Smart Shopping in Canada
Introduction
Whether you're setting up your first home in Saskatoon or adapting to Canadian shopping habits, knowing how and where to shop will make your transition smoother—and help you save money.
In-Person Shopping in Saskatoon
Despite its modest size, Saskatoon offers a variety of shopping options for every need:
- Daily Groceries:
Real Canadian Superstore, Save-On-Foods, Walmart, Costco, Whole Foods, Sobeys - Electronics:
Best Buy, Staples, Visions Electronics, Memory Express - Clothing and Apparel:
Midtown Plaza, Winners, Costco, Old Navy, Sport Chek, Gap - Furniture and Home:
IKEA (online for Saskatoon), The Brick, Leon’s - Home Improvement:
Home Depot, Canadian Tire, RONA - Utensils and Tableware:
HomeSense, Canadian Tire, Costco - Budget Shopping:
Dollarama, Dollar Store, Giant Tiger
Tip: For large purchases (like furniture or appliances), wait for major sales such as Boxing Day, Black Friday, or Canada Day.
Online Shopping: A Major Part of Life
Online shopping is a huge part of life in Canada, especially in Saskatoon where some specialty stores may be limited. Popular sites include:
- Amazon.ca (fast delivery, wide selection)
- Walmart.ca (groceries, essentials)
- Costco.ca (bulk, electronics)
- Canadian Tire (home, automotive)
- Best Buy (electronics)
- Wayfair (furniture, decor)
- Newegg (computer parts)
Local Tip: Shipping in Saskatoon is reliable, but heavy winter weather can sometimes delay deliveries.
Managing Online Shopping Temptation
With just a few clicks, shopping is easy—and so is overspending!
Risks:
- Overspending during promotions or sales
- Accumulating unnecessary items
- Impulse buying out of boredom or emotion
Healthy Habits:
- Always make a shopping list and stick to it.
- Set a monthly budget for non-essential shopping.
- Unsubscribe from marketing emails to avoid temptation.
- Use a “24-hour wait rule” before buying non-essentials.
- Ask yourself if you really need the item in the next 6 months.
Smart Shopping Strategies
- Rakuten.ca:
Earn cashback from hundreds of online stores (free to join). - Price Match Policies:
Many stores (like Canadian Tire or Walmart) will match lower advertised prices. - Flyer Apps:
Use Flipp or Reebee to see all current sales. - Cashback Credit Cards:
Once eligible, certain cards give you cash back on purchases. - Timing is Key:
Target big sales: Black Friday, Boxing Day, Labour Day weekends. - RedFlagDeals.com:
Find flyers and forums with the latest deals and shopping tips.
Example: Looking for winter boots? Check Sport Chek’s Black Friday sales through Rakuten—you could save 30% on boots plus get 5% cashback.
Buying Second-Hand: Save Money & the Environment
Saskatoon has a vibrant second-hand market:
- Facebook Marketplace: Excellent for furniture, bikes, electronics.
- Kijiji Saskatoon: Local classifieds for all kinds of goods.
- Value Village & Salvation Army Thrift Stores: Affordable clothes and home items.
Buying second-hand is very common in Canada and helps you:
- Save money
- Reduce environmental impact
- Find unique or vintage items
Conclusion
Shopping in Saskatoon—online or in person—can be efficient, fun, and budget-friendly when approached wisely.
With planning, knowledge of local options, and smart financial habits, you’ll easily furnish your home, meet your needs, and enjoy your new life without unnecessary financial stress.
Happy shopping!