Shopping Tips: What to buy where

By Delaney Rombough

Posted on March 29, 2021

Stores in Canada may be different than the ones in your home country. There are stores that sell specific products, and there are stores that sell multiple types of products. You can shop at most of these stores either in-person or online.

Walmart (grocery and general merchandise)

Walmart is a low-cost, one-stop shop for all your basic needs. Walmart carries a wide variety of products including groceries, video games and DVDs, electronics, clothing, outdoor adventure and sports equipment, makeup and pharmacy products, office and arts and crafts supplies, and books. You can buy all of this at the lowest prices, and it’s very convenient.

Costco (grocery and general merchandise)

Costco is one of the biggest retailers in the world. Costco helps facilitate buying in bulk—you can purchase a large volume of items for lower prices. Here, you can purchase products such as housewares, groceries, electronics, pharmacy and optical, small kitchen appliances, and more. Costco also has its own gas stations at some locations. It should be noted that you need an annual membership to shop at Costco, which starts at $60 per year.

Old Navy (clothing)

Old Navy is a clothing store. It has clothes for the entire family from baby sizes to 4X plus-sizes for men, women, and kids. Their clothes are relatively low-cost, and there’s almost always a sale in-store or online, so you can find some great deals. Old Navy’s parent company is Gap Inc., which also owns the Gap and Banana Republic brands. Gap and Banana Republic stores are a bit more high-end and expensive.

Winners (clothing)

Winners is a discount retail store that carries clothing and general merchandise. Here, you can find brand name clothing, shoes, bedding, and other high-quality products sold at discounted prices. You can find things for men, women, and kids. Winners doesn’t regularly keep the same items in stock; the items change over time. Once an item is gone, it might be gone for good. However, it’s a fun shopping experience because you never know what you’ll find. Winners currently does not have an online store.

Hudson’s Bay (department store)

Hudson’s Bay or The Bay is a Canadian department store chain that first opened in Winnipeg, Man. in 1881. This department store carries a wide variety of generic and name-brand products such as clothing, footwear, bedding and housewares, jewelry, and beauty products. In other words, you can do a lot of your shopping in just one store. Fun fact: The Bay designed the uniforms for the Canadian Olympic team in the past.

Canadian Tire (general merchandise)

Canadian Tire is a Canadian retail company that sells a variety of different products. It primarily sells hardware, sports equipment, and housewares. The store also has an automotive department where you can purchase accessories and parts for your car. Some locations also offer auto repair and maintenance services, such as oil changes, tire changes, tune ups, and brake repairs.

Sport Chek (sporting goods)

Sport Chek is your one-stop-shop for all your sporting goods for men, women, and children. Here, you can buy anything from running shoes and workout wear to hockey sticks and basketballs. This store carries brands such as Nike, Adidas, and Under Armour; prices may vary depending on what you are looking for.

Bed Bath & Beyond (home goods)

Bed Bath & Beyond has everything you could possibly need for your home. It has things like bedding, towels, cutlery, kitchen appliances (like coffee makers and kettles), pots, pans, and storage. Bed Bath & Beyond also has a wedding registry service. A wedding registry is a service that allows engaged couples to create a list of items they’d like to get from the store to help guests with their gift selection. The store sells a variety of brands at a variety of price points. If you are on their mailing list, you can almost always get a 20 per cent off coupon.

IKEA (furniture)

IKEA is an affordable, low-price furniture store. It carries everything from beds and mattresses to sofas to office desks and chairs. You can also find smaller home products, including cutlery, curtains, rugs, and pillows. It’s a great way to furnish your home at a low cost. However, you need to transport and assemble your items yourself or pay extra for delivery and assembly services. If you’re looking for nicer, better quality furniture, you can check out stores like Leon’s or The Brick.

Indigo (books)

Indigo is Canada’s largest bookstore chain and has operations across the country. It carries all your favourite genres of books—fiction, non-fiction, kids’ books, cookbooks, travel guides, magazines, and more. Indigo also sells related products like blankets, wall art, mugs, stationery, bags and totes, and e-readers. Most cities also have local independent bookstores.

Lowe’s (home improvement and construction)

Lowe’s is a home improvement and building materials store. You can get everything you need for your next home construction project including tools, lighting, plumbing, lumber, nails and screws, drywall, and paint. It also has a large garden centre that is open in the spring, summer, and fall. RONA and Home Depot also sell home improvement materials.

Staples (office supplies)

Staples is where you can find all your office and school supplies. It has the basics like pens, pencils, paper, staplers, and sticky notes, but it also has electronics including computers, printers, and headphones. The store also sells some office furniture like desks and office chairs. If it can be found in an office, it can be found at Staples.

PetSmart (pet store)

Your pets are part of the family, too. At PetSmart, you can get anything you need for your pets, no matter what pet you have. It sells food, toys, accessories, and grooming supplies.

These are just some of the many stores in Canada where you can shop to get what you need. Shopping malls and outdoor plazas have dozens of stores, so you’ll always be able to find something that you like and that is within your budget.