Weighing value of cross-border shopping trip in light of lofty loonie

TORONTO, Ont. - The Canadian dollar has been flirting with parity with the American greenback all week.

But, is the lofty loonie worth a cross-border shopping trip?

For those willing to put up with long waits at the Canada-United States border, there are some good deals.

Retail analyst Richard Talbot of Talbot Consultants International told 680News people can get clothing and big ticket items like cars cheaper in the U.S., but there are cons to it.

"You've got the hassle of: a) the drive and b) you've now [got] to go through Homeland Security, and thirdly, Canadian customs, who now because of the security issue, are much more attuned to taking things apart at the border," Talbot said.

Tablot also said people have to weigh the cost of gas and the value of their time to determine whether it's worth the drive.

Mel Fruitman, vice-president of the Consumers' Association of Canada, suggests people should do their homework before hitting the highway.

"Take a look at the local markets first, particularly here in the Toronto area, which is an extremely competitive market," Fruitman said.

But, a person has to be in the U.S. for at least 24 hours before for he or she can claim $50 in purchases without paying any duties.