BELLINGHAM, Wash. -- As more and more Canadian shoppers are spending their money south of the border, an expert is warning local businesses to watch out as more Canadian retailers fight to keep their customers.

Shafiq Jamal with the Retail Council of Canada says lower B.C. mainland businesses are trying to level the playing field by targeting customers - both in Canada and the U.S. - through the web.



Officials say local border crossings jumped 18 percent year over year last month as new duty-free limits went into effect June 1.

A Canadian shopper can now take home $200 in purchases during a 24-hour visit, and $800 in purchases during a 48-hour visit to the U.S.