Some B.C. shoppers who headed to Bellingham this long weekend to find big deals at Bellis Fair Mall got less than they bargained for.
The retail destination, a long-time favourite for Lower Mainland shoppers looking for deals at some U.S.-only stores, earlier claimed that it will be accepting the Canadian dollar at par during holiday weekends in 2016.
The event got a lot of attention as the Canadian dollar hovering around 76 cents U.S., the promotion was a real draw for British Columbians.
@AM730Traffic Going to Bellis Fair was a joke only the crappy stores were discounting....NOT AT PAR pic.twitter.com/td4Pyc6LoX
— Lisa Bekessy (@latina_jinx) May 23, 2016
But, many Metro Vancouverites left the shopping destination unhappy and took to complain about an offer promoted by Bellis Fair that suggested Canadians could shop “at par.”
@cmansueto We thought this event was explained very clearly. Not sure where the miscommunication is coming from. Our apologies.
— Bellis Fair (@BellisFair) May 23, 2016
The mall maintains its promotion was transparent, offering a 25 per cent discount to bridge the difference between dollars.
Come one, Come all! Remember that Bellis Fair’s ‘Canada discount’ works for locals too! Happy shopping!! pic.twitter.com/m5fRKGkLdA
— Bellis Fair (@BellisFair) May 19, 2016
According to Bellis Fair, the only retailers participating at this time include Macy’s, JCPenny, Just Sports, Go Grill, Beauty Nails, Blooming, Piercing Pagoda, Wishes, Brow Arc, Christopher and Banks, Express Japan, Thai Go & Noodle, The Children’s Place, and Villa Pizza.
On social media the mall apologized for any sort of miscommunication, and reminded shoppers to read the terms of the promotion.
Don't waste your time heading to #bellisfair for the Cdn $ match. The participating stores are far a few between. #moneymoneymoney
— Carly (@theregoesCarly) May 22, 2016
More at par events are planned for this summer but after this weekend some shoppers might be spending their money at home.
