades, Leon’s has been a go-to source for both furniture and appliances in Canada. With high-quality items to help you upgrade just about any room in your home, Leon’s has become one of the most trusted furniture sources across the country. Whether you’re looking for a new family sofa, that perfect accent chair or a more comfortable mattress for a better night’s sleep, Leon’s has got you covered with great pieces at affordable prices. Plus, with over 100 years of experience, you know you’ll be getting top-notch quality and service.
IKEA
This one likely comes as no surprise. We couldn’t round up the best affordable furniture and not include IKEA! With tons of couches under $1000, they have been the world’s largest furniture retailer since 2008, and for a good reason. IKEA has everything you could possibly need for every single room in your house. Their pieces are relatively quick and easy to build and will give your home a sleek, organized feel for less! IKEA also has a “New Lower Price” section on their website where you can save even more.
ZebraBlinds
An underrated retailer in the window decor world, ZebraBlinds has quietly positioned itself as one of the premier providers of smart blinds in Canada. Their Z-wave motorized blinds can be completely automated based on schedules and conditions, or can even be controlled using Google Home and Amazon Alexa. They are well known in smart home enthusiast communities such as the SmartThings forums due to their knowledgeable support. If you are looking for smart shades in Canada, this should be your first and last stop.
Costco
Costco has just about everything you could ever need, including furniture now! Whether you’re looking for modern furniture for your home or even smaller condo-sized furniture, they have some really great options if you’re looking to change up your home on a budget. We especially love their beds which range from $600-$700 for the most part!
Candace & Basil
Candace & Basil actually has a showroom in Mississauga, Ontario. The Canadian furniture company typically always has new styles added to its 80% off online sale section every single week, so be sure to keep an eye out for those deals. From awesome items for the bedroom, bathroom, kitchen, and more, the options are endless, plus, it ships right to your door.
JYSK
JYSK has some of the best deals on furniture! If you’re looking to totally revamp your space to give it a refreshed, current feel, JYSK is your best bet. Their prices are great to begin with and they always have sales going on too! From dining room furniture to sofas, beds, and more, JYSK has a huge selection. Their sofas look incredible and are all under $1200!
Ashley furniture HomeStore
You can always be sure to score some great deals at the Ashley Furniture HomeStore. With already awesome prices, you most definitely can’t beat the sale prices plus the great quality. Offering beautiful and classic furniture, these pieces can seamlessly fit into your home.
Blu Dot
If you’re looking for unique, high-quality pieces then Blu Dot is perfect for you! Their pieces cost a bit more than JYSK or IKEA, but considering they design and make everything in their Minneapolis studio, they aren’t bad. Bludot also has an outlet section on their website where you can save even more! For example, you can score a sofa for under $800 or save on chairs, tables, and more.
Best Buy
You may be surprised to learn that Best Buy actually sells furniture as well as electronics! Their pieces are surprisingly well priced but they also run promotions quite frequently too so you can save even more. They offer everything from bedroom furniture to living room furniture, dining room furniture, and items for your home office. Their bedroom sets fit every style and start at $400. Best Buy also has a sale section where you can save even more!
Overstock
Overstock offers affordable furniture online paired with outstanding customer service. You can find everything you’re looking for on the site at such an affordable cost. Have a specific interior vision? Shop by style, category, or room.
Wayfair
Wayfair has a huge selection of furniture! So, no matter what your home decor style is, you will be sure to find pieces you’ll love. There is usually a variety of sales going on so you can save even more as well. You’ll find tons of pieces that look just like your Pinterest boards and will be able to create your dream space without breaking the bank! For example, you can score over 100 gorgeous sectionals for under $1000!
Structube
Structube has a wide assortment of affordable furniture and accessories online to give your home a modern look that looks expensive while still being affordable. Whether you want to revamp your living room, home office, bedroom, or dining room, Structube has everything you need to make your space totally Insta-worthy! With all desks under $800 and all beds under $1200, there are lots of savings to be found here.
