YouLookFab Forum » Topic: Online shopping successes for Canadians?

YouLookFab Forum » Topic: Online shopping successes for Canadians? https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/online-shopping-successes-for-canadian Style Advice for Fashion Lovers en-US Wed, 22 Apr 2026 22:03:23 +0000 http://bbpress.org/?v=1.0.2 <![CDATA[Search]]> q https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/search.php Marilyn on "Online shopping successes for Canadians?" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/online-shopping-successes-for-canadian#post-1913585 Sat, 28 Apr 2018 02:26:22 +0000 Marilyn 1913585@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ Lisa....I mentioned Saks when you were looking for a new McQueen scarf.  And yes....if Saks can do it I see no reason the others can't be more competitive.  Especially Nordstrom.   You mentioned in another thread that someone is making a lot of money off of us.  Anonymous on "Online shopping successes for Canadians?" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/online-shopping-successes-for-canadian#post-1913570 Sat, 28 Apr 2018 01:02:30 +0000 Anonymous 1913570@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ You piqued my curiosity . A quick check of the Saks website - Cdn tab - offers free shipping and duties to Canada.  How did we not notice this is right!! They are stepping up and being competitive , which is other retailers are not doing . Love it! Marilyn on "Online shopping successes for Canadians?" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/online-shopping-successes-for-canadian#post-1913567 Sat, 28 Apr 2018 00:48:04 +0000 Marilyn 1913567@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ kkards......Hudson's Bay is actually American owned now.....even though we still think of it as Canadian. kkards on "Online shopping successes for Canadians?" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/online-shopping-successes-for-canadian#post-1913533 Fri, 27 Apr 2018 23:48:29 +0000 kkards 1913533@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ Maryilyn--i wonder if the reason that Saks is a different than Nordstorms is because Saks is actually a Canada company (it owns by Hudson Bay).... Anonymous on "Online shopping successes for Canadians?" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/online-shopping-successes-for-canadian#post-1913532 Fri, 27 Apr 2018 23:33:42 +0000 Anonymous 1913532@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ Wow, cheers to Saks! I will have to check it out. Marilyn on "Online shopping successes for Canadians?" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/online-shopping-successes-for-canadian#post-1913526 Fri, 27 Apr 2018 23:18:05 +0000 Marilyn 1913526@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ LOL, Suz.  The place is gold if they have something you're looking for.  I'm guessing the free shipping and duty has to do with the fact that Hudson's Bay owns them. When I look at a place like Saks I'm baffled as to why Nordstrom can't do the same with pricing.  This US dollars converted to CDN plus duty is nonsense.  With stores in Canada they should be able to offer us our in store pricing. Suz on "Online shopping successes for Canadians?" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/online-shopping-successes-for-canadian#post-1913523 Fri, 27 Apr 2018 23:02:04 +0000 Suz 1913523@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ Wow! How on earth do they manage that at Sak's? And why aren't we all ordering there all the time? I need to check it out!  Marilyn on "Online shopping successes for Canadians?" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/online-shopping-successes-for-canadian#post-1913521 Fri, 27 Apr 2018 22:58:02 +0000 Marilyn 1913521@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ Another great thing about Saksfifthavenue is the prices are the same as what we pay in Canada.  So, if you order a bra it's the same price you'd pay here...and no duty or shipping charges.  I actually ordered a single pair of undies that I couldn't get here for the same price I'd pay if I walked into The Bay. Style Fan on "Online shopping successes for Canadians?" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/online-shopping-successes-for-canadian#post-1913516 Fri, 27 Apr 2018 22:18:00 +0000 Style Fan 1913516@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ This is very helpful.  Thanks for asking Carla! Gaylene on "Online shopping successes for Canadians?" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/online-shopping-successes-for-canadian#post-1913432 Fri, 27 Apr 2018 18:19:58 +0000 Gaylene 1913432@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ I used to do quite a bit of online shopping when lived 2.5 hours away from Calgary in a town ruled by Winners, Superstore, Mark’s, and Cleo’s. Suz’s assessment to be successful is spot on—do your research, watch your timing, and throughly check the price YOU will be paying before hitting the BUY button—but I’ll add another caution: be realistic about your propensity to return things which are not quite right. Ultimately, this was my downfall and the main reason why I stepped back from embracing the online experience as a major wardrobe player. Yes, I was in Calgary on a fairly regular basis so theoretically could return to a B&M store, but the reality was a return usually required