Shopping for housewares in Orlando, or minimizing customs payments on mail order?

[coastgirl]

Anyone have any ideas for buying blinds and drapes in Orlando? (And getting a good deal. ) I can't recall any housewares at the outlet malls. Used to be able to find Linens n Things, but they went under in the States, right? (Even before they went under in Canada IIRC.)

Alternately, anyone order catalogue goods and have them part of their customs declaration? I found what I really want from JC Penney online, but between shipping and customs, a $100 order is suddenly $150. I suppose I could have them sent to me at our resort and carry them back, but it'd be great if I could order from JC Penney while I'm in the country and have them ship them home.

Ideas? Suggestions?

(And, um, do you think 33" blinds still in the box would qualify as carryon?? Not that I particularly want to be doing that, but hey, I'm cheap... ETA, I just checked AC and the maximum length for carryon seems to be about 22". Wonder if I could trust a package like that in one of our bags...)

 

[WalkingintheFog]

hey! I'm interested too!

A few years back I got some great blinds (textured fabric pleated blinds, that open from the top and/or the bottom!) from JCPenney. They had to be custom cut, and weren't ready by my last day, but thankfully friends of my parents were driving back and brought them for me.

Wished I ordered for more of my windows at that time--they were on sale and so cheap! $35 vs $150 here!

The only shopping I'm interested in this trip is housewares-type... and IKEA!.

Why oh why did they close the Burnside NS IKEA? 20+yrs ago, and I'm still bitter!

 

[calgarygary]

Unfortunately, most retailers will use a service such as UPS and there is no way around their brokerage fee - which greatly increases the cost. If you can find one that will ship USPS, you will save a lot on shipping & brokerage.

BTW, if memory serves me well, there is a Bed Bath & Beyond near the Prime Outlets on International Drive.

 

[coastgirl]

hey! I'm interested too!

A few years back I got some great blinds (textured fabric pleated blinds, that open from the top and/or the bottom!) from JCPenney. They had to be custom cut, and weren't ready by my last day, but thankfully friends of my parents were driving back and brought them for me.

Wished I ordered for more of my windows at that time--they were on sale and so cheap! $35 vs $150 here!

The only shopping I'm interested in this trip is housewares-type... and IKEA!.

Why oh why did they close the Burnside NS IKEA? 20+yrs ago, and I'm still bitter!

I know, I tried to find them through a Cdn retailer and they START at 200% of what I see at JCP, for a product I like less. (I had some top-down/bottom-up blinds too from JCP, LOVED them!!)

There's no Ikea in Orlando, right?? (OMG, if there is that would be dangerous! ) I outfitted my first post-student apt from that Ikea, I think I've finally thrown out everything from that trip, but I remember it fondly too.

Unfortunately, most retailers will use a service such as UPS and there is no way around their brokerage fee - which greatly increases the cost. If you can find one that will ship USPS, you will save a lot on shipping & brokerage.

BTW, if memory serves me well, there is a Bed Bath & Beyond near the Prime Outlets on International Drive.

Yeah, we're staying at CSR and even there, they don't charge a handling fee on USPS but they do on the various shipping ***. But most places seem to stay away from the postal service. Will look up the BBB, thanks.

I know there is a box on your customs declaration though, for "items following by mail", don't know if I could work it that way on a catalogue order though. Anyone??

 

[WalkingintheFog]

IKEA!!!!

http://www.ikea.com/us/en/store/orlando

Store Info
Address:
4092 Eastgate Drive
Orlando, FL 32839

Conroy Road Exit, East of I-4
Phone:
407-355-3155
Store Hours:

Mon - Fri 10:00 am - 8:00 pm
Sat 10:00 am - 9:00 pm
Sun 11:00 am - 7:00pm
Restaurant opens and closes 30 minutes before store.

 

[c&m]

YES, there is an IKEA in Orlando. It is next door to the Mall at Millenia. We passed by it days ago when we were there.

As for shopping for housewares, there is a new Super Target near WDW.

 

[WalkingintheFog]

There's also the Orlando Home Show taking place the weekend you arrive at the Orange Country Convention Centre... I-Drive/Universal Bvld.
Ty Pennington himself will be there on Saturday, also some of the Disney chefs including Scott Hunnel....
Tons of booths, including ones from various window covering companies...

Just google it to see the list of exhibitors--you can often place orders at these shows--this may be a good place for you as well. There's an entry fee tho...$10.. that's pretty standard tho, and you can get a discount if you prebuy tics online.

I bet if you called CBSA (canada border services agency) they could tell you if you could have those items included in your personal exemption and how it would work.

 

[WalkingintheFog]

sorry... double posted somehow...

But hi again!

 

[coastgirl]

IKEA!!!!

http://www.ikea.com/us/en/store/orlando

Oh dear.

Can't get dh to go to a home show here; he's not likely to spend vacation time doing it.

I bet if you called CBSA (canada border services agency) they could tell you if you could have those items included in your personal exemption and how it would work.

Yeah, that's a good idea.

Ok, it "bleeped" me. The word was the abbreviation for "companies" as in "courier companies"...is that a dirty word and I don't even know it??? :