Posts you might be interested in:
IKEA Will Now Buy Back Your Old Furniture
Our 6 Favourite Furniture Consignment Stores In Toronto
7 Super Affordable Ways to Give Old Furniture New Life
The 10 Best Stores To Buy Patio Furniture In Toronto
This Canadian Duo Creates Custom Furniture That’s Affordable
With social distancing rules in place, it can be hard to get your shopping fix but luckily, street-facing retailers are now able to offer curbside pickup in Ontario. This contactless service is a great option for those who shop online — not only for health concerns but as a speedier way to get purchases into your hands.
Curbside pickup ensures that your family has everything they need and you can even treat yourself to some luxuries, make staying at home a little easier. And while there are many stores offering contactless curbside pickup, this list features some of our favourite places to shop.
here are stores offering curbside pickup in Toronto.
Cocktail Emporium
Cocktail Emporium boasts an extensive selection of cocktail tools, glassware, bitters, and syrups. Don’t let the closure of bars stop you from creating your own cocktails in the comfort of your home. Ordering your cocktail tools is easy. Just shop the Cocktail Emporium website, fill your cart with all the items you want, and then select curbside pickup at the checkout. All orders will be processed within 24 hours and will be available for pickup at 972 Queen St. West — just wait for a text to let you know when your order is ready.
Dynasty Plants
Spending the majority of your time at home, you may realize that your place could use some sprucing up. Dynasty Plants offers a variety of house plants with a focus on unusual and high-quality tropical plants, cactus, and ceramics. Curbside pickups are available at 146 Ossington Ave. on Fridays, Saturdays, and Sundays.
Gravitypope
Known for its footwear, the Toronto womenswear and menswear shop is now available for curb-side pickup. Check out its site to follow all of the directions on how to do so. Browse through an abundance of shoes, clothing, bags, accessories, home, and beauty.
ARMED
This Toronto-based jewellery and accessory store is offering curbside pickup at its Parkdale location. Shop bracelets, necklaces, rings, sunglasses, and more online at ARMED. Orders take one to two business days to process, just choose the “Pick Up In-Store” option at checkout.
Risqué Clothing
Risqué Clothing has beautiful womenswear clothing for all types of occasions. From dresses, to outerwear, to loungewear, this shop has it all. It’s now offering curbside pickup at its Koreatown store, 660 Bloor Street West.
Pretty Clean Shop
Pretty Clean Shop provides a huge variety of eco-conscious, zero-waste, and refillable products for body, skin, hair, and home. All of the products featured in-store are made with safe ingredients without cruelty and toxins. Available Monday through Saturday from 12 p.m. to 3 p.m., you can shop everything in-store online and take advantage of curbside pickup at the Junction location.
Livestock
The popular sneaker shop has so many awesome kicks to browse through. Curbside pickup is available at select Livestock locations once you have placed your order. This pickup is only available through making an appointment in the website.
Outer Layer
Outer Layer is a card and gift shop offering an enormous selection of over 10,000 products. Looking for a gift for a loved one? Outer Layer has got you covered with gift cards for baby showers, birthdays, graduations, sympathy, and any other occasion, as well as niche gifts for everyone on your shopping list. Curbside pickup is available from Monday to Thursday from 12 p.m. to 4 p.m. and Friday to Saturday from 12 p.m. to 7 p.m. at 577 Queen St. West.
Sole Survivor
Do your shoes needs some TLC? Make an appointment and drop off your footwear at the Noble street shop in Toronto. Sole Survivor specializes in fine leather repair and restoration.
IKEA
While IKEA is starting to reopen stores, most IKEA locations offer curbside pickup. The Curbside Click and Collect service is a completely contactless service. Customers are assigned a parking location and don’t even have to leave their cars until the order is ready. Once the order is ready, shoppers will be asked to show ID through the car window. IKEA has created a safe and secure system for all your home needs for a $5 flat-rate fee.
100% Silk
100% Silk offers a variety of interesting designers and retro-style clothing. Curbside pickup is available at the Queen Street West location in Toronto.
