‘Tis the season to Shop ’til you drop!

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With Black Friday and Cyber Monday on the horizon, we’re officially entering the holiday shopping season. And research shows this year is going to be one of the most anticipated ones ever, with industry  officials saying Canadians are loosening up the purse strings and heading out to bricks and mortar stores, not to mention amping up their online shopping experiences to make this the best time ever.

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There will be issues – The Retail Council of Canada (RCC) is reporting top concerns are that stores will  be crowded, and that popular products will be overpriced. And then there’s the fear of shipping container woes keeping store shelves emmpty.

That said, the holiday spirit is strong, and more Canadians – a whopping 80% – are planning on purchasing gifts for others. It appears many consumers will be looking to make up for last year, while searching for budgets.

Which leads us to some of the city’s finest shopping spots – warehouse sales.  There are plenty,  starting with one of the most popular ones of the season:

B’S CHRISTMAS SALE: Is now open for the holiday season! I had a sneak peak recently, and I can tell you that Mr. B – a.k.a. Santa Claus – has really outdone himself with one of the biggest selection of toys, gifts, blankets, Christmas socks, wrapping, chocolates, wall art, home goods, sweaters and more,  all deeply discounted. There’s a free gift for every child, while quantities last. Plus – one of the  nicest staff to give you a helping hand. Sale starts this Tuesday.

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Mr. B’s Christmas Sale, starting Tues. Nov. 30 to Dec. 19; 1590 Matheson Blvd. Unit 16, Mississauga,  Tuesdays-Fridays, 10 a.m., to 6 p.m., Saturday-Sunday, 10 a.m., to 4 p.m. Closed Mondays.  Mrbsfamoussale.com; @MrBsfamoussale. (Check the website to get on the VIP list for a surprise early shopping invite.)

BARKS ‘N REC: While your in the neighbhourhood, why not book a Santa visit for your pooch? Barks N’ Rec doggy daycare is having its famous Holiday Dog Photos event next Saturday, Dec. 4 from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m.  This year’s theme is The Nutracker! You must make an appointment before bringing in your pet.

 – Barks N’ Rec Holiday Dog Photo Day, Sat. Dec. 4, 1590 Matheson Blvd. Mississauga, 905 629-2622;  www.barksnrec.com.

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CLEARANCE WAREHOUSE Another fan favourite, this sale, with three warehouse locations, offers the most  incredible deals on everything from housewares to health and beauty, baking essentials, books,  chocolate, gift sets, small appliances and seasonal goods – it’s all here, all under one roof. The place is a real gem, with stock is constantly being added; prices are from 30% to 90% off retail.

 – Clearance Warehouse Sale: three locations, 375 Queen’s Plate, 183 Lakeshore Rd. W. (Oakville) and 10  Bramhurst Ave., Units 3-4 (off Torbram Dr.); Monday-Friday 10 a.m.-8 p.m.; Saturday, 10 a.m.-6 p.m.;  Sunday, 11 a.m.-5 p.m.; Clearancewarehouse. ca./CWSale.com.

WILLIAM ASHLEY WAREHOUSE SALE: Now in its 46th year, this favourite sale open for in-person shopping – and this year is  one of the biggest ever. A recent visit revealed tons of amazing products at prices not to be believed –  look for deep discounts on everything from home decor to bed and bath, corporate gifts, furniture, to the most delightful selection of holiday gifts, toys, foods and more. Daily specials and more than 20 departments to choose from, savings up to 80% off retail.

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 – William Ashley Warehouse Sale: to Dec. 19; 111 Creditview Rd., Vaughan; Tue- Wed. 10 a.m. to 6 p.m.,   Thursday-Friday, 10 a.m., to 7 p.m., Saturday-Sunday, 10 a.m., to 6 p.m., closed Mondays for restocking. Williamashley. com/warehousesale/@WAWAREHOUSESALE

REAL DEALS WAREHOUSE: Now in its 19th year, owner Joel  Clarridge has outdone himself, offering an astonishing array of deals on everything from lighting to  housewares, home decor, gift items, fitness goods and so much more. This year, there’s a ton of products  for the pet lover – dog safety gates, pet beds, cat scratch pads and cuddle beds, plus lots of dry pet  food and litter. Prices are from 50% to 90% off retail.

– Real Deals Warehouse Sale: to 21-Dec. 23, 358 Humberline Dr., Etobicoke; Tuesday-Friday, 10 a.m.-6  p.m.; Saturday, 9 a.m.-5 p.m.; Sunday, 10 a.m.-5 p.m.; closed Mondays except Dec. 16 and 23;  Realdealswarehousesale.com.

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TAIL OF THE TRAIL

One of the most popular holiday events is back for a command performance this year – and kids and adults  couldn’t be happier. The famous Canadian Tire Christmas Trail through Pioneer Village is a a 1.5  kilomtre drive-along full of thousands of twinkling lights, live interactive displays, carolers, elves  and  holiday decorations. It’s a unique, interactive experience full of magic and wonder, especially as  Santa’s there to greet you, too. This multi-sensory drive-thru experience brims with classic Christmas  characters and out-of-the-world displays. Due to its popularity, the company decided to bring it back  this year. You enjoy it from the comfort and warmth of your vehicle as you drive through the holiday  scenery. Show’s on until Dec. 23 and tickets go on sale every Monday. Cost is $25 per car with all proceeds going  to the Canadian Tire Jumpstart Charities to benefit child and youth sport throughout Canada. –

– Visit www.CTChristmasTickets.com for more details.