my battling my way across the city in heavy traffic, finding a parking place in a busy mall, walking to the store, and then spending time in line to actually hand over the package. The alternative, to return by shipper, meant locating and filling out forms, packaging in a way too big “original” box, paying additional shipping costs, tracking the package to make sure I had proof said package had been received and accepted, and then waiting, sometimes for a month or so, to see how much of a refund, in $CAN, would be credited to my account. Again, not so easy, especially when I knew the whole experience was going to cost me $30-$40 dollars with nothing to show for it at the end of the exercise I became much less enthused about this whole cross-border, online shopping experience when I realized how often I was reverting to “well, it’s not THAT bad” just to avoid the hassle and cost of returns, and then subsequently chucking almost-new items into the donate bag within a year. Angie’s picks helped somewhat, but I was still settling far too often for items, I’d have left in the dressing room if I had been in a B&M store. I do shop online these days, but much more cautiously. Like Suz, I generally go for items which are similar to ones I’ve tried on in B&M stores from retailers like BR, Gap, J. Crew, and Club Monaco, or are from Canadian online sources like Simon’s or the Bay where all transactions are in Canadian dollars and shipping/returning costs are reasonable. Occasionally, I’ll buy online from an independent Canadian retailer, or shop, where I can talk to a live person to get more information. More than once, after making this personal connection, I am offered a full refund if I want to return the item even if the official policy is just a store credit. Being on the receiving end of this kind of customer experience makes me interested in buying again from those sites. My most recent online purchase was unique top from small design company in Montreal, Noujica, <a href="https://noujica.com/pages/about-us" rel="nofollow">https://noujica.com/pages/about-us</a>. The whole process was easy and I adore my new top. <a href="https://noujica.com/collections/fall-winter-2017/products/the-fringe-knit-1?variant=43892018252" rel="nofollow">https://noujica.com/collection.....3892018252</a> And I just might buy another for the summer...<a href="https://noujica.com/collections/spring-summer-2018/products/the-oblique-top?variant=12189488480335" rel="nofollow">https://noujica.com/collection.....9488480335</a> These days, it’s safe to say that the ease of MY being able to make a return without paying too big a penalty in terms of MY time or money is playing a much bigger role in my willingness to buy online. So far, many of the US retailers, like Nordstorm’s, just haven’t figured it out well enough to entice me. Suz on "Online shopping successes for Canadians?" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/online-shopping-successes-for-canadian#post-1913431 Fri, 27 Apr 2018 18:09:54 +0000 Suz 1913431@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ I didn't know about that, LIsa. Interesting.  I think I'll probably eventually order Citizens jeans from them and use the credit, since I know I love the brand. I didn't buy the super-expensive Drees, but might spring for them eventually anyway.  Anonymous on "Online shopping successes for Canadians?" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/online-shopping-successes-for-canadian#post-1913425 Fri, 27 Apr 2018 17:35:42 +0000 Anonymous 1913425@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ Suz - have you tried selling your gift card?  There are websites that do that for you - of course you have to take a bit of a hit, but it's better than not being able to use your money.   Anchie- the Canadian market is unique in that we are geographically huge, but the population is a 10th of that of the American market.  Costs of transportation are high, due to the economies of scale.  It's just the way it is.  There are enough great things about Canada that make this just a small nuisance in the bigger picture of things   anchie on "Online shopping successes for Canadians?" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/online-shopping-successes-for-canadian#post-1913408 Fri, 27 Apr 2018 16:52:12 +0000 anchie 1913408@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ I am not Canadian but it is interesting to follow anyway. I shop almost exclusively online, and I had to return tons also but I have NEVER had to pay to return something. I am very careful from whom I order, if they don’t have free shipping and returns, I don’t do business with them. Companies like Boden and Yoox have free shipping and return promotions so often that it is hard to miss them. Suz on "Online shopping successes for Canadians?" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/online-shopping-successes-for-canadian#post-1913406 Fri, 27 Apr 2018 16:51:29 +0000 Suz 1913406@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ Marilyn, this is great -- you have some terrific updates/ info. I didn't know that about J. Crew. And now I have the explanation for why DH's returns to Sak's etc. seem complicated...DHL is tricky to deal with in my city.  