Shoppers Seeking Bargains In Canada

Sun., Aug. 9, 1998

From Staff

Americans clutching Canadian “loonies” have invaded the shops of Vancouver, buying up armloads of merchandise to take advantage of favorable exchange rates.

“From the second we open the door to when we close, a huge portion of our customers are American,” said the manager of a Banana Republic clothing store on Robson Street. “They’re buying everything.”

Vancouver is seeing a new wave of U.S. tourists, up 11 percent over last year.

The free-falling Canadian dollar - a “loonie” fetched 66.20 U.S. cents on Friday - has spurred more Pacific Northwest residents to make the short trip northward.

Others visiting from farther away are tempted to buy more.

“I’m buying more expensive stuff. I bought a shirt that cost $54, and I didn’t think twice,” said Myrna Gittler of Plainview, N.Y., visiting on a bus tour. “I’m consciously spending more.”

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