A recent comparison shopping trip by a Canadian newspaper found several deals to be had on this side of the border.
The St. Catharines (Ontario) Standard did a report on Canadian shoppers traveling here for shopping deals. The report found that cameras, sweater and other items could be had more cheaply here than there. Also chronicled were the adventures of several Canadian shoppers who frequent Niagara and Erie counties.
“It’s the thrill of the hunt,” said an anonymous Canadian shopper who enjoys the Fashion Outlets of Niagara Falls in the Town of Niagara — a locale that, the report said, “is so popular with Canadians it might as well take out dual citizenship.”
“You can probably find the same deals back home, but it’s great to get out and make an event out of a day of shopping,” the shopper said.
The outlet mall was cited as seeing brisk business of late, as the Canadian dollar has strengthened in relation to its Yankee counterpart. While trying to dispel the myth of better bargains in the States, the report conceded that, on at least some items, Canadian shoppers really could save money here.
“Good news for shoppers, perhaps, but with Canadian businesses and industry types worrying about the soaring loonie’s impact on the economy back home, you wonder how much of a deal we’re in for in the long run,” the report concluded.
•••
The last fiscal year was apparently a bad time to be in the casino business in Ontario.
The Calgary (Alberta) Herald reported that Ontario’s four government-owned casinos lost a combined $94 million in fiscal 2008-09. Dwight Duncan, Ontario’s finance minister, said the industry has been down worldwide, but that increased travel requirements to enter the United States also hurt attendance.
Two of the four casinos — Casino Niagara and Niagara Fallsview Casino — are a poker chip’s throw from the Rainbow Bridge.
•••
Having just retired from a top basketball officiating position, a Niagara Falls native has started making the rounds on the speaking circuit.
Henry Nichols just hung up his whistle after a 42-year career officiating college basketball; 22 of those years were spend as the NCAA’s national coordinator of men’s basketball officiating.
In an interview with the Salem (Ala.) Times-Journal, which talked to him in advance of a lecture there, the Bishop Duffy High School graduate said his role wasn’t as important as other people seemed to see it.
“It always seemed that people put more credence and emphasis on the officiating,” Nichols said. “None of that seemed that special. I refereed with the same love that I had for the game.”
Nichols coached at Bishop Duffy and DeSales High School in Lockport before embarking upon a refereeing career that saw him call 10 Final Four contests and six NCAA men’s title games. He was nominated in 2003 for enshrinement in the Basketball Hall of Fame but wasn’t elected.
Contact Paul Laneat 693-1000, ext. 116.
Features
Related Photos
WHAT THEY'RE SAYING: Savings to be had in States
- Features
-
-
PROFILE: Jonathan's Magdalene
An artist's rendering of the companion of Jesus comes forth, he says, from a higher power
-
FORGIONE: Fitness successes inspire lots of 'D' words
There are a lot of "D" words associated with working out at a gym and getting healthier. Determination is a big one. There's also gems such as dream, dedication, develop, duty and desire. And of course, ones that elicit fear like deadlifs and dumbells.
-
DELUCA: The Leadership Chronicles
Leadership Niagara 'newbie' has surprising change of heart
-
RIVERKEEPERS: Tending the waterways
Environmental group seeks the help of Niagara volunteers
-
SCIENCE MUSEUM: Special Valentine-themed event coincides with CSI exhibit.
BUFFALO — For the romantically inclined, Valentine’s Day might conjure images of red roses, heart-shaped boxes of candy and candle-lit dinners. For those at the Buffalo Museum of Science, however, they’re hoping some blood, guts and a little bit of disaster might set the mood for some couples.
OK, so maybe not that much blood and guts — it’s a family-friendly environment after all. -
NATURAL HEALTH: Is HPV worse than vaccine?
For many young girls, and now boys, the American Medical Association and other medical organizations are recommending vaccination with the Gardisil (or similar) vaccine.
Gardasil is a vaccine that supposedly helps prevent 4 types of HPV (human papillomavirus), 2 of which have been linked to cervical cancer and 2 types that are associated with genital warts.
What most people do not know is that there are more than 100 various strains of HPV. -
IRON CHEFS: Cooking competition will help fight ALS
Daniel Tracy's second annual Iron Event gathers top chefs from region
-
NIAGARA BUSINESS: Developing young minds
Two area dayscares have opened in the region, offering advantages for children
-
TIM CHIPP: Figuring out the changes on Facebook
The website that is almost solely responsible for a complete change in social behavior since its wide release in 2006 is about to completely redefine the Internet again for 2012.
-
DIRT FREE GARDENING: Owners of a new hydroponic store say it's not what you'd expect
Say the word “hydroponics” and images of incense, peace signs and tie-dye might come to mind, but for Justin and Claire Holler, the husband/wife owners of Big Bloom Hydroponics, it’s more about science, healthy eating and year-round gardening.
- More Features Headlines
-
Obama Scraps Birth Control Mandate
US Airmen's Killer Sentenced to Life in Germany
Raw Video: Deadly Blasts in Syria
Romney Slams President Obama at CPAC
Gingrich: Pres. Obama 'waging War on Religion'
Navy Names Ship for Gabrielle Giffords
5 Killed in Wrong-way Crash on I-10 in La.
Denver's Largest-Ever Drug Bust Nets Dozens
Marines: No Punishment for Nazi-like Flag
Vets Look to Translate Military Skills Into Jobs
Raw Video: School Bus Burst Into Flames
LA School Reopens Amid Sex Abuse Scandal
$25B Settlement Reached Over Foreclosure Abuses
Pentagon: Allow Women Closer to Front Lines
LA School in Sex Abuse Scandal Reopens
Raw Video: Italy's Mount Etna Bursts Into Life
Greeks March; Angry Despite Debt Deal
Air Force Airlines: Leaders Get Polished Service
Ga Girl Fights Off Kidnapper at Walmart
Skip the Coffee Cup and Inhale Your Caffeine Fix