That brings up another point. I think delivery times etc. may differ depending on one's location. Zara's quick for me because it comes from Montreal. For some reason, my Aritzia experiences are less quick than Marilyn's and I suspect it has to do with my location. Orders almost always take 10 days to arrive and also to be processed as returned. That's how I got caught out last year and now have a credit I can't use since almost nothing there works for me.  Marilyn on "Online shopping successes for Canadians?" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/online-shopping-successes-for-canadian#post-1913397 Fri, 27 Apr 2018 16:11:09 +0000 Marilyn 1913397@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ Suz's list is very comprehensive so I'll just add some tidbits.... J Crew......just found out with my latest order that they have dumped Borderfree.  They are now partnered with UPS-iparcel.  My order shipped out super fast......Borderfree tended to be slow.  Still in transit so will see how it goes.... Saksfifthavenue......I've ordered from them.  Shipping and duty is free on all orders regardless of price.  Through Borderfree.  Returns can be made in store if you have access.  Otherwise you'll have to pay to mail back with DHL.  Tip:  You have to check out as a guest. Bloomingdales.....I ordered a  dress that I had already tried on in another colour so I knew I wouldn't have to return.  Through Borderfree.  No issues. WHBM.....I haven't ordered from them but shipping is a flat $9.95 over $75 and duty is free.  Simons......very good service.  Shipping is $4.99 under $100, free over $100.  Comes with a free return label via Canada Post. Kit and Ace.....Free shipping and returns so it's painless. They use Fedex. Nordstrom.....shipping price isn't too bad if you spend enough.  There's no duty IF you buy something made in the US like designer denim.  Otherwise they take a bite out you.  Returns are free, quick and painless if you have access to a store.  I have a store but still order online occasionally as Canadian stock isn't always that good.  I use Facebook Messenger to communicate with my Ottawa store if I'm looking for something in Canada.  They are quick to respond. Aritizia....ordering from them is painless and you get a free return label. Club Monaco....further to what Suz posted.....orders come with a pre-paid UPS return label but they they take $5 off your return credit.  Paypal orders can not be returned in store. Sephora......Free shipping over $50.  Free shipping on any amount if you are VIB Rouge.  Very fast to ship. lindalu on "Online shopping successes for Canadians?" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/online-shopping-successes-for-canadian#post-1913378 Fri, 27 Apr 2018 15:05:09 +0000 lindalu 1913378@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ Joe Fresh and Reitman's are two other options.  I have had good luck with both websites. Anonymous on "Online shopping successes for Canadians?" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/online-shopping-successes-for-canadian#post-1913376 Fri, 27 Apr 2018 14:58:36 +0000 Anonymous 1913376@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ I have minimal experience, but here is mine: Zara - as Suz says. Wouldn't go into an actual store if my life depended on it. Delivery is quick and packaged beautifully. I've only returned once (probably ordered a dozen times over the years) and it was free. Free, but VERY slow to credit. The Bay - clunky website, but reasonably easy to order from.  Delivery is not very fast - can take a week. Returns in store, obviously. Aritizia - ordering was quick, easy.  I've only done returns in-store. Everlane - I've ordered twice and didn't have to return. Shipping was $$. I'd love to try Simon's but have never even seen a store, so until I get a feel for their brand..... COS - placed on order last summer, shipping was free, believe it or not (from Europe) and I did have to return it. I figured I'd be lucky if it ever reached their warehouse and I saw my return, but I did - 4 DAYS LATER!   Suz on "Online shopping successes for Canadians?" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/online-shopping-successes-for-canadian#post-1913357 Fri, 27 Apr 2018 14:21:01 +0000 Suz 1913357@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ Oh, thanks, LaPed: That's great! I had forgotten where I saw that! It's a super list.  I also forgot Everlane. I had a good experience with them, but I did not need to return anything. I am leery of ordering anything about which I'm unsure of fit so I was careful with which items I chose (no pants) and everything worked out fine.  LaPed on "Online shopping successes for Canadians?" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/online-shopping-successes-for-canadian#post-1913344 Fri, 27 Apr 2018 13:50:15 +0000 LaPed 1913344@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ I can't really beat Suz's wisdom, but I'll throw in this really comprehensive list of Canadian indie brands put together by Lee of Stylebee: <a rel="nofollow" href="http://www.stylebee.ca/2016/09/30/canadian-responsible-shopping-guide/">http://www.stylebee.ca/2016/09.....ing-guide/</a> Carla on "Online shopping successes for Canadians?" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/online-shopping-successes-for-canadian#post-1913342 Fri, 27 Apr 2018 13:46:42 +0000 Carla 1913342@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ Wow, Suz! Thanks for the thorough summary. So very helpful. I will definitely be doing some try-ons when in TO next week - and make notes about fits and such. Gap and those shorts Angie recommends are on my list. Angie on "Online shopping successes for Canadians?" