I know what you mean about £1 = $1 as i have seen it in the past when visiting Houston. I happen to like GAP clothing and found it so much cheaper over there, but it doesn't stop me from buying GAP clothes in the UK. When I flew back I normally came back with a big bag full of GAP clothes for me and my son and Levis for the ex wife.
Same for a Big Mac meal etc etc, what they pay in dollars , we pay in pounds.
Having said that, I feel certain that when my boss gets back from Canada this trip he will be clutching an iPad3 under his arm.