I’m sorry but today I have to vent. First, I’ll preface by saying I love living in Canada and I could list off many reasons why I love living in Edmonton too BUT…design shopping sucks here…or maybe sucks is the wrong word. Anyways, it’s really frustrating sometimes. Living here, we don’t have as many store options as say Vancouver or Toronto where we can find great selections in decor. I know that it’s much better than even a few years ago but this in itself is frustrating. What I wouldn’t give for a West Elm, CB2 or World Market to open in yeg!! I know many people jumped for joy when we found out we were getting Target, only to be considerably let down by the “Canadian version” of the store. I never saw the incredible home decor that my fellow Americans were posting to Instagram! After closing down, Target then promised great online options for Canadians. Yippee! So, I thought I would give that a try and mend my broken design heart. Almost immediately, I found a great nightstand option for our master bedroom remodel and was really happy to see that Target even had a promo to take 20.00 off the shipping price. I placed the two tables in my cart and was about to pay when I saw that the shipping charge WAS MORE THAN THE FURNITURE! 20.00 didn’t even make a dent! So I closed my browser and slinked off with my tail between my legs. 
I then tried Wayfair, seeing that a similar nightstand was listed at a great price and well within my budget! And, happy day, Wayfair has free shipping! It seemed to be a much better option…But then, I suddenly realized I was on the American website, and when I switched to the Canadian one, the price difference made me wince and once again reconsider my purchase. That damn Canadian dollar…
The exact same thing happened when I noticed that one of my favourite mid century modern nightstands was on for 209.00 at West Elm. This particular design rarely goes on sale. I quickly called the Calgary store to see about ordering it in…but my price as a Canadian? Almost a 100$ more! How is that an accurate conversion even with the dollar at its current status, I ask?!
And so, I’m frustrated ladies and gentlemen. I’m frustrated that when I find something beautiful that could fit perfectly in my design, it doesn’t ship to Canada. I’m frustrated that when it does, the shipping rate is so incredibly high it completely bursts your design bubble. I’m frustrated that living in Edmonton means I have to continually beg my Calgary or Vancouver friends and family to help me out. I wish design shopping, especially online, was easier and more affordable for us up North.
Are any of my other Edmonton/Canadian designers or decor shoppers as frustrated as me? Fewww, thanks for letting me vent!!!
Oh girl you are PREACHING to the choir right now! I literally have this meltdown on a weekly basis haha It is SO frustrating trying to find stores that ship to Canada without causing you to re mortgage your home they’re so expensive! haha I loved checking out West Elm in Calgary but it was so disappointing that they don’t have the custom upholstery program in Canada yet. We didn’t end up getting the sofa I wanted to buy from there because we couldn’t pick our own fabric. Thankfully we lucked out at EQ3 but it’s disappointing seeing how much more we pay than our friends to the south of us. #designerproblems
PS- In addition to very likely having the same bedroom sconces, I think we’ll likely end up with the same bedroom side tables because those west elm ones are the exact ones we’re trying to find for less $$ haha That must mean we both have great taste 😉
Two peas in a pod, we are! lol with incredible taste 😉
We will just have to make another trip to Calgary then! But I’m glad you feel me on the #designerproblems. At least we can vent to each other!!
ugh x 10176599203 !!! there is no doubt in my mind you will make your space beautiful regardless of where the items come from, but i so feel you on this frustration. our search for a TV stand will likely be endless, unless, you know … road trip + trailer? haha
A road trip and trailer sound very appealing to me right about now! haha
Preach!!