Sport Chek
If you’re looking for some new sportswear or sports equipment, Sport Chek is offering a great free service. Place your order online and Sport Chek will email you when it’s ready. Once you receive the notification, just drive to the designated pickup location and call the team once you have arrived. Once you have given the proper name and order number, an associate will bring the order right to your vehicle.
Common Goods
Order your goods online and head on over to the shop between Wednesday through Sunday during certain time slots posted on the site. Common Goods offer clothing, accessories, and other fun knick knacks.
Saks Fifth Avenue
Saks Fifth Avenue offers a wide collection of designer apparel and accessories, and now with its new curbside pickup program, you can order online and have your purchases delivered to your car. This service is completely free and available at all Saks Fifth Avenue locations — just remember to bring a valid ID when you go for your pickup.
Indigo
Place your order at Indigo.ca and choose free ship to a store, and select the store closest to you. Shop books, kids toys, wellness, home, fashion, electronics, and more, all on the online site.
Hudson’s Bay
For extra speedy service, Hudson’s Bay will have curbside pickup orders ready in as little as three hours. Shop apparel, home decor, beauty, and more for women, men, and children. After placing your order and arriving at one the location of your choice, just give the store a call and an employee will bring your order in minutes. You can also specify if you want the order place directly in the trunk or somewhere close by.
Michaels
If you’re looking for art supplies, then check out Michaels. Order online and select curbside pickup at select stores. The curbside pickup is available until 6pm, unless the chosen shop closes earlier. Once your order is placed, you’ll get a confirmation email letting you know when it’s ready to be picked up.
Nordstrom
For over 100 years, Nordstrom has strived to provide the best customer shopping experience and during this time, there’s no exception. Nordstrom’s curbside pickup service makes it easy to shop for all of your favourite products. Just make your order online, wait for a confirmation email, and make your way to Nordstrom. Once you arrive, call the store and your order will be placed into your trunk for a safe simple and contactless service.
Sonic Boom
If you opt for pickup at Sonic Boom, the Spadina Avenue store is available for this service from 12pm until 7pm daily. Each pickup is totally contactless, so you can get your awesome new records safely.
Best Buy
If you require some new tech gear, Best Buy has got you covered with a Reserve and Pickup Contactless service. Find the item you want online and Best Buy will tell you which location that product is available at. After reserving your order, an email will be sent with your pickup reservation information, and you can pay for your item using a cashless payment when you get to the store. Best Buy will hold onto your order for up to 24-hours.
VdeV
Check out VdeV for stylish and chic furniture to jazz up your living space. While ordering online, you have the option of pick-up at the Toronto or Montreal store location, in which this service is totally free of charge. The pickup times are Monday to Sunday from 11am until 6pm.
Scout
Scout is offering curbside pickup at its locations at 405 Roncesvalles Ave. and 1140 Queen St. East. From paper goods and games to bath, beauty, and more, there are tons of products to explore at this independent Toronto store. Orders take up to three days to be fulfilled and shoppers will receive an email confirming when orders are ready to be picked up.
Articles You May Also Be Interested In:
11 Places To Get Produce Delivery In Toronto & The GTA
10 Places To Get Meat Delivery In Toronto & The GTA
45 Flower Delivery Options In Toronto & The GTA
26 Alcohol Delivery Services In Toronto & The GTA
St. Lawrence Market Now Offers Delivery & Curbside Pickup
For those of us who aren’t used to working from home on a daily basis, it can be more of a struggle to get used to. Certainly, one of the biggest challenges is attributed to space restrictions and the pre-work rituals we have grown accustomed to. However, with the help of some essentials, the transition to work from home can be made more enjoyable and efficient.
To help you get back on track, we’ve rounded up 13 work from home essentials that will have you thriving in your workspace in no time.
Articles You Might Be Interested In
Here’s How You Can Make Your Own Face Mask At Home
13 Products On Amazon To Shop For The Perfect At-Home Spa
10 Of The Most Stylish Loungewear Brands To Shop For Working From Home
22 Online Workshops, Classes & More To Keep You Entertained While Social Distancing
How To Handle Groceries During COVID-19
The internet wasn’t always the reliable source for shopping that it is today. But now there are thousands of e-commerce stores to choose from when it comes to shopping the web — sometimes it’s almost too hard to choose where to shop next.
