A Guide to Price Matching in Canada 2024: Save When Shopping

Buying groceries, electronics, and other household items is expensive. In 2019, the average Canadian household spent $10,311 on groceries per year. 

Using coupons, grocery apps, and taking advantage of sales are good ways to save money on everyday shopping. However, there is another way to save money that you may or may not have heard about: price matching. 

To keep up with the competition, many major retailers allow you to show them a competitor’s lower price, and they will match it. Sometimes, they even throw in a 5% to 15% discount on top of the sale price.

If you shop at stores like No Frills, FreshCo, Home Depot, and The Source, you can save money on your purchases by price matching. 

This article is a complete guide to price matching in Canada. You’ll learn about all the stores that price match, their policies and stores they match, along with some tips on price matching, useful apps, and whether price matching is worth it. 

What is Price Matching? 

Price matching is a policy set by some stores that states if you find the same item at a lower price by one of their competitors, they will match or beat the price. 

Price matching can be done online or in-store, depending on the retailer, usually before making your purchase. You typically have to present a flyer or advertisement showing them the item and price. The item must be the same size or brand, and cashiers must approve the price match. 

Price matching is typically done for groceries, electronics, and home goods but other retailers, like SSENSE and Sleep Country, also accept price matching. 

Stores That Price Match in Canada 

Here is a complete list of all the stores that price match in Canada, plus their policies and stores they match. 

Grocery Stores

Store	Price Match Policy
FreshCo	Lowest Price Guarantee –  if a supermarket competitor within the store’s geographical trade area offers a lower price on any item they carry in store, FreshCo will sell it to you for 1¢ less than the competitor’s advertised price.  You must show the competitor’s current flyer in print or digital form.  This applies to identical items of the same brand and size or comparable private label items.  Price match purchases are limited to quantities of 4, and they may not be combined with any other offer.  FreshCo’s price match policy does not apply to prescriptions, gift cards, liquor, tobacco, ‘spend x, get x’ items, clearance sale items, products sold by third-party vendors, and ‘free’ promotions and discounts obtained by loyalty or other programs.
No Frills	Won’t Be Beat price match program – if you find a product at a lower price, bring a major supermarket competitor’s flyer (either digital or print), and they will match the price.  The offer must not have expired and must be from a major supermarket competitor as listed in your local No Frills store.  When you go to No Frills, you must find the exact same item in terms of brand, type, size, and measurement. At the cash, show the cashier the complete advertisement with valid dates, and they will apply the discount. No Frills limits each price match item to 4 and no rainchecks will be issued.  “Won’t Be Beat” does not apply to ‘spend x, get x’ offers, email or online pricing, and loyalty program discount items.
Real Canadian Superstore	Real Canadian Superstore will price match identical items at a lower price from a major supermarket competitor in their local trade area. They must have the item in stock, and the flyer must not have expired.  They give you an exact price match with no additional discount.  To make a price match request with PC Express, you need to first pick up your online grocery order. Then, contact them online and send them the following: your order number, name of the product, the competitor’s price, and the link to the competitor’s website.  The customer service team should respond within 30 days. They have a right to limit price matching to 4 units per UPC.
Giant Tiger	Ad Match Guarantee – if you find a local competitor offering a lower price on an identical item carried in-store, show them the competitor’s flyer, and they will sell the item for 1 cent less than their price.  Giant Tiger also honours price drops. For in-store purchases, if the price of an item you’ve purchased lowers within 14 days, they will give you a refund of the difference via the original payment method.
Maxi	Maxi is only located in Quebec and does not mention the price match policy on its website. However, it is owned by Loblaws and is covered by its store policies.  Maxi will match the price of any local competitor if you show them the valid flyer and it is the exact same item.  They limit price matching to 4 of the same product. You can also price match when picking up your PC Express order, the same way as you would at Real Canadian Superstore.
IGA	Unbeatable Price Guarantee – if a major supermarket competitor within the store’s geographic trade area offers a lower price on any item in a flyer with an “Unbeatable Price” tag, IGA will sell you that item for 1¢ less than the competitor’s price.  You must present the competitor’s flyer or your invoice showing the lowest price and validity of the flyer.  The guarantee only applies to identical items that are the same brand, size, and attributes. It cannot be used in combination with any other offers.
Save-On-Foods	Owned by Western Family, Save-On-Foods will give you one Western Family Branded product for free if you show them a national brand equivalent at a lower advertised cost.  Save-On-Foods will determine the national brand equivalent for Western Family branded products. This guarantee excluded multi-buys (ex. $1.69 each when you buy 3), ‘spend x get x,’ reduced to clear items, and discontinued items.

