Here's something to consider for Canadians shopping from American websites: the difference in the value of the dollar, import duties levied on items made in certain countries, shipping fees, and sales taxes all increase the cost of an item significantly. We Canadians know this. Nothing new here folks, except the duties are a relatively new treat as a result of NAFTA agreements signed in the 90's.

Anyways, here's the real rub: a $68 US sweater lands on our doorstep as $100 sweater. There is a vast difference between a $68 sweater and a $100 sweater - at least in my mind there is. There are expectations for quality, colour and design etc that come with a higher price point. A $99 shoe lands here at $160 with all of those charges considered. Again, big difference in expectation.

Those same pieces , be they a shoe or a sweater, can be bought from local ( I mean in Canada) retailers at much less because of the efficiencies in importing by the 10's of 1000's, not one piece at a time. This is where buying from US retailers throw us off of our game- that value expectation is really false. Do I want to spend $100 on a sweater that LOOKS like a $68 sweater? No. The value is not there. Do I want to spend $160 on a $99 shoe? Nope. I can do better here - and not in terms of price or from a Canadian manufacturer, but in terms of a better shoe for that money.

This is a whole new ballgame for me - and I find it thoroughly fascinating. I live within 8 hours of a major American city (Minneapolis) and have spent lots of money over the years buying in the US while travelling . But ordering - and having it delivered? A very cost inefficient way to shop unless you are getting a unique piece or an incredible deal.