For those who prefer Kalispell over Great Falls -- two words: Cafe Rio
As someone who goes to Montana two or three times a year, here's what I can tell you: US prices and US selection don't compare to Canada. Specialty food items, clothing, electronics, etc. etc. etc. And if you do it smart, you can effectively subsidize your trip with the money you save (the exchange rate has gone up in the past year, but MT also has no state sales tax). I remember when we purchased some bigger baby things -- a $250 item would be $150, $200 item was $125, etc... That adds up.
For higher end, I agree that the closest place is probably Spokane. Great outlet shopping in the Seattle area as well. However, the OP posted about Walmart, Target, and JCP, so here are my tips:
- Great Falls has all three stores, and they all offer free site to store shipping if you want to pre-purchase online. Kalispell also has all three, but I prefer Great Falls because the drive is easy and stress free. The drive to Kalispell is more scenic, but I'll take the straight flat two lane divided highway/interstate if the point is getting from A to B
- GF does not have a Costco though -- you'd have to go down to Helena (which also has a Macy's and TJ Maxx). Kalispell also has a few other stores that GF doesn't, like Best Buy
- Walmart has tons of additional items you can order online -- just order a few weeks in advance and you have 14 days to pick them up after they arrive
- GF also has an Old Navy and a Ross (think Winners, but the prices are all 30-40% cheaper than in Canada)
- We usually go for a long weekend (3-4 days), which allows you to bring back up to $750 per person tax/duty free (must be out of Canada for a minimum 48 hours)
- I also order a bunch of stuff on eBay and can save a lot of money on postage and duty by shipping packages to Sweetgrass and picking them up on the way (if you're going to Kalispell they have a location in Eureka). With the increased tax exempt limits for a stay over 48 hours, the only issue is usually trunk space!
Happy to share tips and/or answer any specific questions you might have. I think it's worth it, even after you factor in hotel, food, gas, etc. We treat it like a holiday -- kids enjoy staying in a hotel room and we like getting out of town.