Rules established by the Canadian Border Agency make shopping at American stores very appealing. Parking lots and streets around Western New York have been heavily populated by Canadian license plates as blockbuster Thanksgiving deals along with Black Friday and Small Business Saturday encouraged our northern neighbors to make the trek across the river. Hotels and restaurants also benefited as longer stays give Canadians a greater break at customs.
The allowance at the bridge after a 24 hour stay is $200 worth of merchandise. However, a stay of at least 48 hours elevates that restriction to $800, measured in Canadian dollars.
Area merchants and lodgers are using the measure as a promotion to attract shoppers.