Canadians, however, do have some top choices of go-to’s.
Leading market research firm BrandSpark International recently surveyed thousands of Canadians to find out which online retailers they trust the most.
The company surveyed 6,900 Canadians to find the most trusted online stores and brands in 61 different e-commerce and service categories. Through the surveys, BrandSpark International found some interesting factors in how Canadian shoppers grew their trust.
For example, 71% of Canadian shoppers gave more trust to retailers that published unfiltered customer reviews — a majority of the shoppers even noted that they wouldn’t purchase a certain product if it didn’t have any reviews. Many Canadian shoppers — 75%, in fact — said they trusted companies that listen to online reviews and feedback as it shows more care for customers and accountability. And 66% of shoppers said that they appreciate discounts and offers that are tailored to their interests.
Flickr/Elaine Smith
In the vote, there was one obvious winner.
In 24 different e-commerce categories that ranged from clothing to major home appliances, one online retailer dominated, scoring the most trusted title in 18 categories. That retailer is Amazon. According to the study, two in three Canadians surveyed said that Amazon changed the way they shop, both in-store and online. With Amazon, shoppers are able to better research products, buy a larger variety, compare prices, and even make fewer trips to stores.
Some other notable retailers that earned the most trusted merit include Sephora, Old Navy, and Best Buy.
Take a peek at the full list of BrandSpark International’s most trusted online stores:
|
E-COMMERCE CATEGORY |
2019 WINNING BRAND(S) |
|
Baby & Children’s Clothing |
Old Navy / Carter’s OshKosh / The Children’s |
|
Baby Supplies / Gear |
Amazon |
|
Beauty & Cosmetics |
Sephora |
|
Books |
Amazon |
|
Cameras & Photography Supplies |
Amazon |
|
Electronic Gaming / Videogames |
Amazon |
|
Health & Wellness |
Amazon |
|
Home Décor |
Amazon / Wayfair (tie) |
|
Home Entertainment (Televisions, Stereos, etc.) |
Amazon / Best Buy (tie) |
|
Home Improvement / Renovation |
The Home Depot |
|
Household Cleaning & Laundry Products |
Amazon |
|
Housewares / Kitchenware |
Amazon |
|
Laptop / Desktop Computers |
Best Buy |
|
Major Home Appliances |
The Home Depot |
|
Mattresses |
Amazon |
|
Men’s Clothing / Fashion |
Amazon |
|
Personal Electronics (Headphones, Bluetooth |
Amazon |
|
Pet Food & Supplies |
Amazon |
|
Recreation & Outdoor Gear |
Amazon |
|
Shoes / Footwear |
Amazon |
|
Small Home Appliances |
Amazon |
|
Sporting Goods |
Sport Chek |
|
Toys & Games |
Amazon |
|
Women’s Clothing / Fashion |
Amazon / Hudson’s Bay (tie) |
And if you’re interested, you can see the most trusted service providers in the official press release.
Featured image: Instagram/@ericoverissimo3
Articles You Might Be Interested In
15 Of Amazon’s Best Selling Fashion Items According To Thousands Of Shoppers
The 11 Best Canadian Online Stores for Sneakers
8 Smart Tips for Secondhand Shopping Online And Scoring The Best Stuff
Everything You Need to Know About Google’s New Shopping Platform
17 Of The Amazon Prime Day Best Sellers By Country
We get it — guys can be hard to shop for, especially when your special man seems to have everything. But no need to stress, we’ve got you covered! We’ve searched around the internet for the most inspiring gift ideas that will definitely show how much you appreciate him.
Whether your other half is a gamer, style savvy, tech-obsessed, or an aspiring chef, there are so many unique gifts you can surprise him with on February 14th.
To help you save some time and make this V-Day truly romantic, we’ve created a list of gifts and experiences that will satisfy even the pickiest giftees.
