B.C. tenants evicted for landlord's use after refusing large rent increase to take over neighbouring suite
Ashley Dickey and her mother rented part of the same Coquitlam duplex in three different decades under three different landlords.
At first glance, it might seem like the deals have never been better as posters in store windows and online ads trumpet a steady stream of holiday sales.
But some consumers say the discounts are more hype than real, giving shoppers the illusion of a bargain rather than actually saving them money.
Call it shrinkflation at the mall.
"The promotions seem good this year but regular prices have often gone up, so even if something is on sale it may be more expensive than someone expected," said retail expert Shobhit Khandelwal.
Higher regular prices, smaller percentages off and fewer items on sale are just some of the trends consumers say they've noticed in recent weeks at stores in Canada.
Online shoppers also say they've encountered higher free shipping thresholds, a surcharge on some returns and smaller discounts overall.
While deals are now spread out over a longer period -- giving people more time to hunt for bargains -- experts say the spiralling cost of living is still leaving some consumers feeling squeezed.
New research from Interac Corp. found more than seven in 10 Canadians say rising inflation has made it more important than ever to feel in control of their money.
For shoppers on a budget, retail experts say there are tips and tricks to keep in mind to save cash and not be duped by the illusion of a deal.
"We've seen a return of promotions this holiday season but it's important to pay attention to the fine print," said Tamara Szames, Canadian retail industry adviser with The NPD Group.
"If the sale is up to 40 per cent off, the consumer really needs to be aware of the 'up to,"' she said. "Not every item in the store is going to be included in the sale, so you need to try not to get sidetracked."
Consumers should make a list and research prices before shopping so they know whether or not something is actually a good deal, Szames said.
While inflation has pushed up prices in some stores, other retailers have used different methods to handle rising costs.
In grocery stores, for example, food manufacturers have used shrinkflation to keep prices the same -- or slightly higher -- by making the product smaller.
It's a technique used in other areas of the retail industry, including the apparel sector.
"When we're talking about fashion, the closest thing to an ingredient in food is fabric," Szames said. "If your favourite sweater used to be 100 per cent cashmere, you should look closely at the label before you buy it again. It's now maybe 90 per cent cashmere and 10 per cent polyester."
Advances in fabric technology could mean the new blended fabric is just as high quality, but it's important for consumers to be aware of the change, she said.
Khandelwal said holiday discounts have always been hit or miss as retailers try to pull customers into the store with doorbuster deals while keeping other items at regular price.
The difference this year is that inflation is making all prices -- even sale prices -- higher, the co-founder of startups ShyftLabs and Minoan Experience said.
The trick for shoppers trying to rein in spending is to not buy more than they need -- even if it's on sale, he said.
"Make a list and stick to it and if you spend too much, most retailers have good return policies."
This report by The Canadian Press was first published Dec. 1, 2022.
Ashley Dickey and her mother rented part of the same Coquitlam duplex in three different decades under three different landlords.
A man who fell into a crevasse while leading a backcountry ski group deep in the Canadian Rockies has died.
A new survey by Dalhousie University's Agri-Food Analytics Lab asked Canadians about their food consumption habits amid rising prices.
MPP Sarah Jama was asked to leave the Legislative Assembly of Ontario by House Speaker Ted Arnott on Thursday for wearing a keffiyeh, a garment which has been banned at Queen’s Park.
Charlie Woods failed to advance in a U.S. Open local qualifying event Thursday, shooting a 9-over 81 at Legacy Golf & Tennis Club.
As Donald Trump was running for president in 2016, his old friend at the National Enquirer was scooping up potentially damaging stories about the candidate and paying out tens of thousands of dollars to keep them from the public eye.
After Prime Minister Justin Trudeau said the federal government would still send Canada Carbon Rebate cheques to Saskatchewan residents, despite Saskatchewan Premier Scott Moe's decision to stop collecting the carbon tax on natural gas or home heating, questions were raised about whether other provinces would follow suit. CTV News reached out across the country and here's what we found out.
A Montreal actress, who has previously detailed incidents she had with disgraced Hollywood producer Harvey Weinstein, says a New York Court of Appeals decision overturning his 2020 rape conviction is 'discouraging' but not surprising.
Caleb Williams is heading to the Windy City, aiming to become the franchise quarterback Chicago has sought for decades.
Mounties in Nanaimo, B.C., say two late-night revellers are lucky their allegedly drunken antics weren't reported to police after security cameras captured the men trying to steal a heavy sign from a downtown business.
A property tax bill is perplexing a small townhouse community in Fergus, Ont.
When identical twin sisters Kim and Michelle Krezonoski were invited to compete against some of the world’s most elite female runners at last week’s Boston Marathon, they were in disbelief.
The giant stone statues guarding the Lions Gate Bridge have been dressed in custom Vancouver Canucks jerseys as the NHL playoffs get underway.
A local Oilers fan is hoping to see his team cut through the postseason, so he can cut his hair.
A family from Laval, Que. is looking for answers... and their father's body. He died on vacation in Cuba and authorities sent someone else's body back to Canada.
A former educational assistant is calling attention to the rising violence in Alberta's classrooms.
The federal government says its plan to increase taxes on capital gains is aimed at wealthy Canadians to achieve “tax fairness.”
At 6'8" and 350 pounds, there is nothing typical about UBC offensive lineman Giovanni Manu, who was born in Tonga and went to high school in Pitt Meadows.