Home Improvement Stores

Store	Price Match Policy
Home Depot	Price Guarantee – if you find a current lower price on an identical item in stock from a local retailer’s store or website, Home Depot will match the price and beat it by 10%.  For online items or online-only retailers, the prices will only be matched.  In-store price matches: present the competitor’s flyer, website, or photo of the item during the competitor’s offer period at checkout.   On homedepot.ca: contact customer support to request a price match before making your purchase. You’ll need to provide details like the brand name, model number, and link to the Home Depot product.
Home Hardware	Price Match Promi$e – Home Hardware will match an advertised local competitor’s price on an item that is in stock and identical.  This guarantee cannot be combined with any other offer, and they reserve the right to limit quantities to a reasonable amount.  For exclusions and details, visit their website.
Lowe’s	If you find a lower advertised or everyday price on an identical in-stock item currently advertised at a local retail competitor’s store or website, Lowe’s will match all competitor pricing plus give you an additional 10% off. This includes shipping, handling, and fees, if applicable. The model number, size, and brand of the item must be identical, and the competitor’s price must be more than $1.00 lower than Lowe’s price.  To submit a price match request on Lowes.ca, you must complete an e-form with details such as the product name, model, and brand and details of the price difference.
Rona	Rona offers a hassle-free price match policy. They will match the price of competing brick & mortar stores within a 25-km radius.  The competitor must have the product in stock, it must be the same brand and model as the item offered at the Rona store, and the item must be new and remain in its original packaging.  For in-store purchases, you must present satisfactory proof of the lower price you have found.  For price matches on Rona.ca, give them a call to speak to a representative to provide proof of the lower price. Alternatively, you can submit a price match request by submitting a form online.  Rona reserves the right to limit price match requests to 15 items.
The Brick	If you find an item of the same brand and model currently advertised in a flyer, print ad, radio or TV ad, or displayed in-store within 30 days of pickup or delivery of your purchase, the Brick will refund you the difference in the same tender which you paid.  The Brick will also match any competitor’s advertised price plus give you an additional 20% off for appliances and an additional 10% off for mattresses.  The price guarantee does not apply to as-is items, limited-time offers, limited quantity items, and more. It also does not apply to warranty replacements or new sales covered by a manufacturer’s warranty.
Cabela’s & Bass Pro Shops	Best Price Promise – if you find a lower advertised price at a competitor’s local retail store, participating Cabela’s and Bass Pro Shops will honour the ad prices on identical merchandise on the spot or within 30 days of purchase.  You must bring a printed copy of the competitor’s advertisement to the store. If your price match request meets the guidelines, they will match it.  If the local competitor is out of stock of that particular item, Cabela’s and Bass Pro Shops will not match the price.  This guarantee does not apply to products or services offered by third-party vendors or offers on Black Friday, Cyber Monday, or Boxing Day.
Part Source	Part Source will match the price of any local Canadian competitor within a radius of 20km. The item must be identical, including the product features, model number, size/volume, manufacturer, and applicable warranty.  You must present the print or digital advertisement at the time of purchase for the price match to apply.  The price match can be done at checkout or within 7 days of purchase. Part Source does not price match online competitors and does not offer rain checks.
Leon’s	Integrity Pricing – if you see identical merchandise at a lower advertised price by an authorized dealer in the same local trading area within 60 days of your purchase, Leon’s will refund you the difference in price.  Items must be identical as in the same brand and model, and if financed, sold under the same finance terms.

