‘A river of money flowing south’: cross-border shopping in North Dakota and the insatiable Canadian desire for American goods, 1900–2001

Abstract

Over the course of the twentieth century, Canadians became increasingly accustomed to crossing the border into the United States to access American goods. Gasoline, alcohol and manufactured goods were cheaper in the US than at home, and fashion items, electronics and linens were available in a wider selection. This article looks at the evolution of cross-border shopping in North Dakota. Residents of the Canadian province of Manitoba flocked to malls and shops in North Dakota, patronizing motels and restaurants on weekends and filling their cars with purchases. This type of shopping tourism provided new opportunities for retailers on the US side of the border. North Dakota businesses advertised in the Manitoba market. Tourist organizations highlighted the availability of nationally advertised goods and the cultural connections between the two nations. Canadians compared prices, calculating how fluctuating exchange rates affected their ability to bring home bargains. While shoppers raved about the savings to be had stateside, they were not generally purchasing necessities but indulging in clothes, toys, small appliances, electronics and alcohol. Spending a weekend staying in motels, eating out and perusing the vast array of available goods became a well-entrenched, pleasurable pastime for Canadians living close to the border.