Check out our Valentine’s day gift ideas for him below:
Nintendo Switch
Give the gift of gaming this Valentine’s day and pick up a Nintendo Switch. The console can be played solo or with a partner (aka you)! You’ll definitely score brownie points with this gift, so if you’re looking to impress, go this route.
Shop it here: Best Buy, $379.99
A Custom Cutting Board
A kitchen whiz needs fancy gear to prep meals, and what’s fancier than a custom cutting board? Choose from your favourite woods and input your own design, whether it be their first name or both of your initials.
Shop it here: Etsy, $39.85+
Beard Grooming Set
For the bearded Valentine, a grooming kit is the perfect gift. This particular set comes with five different items: classic beard oil, tobacco beard oil, beard wash, beard balm, and a foldable beard comb.
Shop it here: Frank And Oak, $90
Penderyn Peated Cask
For the sophisticated man who’s proud of his bar collection, there’s Penderyn Peated Cask. This Welsh whisky is different than most. Pale in colour with aromas of citrus, green apple, and peach, it’s rounded out with notes of smoke and honey.
Shop it here: LCBO, $89.70
Philosopher Watch
A timepiece is a necessity for every man’s wardrobe. And a minimalist design like the Philosopher Watch from Nordgreen is the perfect design for your giftee, no matter their style. Of course, it helps that the Philosopher Watch is available in a number of combinations. Think interchangeable straps that come in leather or mesh, your choice of face size, and dial colour. Not only that, but the watch is water resistant and comes with a two-year warranty.
Shop it here: Nordgreen, $199 to $219
Oral-B Genius 9600
While some might not consider an electric toothbrush the sexiest Valentine’s Day gift, good breath is pretty attractive to us. Plus, we always say that a gift you wouldn’t typically splurge on for yourself makes the best kind of gift! This high-tech electric toothbrush connects to your smartphone and beats out a manual toothbrush any day of the week.
Shop it here: Amazon, $289.96
Silent Down Shirt
Whether we like it or not, it’s still winter, and for the stylish man, staying warm and looking good is all about layering. This Patagonia down-filled jacket will add warmth under a peacoat on his commute to work, or will be just what he needs on his next spring hike.
Shop it here: MEC, $249
Google Home Mini Speaker
Small and sleek, this mini speaker is the perfect addition to any home. Ask it questions, play music and movies, make hands-free calls, and so much more. No matter your Valentine’s interests, they’re sure to appreciate this.
Shop it here: Walmart, $79
997H Sneakers
Here at StyleDemocracy, we’re big believers that you can never have too many shoes. Add to your boo’s collection and pick up these 997H sneakers by New Balance. These comfy kicks are perfect for everyday wear and will add just the right amount of oomph to any outfit.
Shop it here: New Balance, $119
Trucker Jacket
If your Valentine doesn’t have a jean jacket in their closet yet, what are you waiting for? A classic denim jacket is the perfect wardrobe staple, and your giftee will think of you every time they wear it. Choose from eight different colours to best suit your Valentine’s style.
Shop it here: Levi’s, $108
Crosley Bluetooth Record Player
Music-loving Valentines will appreciate the thought that goes into this gift. Add on a record by their favourite artist and a bottle of wine (or whisky) and you’ve got yourself a recipe for a romantic Valentine’s night in.
Shop it here: Urban Outfitters, $82
Featured image: Instagram/@objectos_misturados
Articles You Might Be Interested In:
8 Free Ways To Spend Valentine’s Day In Toronto
10 Valentine’s Day Gift Ideas Under $50
10 Valentine’s Day Gift Ideas Under $100
10 Perfect Places To Relax With A Spa-Cation In Toronto
The 6 Best Places To Buy Unique Gifts In Toronto
Whether something doesn’t fit, doesn’t look right, or wasn’t made properly, you have plenty of reasons to return an item you’ve bought to the store. It’s something as normal to you as sending a dish back at a restaurant, right? Well, not for much longer, according to the Wall Street Journal.
As we move farther and farther into the digital age, we are watched more closely than ever — and that now includes our returns.