Electronics/Appliance Stores 

Store	Price Match Policy
Best Buy	Low Price Guarantee – if you find a lower price with an authorized retailer, either in-store or online, Best Buy will match that price on the spot or within 30 days of purchase.  If Best Buy’s price is reduced within 30 days of your purchase, they will refund you the difference if you present your original receipt.  For price matches, the product must be the exact same brand and model number, priced in Canadian dollars, and include all charges. It must be in stock and available for sale.  Sellers that do not qualify for a price match include marketplace sellers on Amazon.ca or Bestbuy.ca, or resellers on places like ebay.ca. Refurbished or liquidated products are also not included.
Canada Computers & Electronics	Lowest Price Guarantee – Canada Computers will match the price of any authorized local Canadian dealer’s advertised price, as long as it is the same model and brand.  Canada Computers will refund or discount the item by 10% of the difference. This guarantee is available within 15 days of purchase and is available for bundles promotions.  The competitor’s price must be advertised online, in a flyer, or in-store.
Memory Express	Über Price Beat Guarantee – Memory Express will match any authorized Canadian retailer’s price and beat it by 10% of the difference if you find an item with a lower price within 15 days of purchase.  Just provide proof of the lower advertised price in-store, or click the Price Beat Request button for online purchases.  There is a limit of 2 Über Price Beats per item, but if the competitor’s price is only limited to 1 per customer, then Memory Express will only match one item.  Both Memory Express and the competitor must have the item in stock. Items must be the same model, part number, year, condition, and colour.  The Über Price Beat Guarantee does not apply to manufacturer’s websites.
Newegg	Newegg has a Price Match Guarantee badge on various product pages throughout its site. On these products, you can request a price match within 14 days of your purchase. If you find a lower advertised price by a major retailer or on Newegg’s site and the product is the same brand and model number, you can submit a Claim Form to request the price match.  The cost difference will be credited to you through a Newegg Customer Care Care, which can be used within 90 calendar days.  Major retailers include amazon.ca, bestbuy.ca, canadacomputers.com, cdw.ca, costco.ca, crutchfield.ca, dell.ca, directcanada.com, ebgames.ca, futureshop.ca, memoryexpress.com, pcm.com, staples.ca, tigerdirect.ca, and walmart.ca. Only one price match can be done per person, per item. Though Newegg is available in Canada, price matches only apply to purchases in the United States.
The Source	Best Price Guarantee – if you find a lower, currently advertised price from an authorized retailer in Canada, The Source will match it.  This guarantee also applies if the price of the product you’ve purchased from The Source drops within the return period.  During major holiday promotions, price matches will not be allowed.  To make a price match request, either visit a store or call Customer Care to present proof of the lower price.  You must show an advertisement or printout from the competitor’s website or proof of purchase for previously purchased items from The Source.  The product must be identical in terms of colour, components, warranty, model number, and year. Only one claim can be made per purchase.
Visions Electronics	15% Price Beat Guarantee – Visions will match the price and beat it by 15% if you see a lower legitimate price from any authorized Canadian retailer.  The item can be any model they stock, in-store or online.  At a retail location, show the competitor’s current advertisement, flyer, or web address to one of the sales staff to get the discount.  For online purchases, contact customer service and create a ticket with the reason for contact being “Lowest Price Guarantee.” Just send them the competitor’s current advertisement, flyer, or web address.  Conditions include: the item must be in stock, shipped from and sold in Canada, the same brand and model number, and that financing terms and shipping charges will be included in the product price.  The Lowest Price Guarantee does not apply to Sonos or Sony branded items.
Canadian Appliance Store	Before you buy your appliance or before delivery, Canadian Appliance Store will match the qualifying lower price of another appliance retailer.  You must present the competitor’s print or online advertisement. The item must be identical to the same brand and model number.  Limited stock, limited supply, clearance, limited quantity, and limited-time offers do not qualify.  Only one price match is allowed per order. For a list of conditions, visit the website.
2001 Audio Video	Best Price Guarantee – if you find a lower price anywhere online, in-store, or advertised, 2001 Audio Video will match the competitor’s price at the time of purchase or within 30 days of purchase.  If they reduce their price within 30 days of purchase, they will refund the difference.  For in-store purchases, talk to a sales associate to verify if the competitor’s pricing and product matches the terms of the Best Price Guarantee.  For online purchases, send them an email with a screenshot of the item’s product page or a link to the product page from the competitor’s website offering a lower price. If it matches, their online staff will contact you to explain the purchase process.

