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The Shopping Bags0

The Shopping Bags

2001 - 2007

Video Cameras, Dog Food, Radiance Makeup and Mystery Shopper

1st January 2001
Episode 1
The Shopping Bags put three different formats of video camera to a tough test- how will they perform at a four-year-old's birthday party? Also in this episode, veterinarians battle it out over just what the best kind of food is for dogs; And when Kristina and Anna enlist the help of three women to test radiance makeup products, the results surprise everyone. And the Mystery Shopper uses The Shopping Bags' bag of tricks to get a discount on a video camera.

Teeth-Whitening, Treadmills, Self-Tanners and Mystery Shopper

8th January 2001
Episode 2
Trying to polish up that smile? The Shopping Bags look at toothpastes, gels and laser treatments to see which process gets teeth whitest and brightest. Later in the show, find out how to buy a treadmill. Studies show it’s the most effective piece of cardio equipment. Anna and Kristina find out how much you really need to spend on this expensive machine. And say goodbye to those orange tans of yesteryear. The Bags test out 10 kinds of self-tanners to find out which ones are best at delivering that honey-bronzed glow. And if you don’t like the tanning product, can you take it back? The Mystery Shopper heads out to make a return, without the receipt.

Bottled Water, Stain Removers, Airline Deals and Mystery Shopper

15th January 2001
Episode 3
Not all bottled water is created equal. There are a few things to know about reading the label on that bottle of H2O. The Shopping Bags will tell you what you need to know. They also set up a beach side water taste test, where a clear favourite emerges. Also, Anna and Kristina go back in time to test three kinds of stain removers – a chemical one, an environmentally friendly product and medley of home remedies. And what’s the best way to get a deal on an airline ticket? Through a travel agent? Online? Or going directly through the airline? The Shopping Bags set up a travel challenge and find the answer. And are airline upgrades a thing of the past? The Mystery Shopper takes a trip to find out.

Perfume, On-line Grocers, Laptop Computers and Mystery Shopper

22nd January 2001
Episode 4
Why does a bottle of perfume cost so much? The Shopping Bags talk to a perfume expert (did you know there was such a thing?) to find out the secrets of making, choosing and wearing that special scent. They also set up a test to find out if people can tell the difference between the real thing and knockoffs. Armed with a grocery list, Anna and Kristina go shopping – both in the supermarket and online to find out if ordering your groceries over the Internet really delivers. With Anna in the market for some new hardware, The Bags make buying a laptop computer easy to understand. And a lesson in buying big ticket items; the Mystery Shopper learns how important it is to do your homework before you head to the store.

Nail Polish, Energy Bars, Hybrid Cars and Mystery Shopper

29th January 2001
Episode 5
The Shopping Bags test out ten different kinds of nail polish to see which brands really hold up to the wear and tear of daily life - we're talking about stuff like dishing washing, gardening and even rock climbing! Energy bars are a popular snack, but how healthy are they really? A nutritionist gives us a few points to chew on before we settle on this snack. And are hybrid cars the way of the future? Anna and Kristina get behind the wheel to test drive this part electric, part gas vehicle. Looking to buy a new vehicle? Our mystery shopper has some lessons on negotiating the deal.

Bras, Sleeping Bags, Organic Food and Mystery Shopper

5th February 2001
Episode 6
70% of women wear bras that don't fit properly. The Shopping Bags don't want to make the same mistake. Three brave volunteers learn how to find a bra that fits. Anna and Kristina spend a night in the wild to put both down and synthetic sleeping bags to the test. And organic food: there's no question it's better for the environment. But what about nutrients and taste - the Shopping Bags set up a stall to find out if you can taste the difference. And the mystery shopper tries to get a taste at the grocery store, before she buys.

Digital Cameras, Running Shoes, Wine and Mystery Shopper

12th February 2001
Episode 7
Just because the shoe fits doesn't mean it will protect your feet. Whether your feet pronate or suponate, Anna and Kristina learn how to find a running shoe that fits. Digital cameras are fun and easy to use - but how do they compare to 35 millimetre cameras and how much do you need to spend on quality? The Shopping Bags get behind the lens. And deciphering the wine label and the wine list to get a bottle that suits your buget and your taste. And if you order the bottle and don't like the taste? Our mystery shopper tries to send it back.

Sunglasses, Bread, Diamonds and Mystery Shopper

19th February 2001
Episode 8
Sunglasses are perhaps the most important accessory you can own. Find out which shades and which lenses will do the best job at protecting your eyes from the sun's harmful rays. The Shopping Bags point out that not all bread is created equal. It all comes down to reading the fine print. And sure, a diamond is a girl's best friends. A groom-to-be learns that shopping for the diamond, not the ring, is a shining example of getting the best value for your money. And the mystery shopper tries to get a better deal by paying cash. Will it work?

MP3 Players, Educational Toys, Toy Marketing and Mystery Shopper

26th February 2001
Episode 9
This week, it's all about toys! First, toys for the big kids. MP3 players are all the rage for downloading music from the Internet. The Shopping Bags learn about the different typs of MP3 players and how they work. Also, education toys. Are they really any fun? The bags invite their young friends to test a bunch of toys too see what really piques their interest. And who isn't influenced by marketing these day? Anna and Kristina learn about how toy companies target kids and what parents can do about it. And the mystery shopper has some tips on buying and returning toys.

Mascara, PDAs, Baby Food and Mystery Shopper

5th March 2001
Episode 10
How much do you need to spend on a quality mascara and just how different are the formulations from one brand to the next? The Shopping Bags hit the waterslides and a very sweaty yoga class to test four different brands of waterproof mascara. Palm Pilots seem to be the way to get organized these days. Anna and Kristina invite some busy friends to try out various personal digital assistants (PDAs) to determine if plain old pen and paper is a thing of the past. And what's the best food for your baby? A look at the differences between jarred, organic and homemade food for your tots. Are all taxi fares fair? Our mystery shoppers take a ride to test the metre.

Car Tires, Hair Spray, Room Scents and Mystery Shopper

12th March 2001
Episode 11
Car tires are an integral part of vehicle safety. Learn when it's time to invest in new tires and how to keep them in tip-top shape. Hair spray is a valuable tool for keeping those fly-aways in place. Anna, Kristina and friends get up to some hair-raising experiements to see which brands hold up best. And sure they smell nice, but do room scents do any more than merely mask the odors? The Shopping Bags investigate the difference between natural and synthetic scents. We all know teens love to shop - but do they get any respect? Our mystery shopper shows how young shoppers can get the treatment they deserve in store.

Lipstick, Golf Clubs, Razors and Mystery Shopper

19th March 2001
Episode 12
Lipstick can be the perfect pick-me-up. But how much do you have spend to get the colour and consistency you want? The Shopping Bag stage a kissing booth to find out. Women are hitting the links in record numbers. Learn how to choose the golf clubs to fit your needs. When it comes to razors, there's disposable and non, men's and women's - but which provides the closest shave? Anna, Kristina and friends get shaving and invite an "expert" to a touch test. And ever feel like you're not getting the service you deserve? The mystery shopper has some tips on how to lodge a complaint.
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The Shopping Bags was a Canadian television series that aired on the W Network in Canada and on Fine Living in the United States. Launched in 2002, the series focused on consumer affairs and better shopping. Each week the program looked at several goods and services to discover which one was the best. This was also done to guide viewers towards which product or service may best suit their needs. The program looked at day-to-day shopping and big ticket items, as well as having a final "Shopping Thought" at the end of each program.

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