You’ve probably heard of companies giving your information to third-party apps or companies, right? Well, even your return habits are being sent to a third party called The Retail Equation, and that information is being used by the stores you love to shop at.
The Retail Equation program helps stores to evaluate customers’ return behaviour and ban those who return too many products.
The principle behind the practice is this: major companies like Home Depot and Victoria’s Secret want to keep an eye on the frequency at which a single customer returns products. They’re looking for risks to their companies, since the numbers show that 92.5% of retailers have experienced a form of “return fraud.”
Essentially, they want to make sure they’re not being scammed.
Does a customer return things on a regular basis? How much do they get back, and in what form? These are all things that are now being monitored by your ID. The Retail Equation will build a shopping and return history using your identification to keep track of you. If something in their algorithm is triggered, they can deny you your money back.
“A Home Depot representative, Matt Harrigan, noted that to combat return fraud, the home improvement retailer uses the Retail Equation database only for returns made without a receipt,” reports NPR.
According to the NPR, retailers use it to prevent retail crime.”There were organized retail crime rings, and those crimes negatively affect the entire community.”
The problem, however, is that this database is not perfect.
For example, the Wall Street Journal reports, Best Buy customer Jake Zakhar ran into a snag in the system after he returned three phone cases to the big box store. Like many of us, he bought a few extra than he needed and planned to return the ones his sons didn’t want. However, upon speaking to an associate at Best Buy, he was told that he was banned from shopping and exchanging anything at Best Buy for a year.
There is some good news, however: The Retail Equation has a step-by-step process to help customers like Jake. Emailing them is the first step to appealing your case, and also to obtaining your Retail Equation Report.
Even so, some customers are still having trouble, as evidenced by TRE’s one-star rating on Yelp. One user wrote, “This company is the worst company I have dealt with in the last 20 years.”
The Retail Equation currently has a class action lawsuit against them.
Featured image:bellaellaboutique via Flickr
Posts you might be interested in:
Sephora Bans Customers For Too Many Returns
Here’s What Really Happens To The Stuff You Return
Did You Know Amazon Could Terminate Your Account For Too Many Returns?
How Important is Foot Traffic To Toronto Retail?
5 Retailers With The Best Return Policies
I’m desperately in need of a new tablet! The iPad I purchased a few years back was bought on a whim and I didn’t take into consideration how I’d be using my tablet for more than just watching Netflix. As a result, I’m doing some comparison shopping for new tech toys and came across a popular service offered by some retailers to help put money back in shoppers’ pockets.
Retailer ‘Buyback Programs’ are nothing new (often referred to as ‘trade-in’ programs). Buyback programs ensure that used electronics are disposed of responsibly and/or salvaged and provide customers with a discount towards the purchase of a replacement product.
Buyback programs have been helping consumers upgrade their mobile devices for years. Now, retailers are buying back more than just cell phones; they’re offering rebates for all types of electronics ranging from laptops to cameras. Here’s a roundup of the retailers offering buyback programs in Canada.
Best Buy Canada
Best Buy’s Trade In Program offers customers the opportunity to receive a best buy gift card in exchange for gently used iPods and MP3s, tablets, cell phones, laptops, Macbook, games and gaming consoles. Trade in values are determined by the age, condition and original accessories and packaging brought in alongside your product. Tip: track down all of those manuals and cables that came with your item in order to get the highest return on your trade in.
Apple Canada
Apple’s Trade Up Program allows Mac and PC owners to get an estimate on the value of their current device in exchange for cash (that’s right, you don’t even have to purchase your replacement device at Apple). Apple has partnered with Phobio to facilitate the online trade-in process. After answering a few short questions about your device and inputting its serial number, you’ll get an idea of your device’s value and can choose to ship it in for a credit using a prepaid shipping label provided by Phobio.
Microsoft Canada
Microsoft’s Trade In & Save Program is geared towards customers wanting to upgrade to a new Surface. Bring your old laptop, tablet, phone, or gaming console into a Microsoft Store and if after an assessment they determine that it has value, you’ll receive a Microsoft Store credit. If your item doesn’t have any value, Microsoft will wipe your data and safely recycle the device for you.