Clothing Stores

Store	Price Match Policy
Sport Chek	Sport Chek will match the price of any item available at a lower advertised price by their competitors, either on the spot or within 15 days of purchase. This only applies to in-store purchases. You must present your original receipt and proof that the item is advertised at a lower price.  The item must be in stock, sold in Canadian dollars, and be the same brand, model, colour, and size.
Hudson’s Bay	If you find a current lower advertised price at another retailer for any eligible item in stock, they will match the price.  To request a price match, either visit a store, call the customer service department, use the online chat function, or email Hudson’s Bay. you’ll need to present proof of the advertised price via a flyer or retailer’s website.  The price match can be done before purchase or up to 7 days after the date of your purchase.  Many exclusions apply, including items from wholesale, liquidation, discount, or clearance stores; items sold at retailers with membership fees, store promotions, fine jewerly, and more.  See the full list of exclusions and price match details here.
SSENSE	SSENSE will match the price of items sold by other online retailers.  For items to qualify for a price match, they must be: In stock on the competitor’s site; the same size, style, colour, season, and material; advertised at full price; the final checkout price must be lower than the final SSENSE checkout price, and the final price of the competitor’s site must be in the same currency as the SSENSE website. If the above conditions are met, contact them by phone, email, or chat to review your price match request.

Misc Stores

Store	Price Match Policy
Petsmart	Petsmart has an in-store and online Price Match Guarantee.  In-store: if you find a product that’s in stock at a Petsmart store for a discounted price at a competitor’s store (excluding their online site and catalogue) or on petsmart.ca, Petsmart will match the price.  The identical product must be in-stock at the Petsmart store, and you must show proof of the lower price through advertisement, receipt, or other confirmation.  Price matching cannot be done on pets or services.  Online: Petsmart will match any competitor’s regular price online for in-stock, identical products. They do not match prices on Amazon, eBay, or other auction or discount sites. Call customer service for an online price match.
Bed Bath & Beyond, Buy Buy Baby	Bed Bath & Beyond and Buy Buy Baby will match direct competitors’ prices, including from major online retailers up to 14 days after purchase. They will follow any limitations and exclusions set by the retailer.  The item must be “first quality,” in stock at the competitor, and identical to the one at BBB stores.  Their goal is to ensure you get the best price possible, so they will apply either the price match or coupon to your purchase – whichever gives a better price.  You can request a price match in-store or by phone.
London Drugs	If you find an identical product advertised at a lower price in print or on an authorized Canadian retailer’s website, London Drugs will match that price for up to 30 days after purchase.  The product must be identical, in stock, and available for immediate sale and delivery.  The price match guarantee excludes tobacco, gift cards, photoLab, prescriptions, and insurance products.  It does not apply to advertising language like “closeouts,” “clearance,” or “limited quantities.”
Staples	Staples price matches almost everything they sell. The product must be identical (same model number, warranty, components), in stock, and available.  They will match the price of an authorized competitor within 30 days of receiving the item, or 14 days for electronics.  Staples does not price match Bose products, and they reserve the right to limit price match quantities.  See their website for full price match details.
Office Depot	If you find an identical product sold by any retailer, either in-store or online, that is a lower price, Office Depot and Office Max stores will match the price on the spot or within 14 days of purchase.  They will match the price of products sold on Amazon; however, Marketplace products are excluded.  Items must be identical, meaning they must have the same model number, warranty, and features. They must be in stock and available for sale. Office Depot will match the competitor’s price after deducting the instant savings, rebates, and coupons.    Price matches are limited to 1 per item, per person.
Hart	Competition Policy – if you find a lower advertised price for an identical product within 2 weeks of purchase, Hart will match the price if you show them the ad.
Linen Chest	Linen Chest not only matches direct competitor’s prices on identical items, but also throws in an additional 10% off the difference. This guarantee lasts for 365 days.  The product should be advertised by an authorized retailer and must be identical in terms of brand and product. It must be in stock and available at both retailers, either online or in-store.  The online retailer cannot be a third-party seller.
Sleep Country Canada	In-Store Unbeatable Price Guarantee – Sleep Country Canada has a generous price match guarantee where they will beat any competitor by 5%, guaranteed when you come in the store. It does not have to be identical; it can be a comparable product, at the discretion of Sleep Country employees.  Even if the competitor is having a ‘going out of business’ sale, they will still beat the price. This guarantee is only available in stores.
Kitchen Stuff Plus	If you find a lower price on an identical in-stock product at a local competitor, Kitchen Stuff Plus will match the current selling price and throw in an additional 10% off as credit towards your purchase.  You must show proof of the advertised price for identical items at the closest competing store.   Price matches cannot be combined with any other offer, coupon, or rebate.  They do not price match previous purchases, special orders, internet pricing, coupons, and more. They also do not offer price matches for online purchases.

