🇨🇦 Calgary Shopping Spree Guide 🛍️
Canada has three treasure brands: Canada Goose, Arc'teryx, and Lululemon! 🎉 What makes Calgary even more special is that Alberta charges only 5% federal tax (no provincial sales tax!), which is 7% less than in Vancouver (BC Province)! 😍 Coupled with the favorable exchange rate, shopping here feels even more worthwhile than in the US! Brand Highlights: #Arc'teryx: Almost all items are in stock except for the popular Healid 15 and Gamma softshell. It’s one of the best-stocked stores! 🏔️ #Lululemon: Not a huge price advantage (men’s T-shirts/shorts are around CA$79 + tax ≈ under ¥450), but the styles might be newer! 🧘♂️ #RalphLauren: Great place to shop! I bought jackets for my dad and myself, plus plenty of underwear and socks—annual refresh! 🧥🧦 #AloYoga: I finally get the hype—so smooth and comfortable! 😮 Unfortunately, men’s wear is pricey, or I’d go crazy. Perfect for casual wear, and hard to find in China! #Zara: The collections here are stylish and feel different. I ended up buying a lot again! 👚👜 #Patagonia: The store in Banff is bigger—shop there! 🏞️ #CanadaGoose: Didn’t check the inventory, but the store in Banff is huge—another reason to shop in Banff! 🦢 In short, I shopped until I couldn’t carry more and maxed out my cards! 💳😆 Here’s a summary of Calgary’s four main shopping areas: 🛍️ 1. CrossIron Mills Location: Near the airport (15-minute drive) Features: Arc’teryx and Lululemon are full-price but well-stocked. Arguably the best place for Arc’teryx! 🏆 Other brands have factory stores with discounts. Perfect for right after you land or before you fly back. 🧳 🛍️ 2. CF Chinook Centre Location: South Calgary Features: A huge shopping and entertainment complex. Houses the largest Lululemon and Alo stores. Also has LV, Apple, and more. 📱🛒 (Arc’teryx here is just okay.) 🛍️ 3. CF Market Mall Location: West Calgary (on the way to Banff) Features: Great for a quick stop if you’re short on time but headed to Banff. 🚗 Has Arc’teryx, Lululemon, Alo, Apple. Popular among university students—young and lively! 🎓 🛍️ 4. CORE Shopping Centre Location: Downtown Features: Hermès is here, but the mall feels a bit outdated. Focuses on high-fashion brands like Issey Miyake, Acne Studios, Maison Margiela. 🧥👠 ⏰ Mall Hours: Most malls are open from 10 AM - 9 PM. Stores in Banff may close earlier (e.g., 10 AM - 8 PM, Sundays 11/12 PM - 6/7 PM). Plan wisely and happy shopping! 🛍️💥 #CalgaryShopping #ShopInCanada #TaxFreeShopping #ShopTillYouDrop 🇨🇦✨