Henry’s
Henry’s Trade It, Upgrade It Program makes upgrading your film camera or DSLR easy. Henry’s will gladly buy back your second-hand equipment and give you a store credit to use towards a purchase. Trade-in values vary depending on the condition of an item. When upgrading to new and pre-order devices, Henry’s often offers special ‘enhanced’ trade-in values to increase the credit received from your used device (this can be up to $200 in added savings).
Have you used a buyback program before? Leave a comment below.
Posts you might be Interested in:
These 5 Retailers have the Best Warranty Plans
10 Things Every Apple Shopper Needs to Know
5 Places to Buy Discounted Gift Cards
This is the Best Time of Year to Buy Almost Anything
9 Things Every Walmart Shopper Needs to Know
It’s no joke… I love to shop. I save and skimp on purchases that I’d consider trendy, disposable or impulsive. However, when it comes to investment items (like electronics and furniture), I generally do my research to ensure that the purchase is worthy of a splurge. How long until this thing breaks? How much will a repair cost? These are the types of questions I ask myself before splurging on something new.
For big ticket purchases likely to damage, there’s the cushion of a manufacturer’s warranty as well as a retailer’s extended warranty plan to consider. While a manufacturer’s warranty generally covers product malfunctions for up to 90 days, a retailer’s extended warranty plan covers a wider variety of damages for a longer period of time.
Nowadays, almost every retailer is hawking an extended warranty plan in order to increase sales. Some retailers hassle you at the checkout with extended warranty offers (making you question the product’s integrity), while other brands subtly mention that an extended warranty is available. So when is it worth investing in a retailer’s extended warranty plan? We’ve rounded up the top 5 retailers with the best extended warranty plans in Canada.
When buying a smartphone… Best Buy
It’s no surprise that the Best Buy Geek Squad is one of the most notable customer service names among electronics retailers. Known for efficient 24/7 service, Best Buy’s Geek Squad Protection Plan is worth the splurge. The Geek Squad offers customers a wide variety of extended warranty plan and membership options based on different service level needs (from online to in-home support).
When buying a computer… Apple
Apple users appreciate innovative products that last. While Apple’s one-year limited warranty is generous, you can’t go wrong with investing in AppleCare Protection Plan or AppleCare+ to protect your investment in case of future hardware damages or software malfunctions. The best part? There’s no pressure to purchase AppleCare on the spot – you have within the one-year warranty window to purchase the extended coverage if you decide to do so.
When buying a TV… Costco
Costco rarely disappoints when it comes to savings – their extended warranty plan is no exception. Costco’s Excellence Plus Program protects your television purchase for three years! The warranty is foolproof and is priced according to the TV’s purchase price. The best part? The three years of additional coverage kick in after the TV’s one-year manufacturer’s warranty and the 2nd year of coverage provided through Costco’s Concierge Program (that equals five years of coverage on your TV purchase).
When buying a camera… Henry’s
Henry’s is known as ‘Canada’s Greatest Camera Store’ for a reason. They stand behind their products and provide customers with variety and value – this sentiment is backed by an extended warranty plan that increases the lifespan of your camera by three years. Henry’s claims that their Extended Life Program pays for itself after only one repair! This plan is something you’ll want to consider investing in, especially if your camera is for professional use or avid personal use.
When buying tools or appliances… Home Depot
Calling all DIYers! If you’re an avid Home Depot shopper, you know the value in investing in Home Depot’s Extended Service Plan for items like power tools and major appliances. Home Depot offers a ‘no lemon’ guarantee – meaning that if the same product component requires three service repairs, Home Depot will replace the product entirely (i.e. if they can’t fix it, they’ll replace it).
Do you agree with our list of the top five retailers with the best extended warranty plans? Who would you add?
Posts you Might be Interested in:
Retailers with the Worst Customer Service
Retailers with the Best and Worst Return Policies
Why Japanese Retailers are Making Such a Splash in Toronto
10 Things Every Apple Shopper Needs to Know
Take a Peek Inside Costco’s First Business Centre