Another store going out of business.  Effective immediately, Costa Blanca stores are liquidating their stock and everything is on sale.  Save 30-60% off the lowest ticketed price on everything in the store.

Store closing dates will be dependent on stock and lease dates so will vary but shop soon to get the best selection (although the best prices will likely come later).  They are accepting credit card payments but there are no exchanges and no returns so try on items before buying.  If you have been holding on to a Costa Blanca gift card, use it up soon!

Costa Blanca have taken down their store locator so check with your local mall to see if they are there.  If anyone checks out these sales, do let us know what the prices and selection are like so others can decide if it is worth the visit.

JACOB have made the tough decision to declare bankruptcy after years of operating under creditor protection.  In the coming weeks they will be liquidating their inventory in all 92 stores across Canada and online.

Shop online now and save more when you buy more

• 30% off one already reduced item
• 40% off two already reduced items
• 50% off three or more already reduced items

They have already updated the items to reflect the additional 30% discount but expect more items to drop in price in the coming days as the bankruptcy was just announced.

Visit a store on Thursday 8 May between 5 p.m. and 9 p.m. and save 40% on your purchase plus receive a goodie bag.  This offer will only be valid at 12 select JACOB stores.  Click here for more information (facebook link).

Click here to shop online or here to see the news story about the bankruptcy

If you fly Porter, your trip is about to get more expensive as they start charging for the first checked bag for flights within Canada.  While these fees have become common in the US and on Canadian flights into the US, Porter is the first to introduce these fees on domestic flights – and it looks like WestJet will follow.

The first piece of luggage will cost $25, the second $35-40 and subsequent checked bags will be $100+.  There are added fees if your checked baggage is overweight, this is the fee for checking the baggage only.  These fees apply to flights leaving May 14th or later if you booked after April 21st.  Previously, Canadians paid $20-23 for the second checked bag so this is a huge increase to the cost of your trip.

Click here to see the new fees.  Will this impact your choice to fly with Porter?

We were all so happy to see President’s Choice cookies in Shoppers Drug Mart recently but soon you could see produce and freshly prepared foods too.

The pilot project, which will be rolled out later this year at Shoppers locations in Toronto, could see fruits and “quick breakfast, lunch or dinner” options next to dry food items already available at the drugstore chain.

There are already a few locations in Toronto which have a limited selection of produce but it would be great to see the selection grow and to have more stores sell produce.  Optimum points on my groceries sounds like a great idea!  Don’t expect them to take this too far though, Galen Weston said they are working out how much food, and what types, to add to existing Shoppers shelves without “chipping away” at other departments in the pharmacy chain, so they will not become mini Loblaws stores anytime soon.

Even better, Loblaws is also considering using Shoppers stores in Toronto as pickup locations for the company’s soon-to-be launched “click and collect” pilot project, which will allow consumers to purchase groceries and perhaps, Joe Fresh clothing, online and pick them up later at the store.

The release also has a worrying statement that they hope to bring food and health together using PC Plus, I hope it is not a sign of a reduction in Optimum rewards.

Click here to view the forum discussion on this announcement

Just a reminder that May 1st is the switch over date to summer rates for most people who are subscribed to a time of use plan for electricity.

• Peak hours are now during the day when people are more likely to be using air conditioning, from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m.
• Mid-peak runs through the morning/evening rush when people are cooking and busier at home.  From 7-11 a.m. and 5-7 p.m.
• Off-peak is the cheapest time and remains the same, from 7 p.m. to 7 a.m.

Obviously off-peak is the best time to do laundry and use other electricity guzzling appliances but it will now be slightly cheaper if you are using them in the morning or after work too.  Peak rates in Ontario are about 80% higher than off-peak so you can save a significant amount by switching your use to off-peak times.

For those who have been looking forward to the opening of the Niagara Outlet Collection, they have finally confirmed an opening date and full list of stores.  The Outlet Collection will open on May 15th and is located at 300 Taylor Road, Niagara on the Lake.

They will have an impressive list of 102 stores and restaurants including several first-in-Canada outlet locations; the first Bass Pro Shops Outpost concept store, the first Pandora Outlet and the first White House Black Market Outlet as well as many of the usual stores.

Here is the full list of stores, it is a long one!

(more…)

Here is something to look forward to, Tim Hortons Canada and CIBC have announced that they will be partnering up to release a co-branded Visa Credit Card! This Loyalty Rewards Visa Credit Card will offer instant Tim Hortons loyalty rewards for the CIBC members in regards to their every day spending.

This CIBC and Tim Hortons Canada Visa Loyalty Rewards Credit Card is supposed to be launched this May 2014. People who have this Loyalty Rewards Card will be able to rack up Tim Hortons Cash rewards when they make any purchases on their Visa Loyalty Rewards Credit Card. To redeem your Tim’s Cash, simply use the same credit card at Tim Hortons to purchase your delicious coffee, donuts and more.