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/online-shopping-successes-for-canadian#post-1913334 Fri, 27 Apr 2018 13:38:22 +0000 Angie 1913334@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ Suz, YOU ROCK BIG TIME.  Suz on "Online shopping successes for Canadians?" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/online-shopping-successes-for-canadian#post-1913327 Fri, 27 Apr 2018 13:27:14 +0000 Suz 1913327@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ I'm a champion online shopper and have many methods. It took me quite a while to learn how to do it. But the main secret is simple: Listen to Angie. Her top picks often include items from stores that we can access. And her detailed descriptions can save you from ordering things that simply won't work on your frame.  The first step is make some big-city forays in order to isolate a few brands that are likely to offer a decent fit. My actual size is not always on the floor in stores, or not in a colour that interests me, but I try on anyway -- even if I can't find my size, I can guess what my size in that brand will be, and can see which cuts are promising and which are less likely to work.  When considering online purchases, I also pay attention to whether or not there are free returns, and to how long the return window is. I prefer to order from places that offer free returns unless I very much want the item and this is my only option, or I am already sure it will fit (because it's a repeat style or duplication) or I know I will be going to the city within the return window so I can take it back to the store then.  Here are my experiences and recommendations for what they are worth.  Nordstrom. Now that we have stores in Canada, it's not necessary to order online and use Borderfree, or to cross the border and shop in store. I mainly shop there during the NAS. I got a card and I check the pre-sale for items that interest me. Once I've selected my key "wants" I will phone one of the stores and ask if the item will be part of the Canadian sale. If it is, and if it's available anywhere in Canada in your size, they will mail it to you free of charge, at the Canadian sale price, which admittedly is not as reasonable as the US sale price, but is still a bargain. You collect points in Canada which are separate from your US points (if you are also buying in the US).  I do continue to order online from the US site and sometimes have the items shipped to a US address, or sometimes a kind American friend helps out by shipping from their home.  Most of my fall shopping is now done well in advance, thanks to NAS. Returns are the same as in the US, so you don't need to rush back to the store if you're not able to do so. And Angie's recommendations are so spot-on that I rarely make a mistake any more with my NAS orders.  You can also order from The Rack. I did this not long ago and it worked out extremely well. It went through Borderfree, I guess, but the cost was minimal for some reason.  The Bay: The website is antiquated and awful to use. I have not been shopping there for the last year and a bit, but I do visit the site from time to time and it hasn't changed. However, the selection can be fair to good--far better than in-store even in the city -- and deliveries are free over a small amount. Returns can be made for free in store. I am not sure about mailing costs -- I'm always able to get to a store in time. I used to get most of my footwear there and other things also. They carry Lord & Taylor.  Gap/ BR: This is an easy place to order from. Free delivery (over $50) and free returns. Deliveries can be very fast or very slow, depending -- they seem to be using UPS right now so it is fast. When Angie recommends an item from here that is in line with my needs, I always check it out.  J. Crew: Delivery costs $12 but they often have free delivery days. It does cost to make returns but you can also return in-store, so I try to time my orders for when I'll be going to the city. Duty is already included in your total. Items take a bit longer to arrive than from BR.  Zara: I strongly dislike in-store shopping at Zara, but online shopping there is excellent. Free delivery and returns (you can also return in store). Delivery is extremely quick to my address, and they package items nicely. I return far more than I keep, but that's okay. I still get the odd item. Massimo Dutti is similar -- I haven't actually ordered from them -- only bought in person. But it's the same company.  Club Monaco: Free delivery over a certain (easy to meet) amount. I usually return in store so I can't remember if they make you pay to return -- probably.  Aritzia: Annoyingly short return window. Or rather, their return window is 30 days for refund but their initial delivery (to my address) is so slow that there are usually only 15 days for me to get it back, which often isn't enough for me. I find the fit of their items off anyway. But I'm sitting on a huge credit for an ill advised order last spring that I was not able to return within the refund window. Sigh.... Shopbop: I've actually never ordered from here and I am not sure why! Free delivery and returns and lots of selection -- but pricey items. I need to check it out more frequently.  