Stores That Do Not Price Match in Canada

You’d think that many major retailers accept price matching to stay on top of the game and be competitive. However, some stores, like Walmart and Canadian Tire, do not accept price matching or have phased it out. 

Below are a few major retailers that do NOT offer price matching:

• Walmart
• Canadian Tire
• Metro
• Food Basics
• Sobeys 
• Toys ‘R’ Us  
• Shoppers Drug Mart 
• Amazon

How to Price Match

Price matching works almost the same for every store. Generally, the product you would like to price match must be identical to the store’s in terms of the product number, size, condition, and more. 

To request a price match in stores, you must present the valid flyer or advertisement (print or online) to the cashier or store associate. They will check if the product matches their price match policy, and if approved, they will match the price. Some retailers even go as far as adding an additional discount of 5% to 15%. 

Some stores accept price match requests online, while others don’t. For the retailers that accept it, you generally need to submit a ticket or contact customer service with your request. You need to send them the competitor’s website link and any other details they require. 

What to Know When Price Matching 

As a general guideline, the competitor’s item you want to price match should be identical to the one in the store. They should be in stock and available for purchase. The only exception to this rule is Sleep Country Canada, which has a more lenient price match policy. 

Typically, most stores will not price match items that are:

• Spend x, get x offers
• Loyalty program discounts 
• The subject of advertising or typographical errors or misprints 
• Clearance sales 
• Coupons and gift cards 

Most retailers do not price match online competitors, but if they do, you must follow their policy and present proof of the competitor’s lower advertised price. 

Many stores do not combine offers, such as buy one get one plus the price match; you will only receive one discount.

In grocery stores, not all lanes will price match. Typically, the express lanes and self-checkouts do not allow price matching. 

Price Match Apps in Canada

If you don’t receive or don’t want to carry around physical store flyers, then an app can show you most major stores’ weekly flyers. Here are two of our favourite apps for price matching in Canada:

Reebee – a digital platform and app to browse flyers from local retailers, including Sobeys, Walmart, Canadian Tire, and Lowe’s. You can use the search feature to quickly find and compare products, create shopping lists, and sync the app across all your devices. 

Flipp – similar to Reebee, Flipp is an app and website where you can browse flyers from over 2,000 stores across Canada and the US. You can add loyalty cards, sync your shopping list, and share your list with your shopping partner on the app. 

Is Price Matching Worth It?

Price matching is generally worth it, as long as it isn’t taking up too much of your time and is a good deal. 

If you’re buying an item worth $50 and you see a competitor selling it for $30, that’s $20 savings! In this case, it’s worth it. 

However, price matching products that will only save you a few cents usually aren’t worth your or the cashier’s time. 

Ensure you’re prepared with proof of competitor’s pricing and have the flyer on-hand to show store associates. 

FAQs

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