If you are a loyal CIBC client and a loyal Tim Hortons Customer, this is a perfect combination Visa Credit Card for you. Technically this means you will be able to purchase FREE Tim Hortons items by simply using your CIBC Credit Card to make any day to day purchases. Are there any cons about this? I think not!

The earning rate is 1% Tim Cash on any CIBC Visa Canada purchases made using your Loyalty Rewards Credit Card. You can instantly redeem your Tim Hortons Canada  Cash by using the same credit card.

Are you excited? Check out the news article at the Tim Horton’s Canada website here.

I’m super excited about this! Hudson’s Bay (HBC The Bay) Bay Day Sale is back! This is one of my personal favourite sales and proves year in year out to be a huge success deals wise. Luckily for everyone we have an exclusive early sneak peak of the Hudson’s Bay Company Canada Bay Days Sale and full flyer! You will absolutely adore their lowest prices of the season. This HBC Bay Days Sale will run from Friday, April 11th through to Thursday, April 17th, 2014 so don’t miss out.

• Click here for Hudson’s Bay Canada Bay Day Sale Online
• Click here for the Hudson’s Bay Canada Bay Days Sales Flyer in the SmartCanucks flyer section.

The Bay Days Sales and Deals from April 11th – April 17th 2014 include:

Women’s Clothing on sale:

• Save up to 40% off Dexx and Style Co Women’s Apparel
• Save up to 40% off Women’s Spring Collections (Bench, Buffalo David Bitton, Tommy Hilfiger, Calvin Klein and more)
• Love your Jeans for as low as $19.99 (Tommy Hilfiger $39.99, Material Girl $19.99, Buffalo David Bitton $59.99 and more)
• 50% off Women’s Coats and Jackets and Spring Cashmere
• Buy More Save More on Women’s Shoes and Sandals, Spring Sunglasses, Scarves, Hats, Belts and Umbrellas (Buy 1 Save 20%, Buy 2 Save 25%, Buy 3 save 30%)
• 40% Off Women’s Shoes and Sandals (Clarks, Naturalizer, Aerosoles, and more)
• Up to 50% Off Leather Handbags
• Up to 60% Off Women’s Jewellery
• Save up to 40% off Women’s Clearance fashion, footwear and accessories

Men’s Clothing on sale:

• Buy 1 Save 30%, Buy 2 Save 35%, Buy 3 or more Save 40% off Men’s Underwear (Joe Boxer, Tommy Hilfiger and more)
• Up to 50% Off Calvin Klein Men’s Underwear
• $19.99 Arrow Dress Shirts
• 50% Off Calvin Klein Suit Separates
• 40% Off Select Men’s Footwear (Florseim, Calvin Klein, Rockport, Clarks)

Kid’s Clothing on sale:

• Save up to 50% off outerwear for Kids and Babies
• Save up to 45% off Dresses and Dresswear for girls and boys
• $19.99 Levi Jeans for Kids

Household deals:

• Save up to 50% off on clearance bedding, sheets, duvet covers, shams, bedskrts, duvet blankets, pillows, mattress covers and pads, towels, bath accessories.
• Save up to 50% off Ready Set Sleep Sets and Collections
• Up to 70% off Zwilling J.A. Henckels Cookware (frying pans, pots, knives, and more)
• Save up to $100 off Coffee Brewing Machines (Starbucks, Keurig, Tassimo)
• Save up to 70% Off Mattress Sets (Simmons, Serta, Sealy and more) FREE Delivery too
• Up to $120 Off Rowenta New Vacuum Collection
• 40% Off Bosch Appliances (Fridge, Stove, Dishwashers, Washer and Dryer sets)
• 50% Off All Natuzzi Editions Leather Sofas and All Living Room, Dining and Bedroom furniture.

Cosmetics sales:

• FREE Look Good, Feel Better Tote bag with any cosmetics or fragrance purchase from April 11th through May 11th 2014.
• Receive a $10 Voucher when you spend $50 or more on cosmetics or fragrances from April 10th to May 4th, 2014
• FREE 8 Piece Custom Gift with any Lancome purchase of $35 or more (valued at $191) until May 4th, 2014.
• From April 10th to April 13th receive a free $20 Savings Card with any Lancome Purchase of $75 or more when you use your HBC MasterCard or CreditCard.

Other offers:

• Save up to 70% off Luggage (London Fog, Westjet, Samsonite, Swiss, Heys and more)

So if you’re super excited about the Bay Days sales and deals like I am, you will want to see the entire flyer and make a list of what you want to head there for! There are many sales going on during this fantastic promotion and you might forget what you first intended on purchasing.

• Click here for Hudson’s Bay Canada Bay Day Sale Online
• Click here for the Hudson’s Bay Canada Bay Days Sales Flyer in the SmartCanucks flyer section.