Simon's: Again, I haven't ordered, mainly because I don't know how I fit their clothing. I need to do an in-store try on when in Montreal some time. Gaylene is the Simon's expert here.  Bloomingdale's, Nieman Marcus, and Sak's: I haven't ordered from here but Mr. Suz has. the returns seem complicated but perhaps that's just because he left the stuff to sit for so long!! I guess it goes through Borderfree so there will be costs associated with that.  Mark's: Yes, you can order from there! I don't shop there but bought a ton of stuff for my daughter. I was able to return in store.  Altitude Sports: This is a fantastic place to do business with for puffers, fitness wear, other coats. Fast delivery, superb customer service on the phone. Free returns if you are a member.  MEC: Slower delivery than Altitude but useful if you're a member.  Land's End: I used to order my mother's stuff here. It was pretty straightforward and I would just send back whatever didn't work. I think I paid for returns, but sometimes had a free return label. LL Bean and Eddie Bauer also deliver but it's more expensive.  Footwear: I won't list all the stores, but there are many now that deliver for free. If you look up the brand or shoe that interests you, you'll find options. Prices are of course higher than in the US.  Independents/ Small or Speciality Canadian companies: Don't rule these out. They often deliver. And you get something unique and special. There are some amazing companies making bags, belts, coats,  and clothing. For example, the Toronto design team Comrags has an online store. Most of our well-known brands have an online presence -- from Roots to Mackage. If there's a brand that interests you, look them up! They very likely can send it to you.  I tend not to order from Loft or AT because the prices are so high when adjusted and returns would be expensive too. Ditto for WHBM (I'm not even sure you can order from them, actually) and Anthropologie. But part of my reluctance is also because I'm not sure how the latter two brands fit me -- I need to do more in-person sleuthing.  Style Fan on "Online shopping successes for Canadians?" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/online-shopping-successes-for-canadian#post-1913290 Fri, 27 Apr 2018 11:08:25 +0000 Style Fan 1913290@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ I am interested in this too.  I live 2 hours from T.O. and rarely get to the Big City. Irina on "Online shopping successes for Canadians?" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/online-shopping-successes-for-canadian#post-1913229 Fri, 27 Apr 2018 03:41:19 +0000 Irina 1913229@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ Well, I shop the Bay online. I live 15 minutes away from Queen and Yong store but still find better deals online. Fast delivery ans easy returns. krishnidoux on "Online shopping successes for Canadians?" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/online-shopping-successes-for-canadian#post-1913228 Fri, 27 Apr 2018 03:36:12 +0000 krishnidoux 1913228@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ Very interested in this. Faith on "Online shopping successes for Canadians?" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/online-shopping-successes-for-canadian#post-1913225 Fri, 27 Apr 2018 03:27:22 +0000 Faith 1913225@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ I’ve been very hit and miss with online shopping on the whole. Nordstrom’s is great but the duty/exchange is so terrible that I tend to stay away. I’ve had great luck with Aldo for shoes, my small town friends are big on Aritzia, kit and ace, beyond the rack and The September, I don’t have any experience with those other than aritzia and kit and ace but I’ve heard solid reviews about those sites in particular. Oh and Simons but I expect if you’re Toronto or Montreal that’s a brick and mortar for you. I’ll be interested to hear others chime in, I would really prefer to support Canadian retailers if I could! Carla on "Online shopping successes for Canadians?" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/online-shopping-successes-for-canadian#post-1913177 Thu, 26 Apr 2018 23:31:46 +0000 Carla 1913177@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ Now that I'm hunkered down in a small community and trips to The Big City will be - maybe once every 2 months - I'm going to have to tread into the precarious world of online shopping. (Unless I want to get all my clothes at Walmart, Winners, or Marks Work Wear House 10 km down the road in the next little community!). So far I've had 2 online shopping experiences. 1. The Adrianna Pappell ball skirt ordered from the AP site (US) and delivered via Borderfree - which almost doubled the price (but was still worth it!) and 2. The Harvey Seatbelt Bag provided through UNLugage of Winnepeg, Manitoba which had very little mark-up compared to the price on the original US Harvey site and had free delivery. <a href="http://www.unluggage.com" rel="nofollow">http://www.unluggage.com</a> Would any Canadians who read this thread and have online ordering experiences please post recommendations? I would rather visit (Canadian) sites with good options, then break my heart or bank account over unattainable fashion. I'll 'do' those stores when I'm visiting Toronto, Ottawa, or some other big city. Thanks for pitching in - if you can.