Why I like to cross border shop

Let it be known far and wide that I am someone who enjoys going to the U.S. to shop. I'll go over for a single day, or as was the case this weekend, several days at a time to buy clothing, shoes, and we can't forget the all-important trip to the grocery store. I am a fan of Niagara Falls and Buffalo for many reasons - the prices and deals, the selection... but the one I want to focus on right now is the exceptional level of customer service. Yes, that's right shop staff of Canada: the men and women working in the retail shops of western New York are friendlier and more helpful than you are.

There are days when I don't need or want a salesperson who is glued to my side, but when I have a question that needs answering, I want to be able to find someone to ask in relatively short order. When trying on clothing it's ideal to have someone check in on you to see if you need additional sizes, etc. If I can't find what I am looking for it's really nice to have someone to offer to help me locate said item. These are all examples of the kind of service I got on my weekend shopping trip.

Here in Toronto, I can walk into a 10-thousand square foot store and fire a cannon down an aisle without hitting a salesperson. I went into a clothing store recently (that shall remain unnamed) and the woman behind the register looked up her from phone and said hello. She then immediately returned to her phone to do whatever it was she was doing. That was the only time we spoke and I was in the store for 10 minutes.

But I digress. As this blog is clearly about things I like, let's keep the focus on the positive!

Thank you, Tim Hortons drive-thru lady, for asking me if I wanted 2% or skim milk. I had no idea until now that I had a choice. Thank you, Lane Bryant salespeople, for being attentive without being overbearing. Thank you, young guy working at Journeys, for offering to call several stores - even stores in Canada - to help me find the right size of shoes. Thank you, desk staff at the Holiday Inn, for giving me a crapload of extra shampoos because I said I liked how they smelled. And thank you, woman behind the cash at PetCo, just for being so friendly and nice.