As of April 4th, you no longer need a Club Card to get the lowest prices at Safeway!  No more giving them access to your shopping habits for club pricing.  Great news for those who hate carrying around all those extra cards, you can get rid of one of them.

Why did Safeway discontinue the club card?  With Card Free Savings at all Safeway locations across Canada, everybody gets our lowest price, every day. We wanted to make it even easier to SAVE at Safeway. Now everybody gets our lowest price, every day.

Will I get the same “Club Card prices” without the Club Card? Yes, now it’s even easier to save at Safeway. Everybody gets our lowest price, every day.

Have your sale prices changed? With Card Free Savings, everybody gets our lowest price, everyday…and we’ve introduced 1,500 additional sale prices on items you buy most throughout the store.

You will still earn Air Miles and Fuel Rewards on your purchases and for a short time will require your card if using self checkout (so don’t cut it up quite yet).  Your card will till be valid in the US if you shop there too.  You will see a the savings on your receipt which will show the savings against their regular prices.

Forever 21, probably best known for their super-trendy fashions at exceedingly low prices, has finally brought their fashion-forward line of activewear to Canada. Now us Yogi’s and gym rats can look are best, even through sweat.

The line features:

• mesh crop tops, $11.80
• colour-blocked performance leggings, up to $25.80
• high-waisted cotton-Spandex shorts, $7.80
• reversible sports bras, all $16.80

The highest priced item is an outdoor running jacket priced at $39.80.

Maybe you can run on over to get these great deals? Or visit Forever 21 Canada’s online shop.

Just a reminder that the cost of mailing a letter increased today.

Here are the new prices in Canada:

• 0-30g $0.85 in booklets/rolls or $1 if bought as a single stamp (was $0.63)
• 30-50g $1.20 (was $1.10)
• 50-100g $1.80 (was $1.34)
• 100-200g $2.95 (was $2.20)
• 200-300g $4.10 (was $3.05)

When mailing to the USA

• 0-30g Stamp(s) $1.20
• 30-50g $1.80
• 50-100g $2.95

When mailing internationally

• 0-30g Stamps(s) $2.50
• 30-50g $3.60
• 50-100g $5.90

You can view a full list of prices here.

Does your child love Patty Sullivan’s childrens’ show? Then come to Patty Sullivan’s special live show today at the CBC Toronto. After the show there will be refreshments, and a meet-and-greet where you can meet Patty in person 🙂

WHEN: Wednesday, March 26th 2014 @ 10:00 AM

WHERE: CBC Toronto, 250 Front St. West, Toronto, ON M5V 3G5, Canada

WHO: You, your child, and Patty Sullivan & the CBC Team!

WHY: Because it’s Patty’s 20th Anniversary on television, and because it will be fun!

Click here for details on the Pattyversary TODAY 

It looks like Rexall are trying to clear out their old stamps ahead of the increase starting March 31st.  Get 10% off 10 pack books of postage stamps at Rexall starting on Friday.  There is a limit of 3 per customer but remember that they are not selling permanent postage (P) stamps at the moment so you will have to top up the postage starting when the price increase comes into effect.

A reminder of the new pricing starting on March 31:

• Permanent stamps in booklets, coils and panes $0.85 (valid up to 30g)
• Permanent stamp(s) sold as single stamps $1.00 (valid up to 30g)

All pricing for lettermail (click image to make bigger):

See here for full details on the price increase

The World’s Biggest Bookstore in Toronto Canada is closing shop on March 23, 2014. After 33 years of years of serving as the World’s Biggest Bookstore in Toronto, they are having a Farewell Sale in which you will save 50% off store wide.

The World’s Biggest Bookstore in Toronto will be turned into a restaurant, says Metro and CBC News. The doors will close March 23rd, 2014 for the last time, so don’t miss your opportunity to save 50% off store-wide at the Chapters Indigo World’s Biggest Bookstore in Toronto, Ontario.

It looks like this 50% off offer at the World’s Biggest Bookstore does exclude electronics, tablets, eBooks, gift cards, video games, used books, LEGO and not able to be combined with other coupons, offers or promotions.

Click here for more information about The World’s Biggest Bookstore (Chapters, Indigo) Canada’s Farewell Sale and Save 50% off store wide.

If you are looking for something to do with the family during March Break, here is the perfect opportunity!

Tim Hortons Canada is offering FREE Ice Skating for residents of Canada during the March Break 2014. You will receive FREE skating time at local arenas in the participating communities across Canada. You will be able to spend some quality time with your family during the march break at absolutely no cost. It is Tim Horton’s way of saying “Thank You”.

The skating schedules are as follows:

Quebec:

Gaspesie
Capacity restrictions apply.
Aréna J.-Robert Lévesque
March 3   1:00 pm – 3:00 pm
March 4   1:00 pm – 3:00 pm
March 5   9:30 am – 11:30 am
March 7   1:00 pm – 3:00 pm

Ontario: