The best fashion and gift stores Quebec

Timetable

Shops are usually open Monday to Friday from 9am to 6pm (until 9pm on Thursday and Friday), Saturday from 9am to 6pm, and Sunday from 10am to noon. Schedules may vary from one city to another and are often reduced off-season or even closed squarely (however, it is generally possible to make an appointment). In cities and small towns, there may also be days of closure, most often on Sundays and/or Mondays.

Budget & Tips

The cost of living is lower in Quebec than in Europe. On the other hand, some products are more expensive, particularly in the gourmet sector (breads, cheeses, spirits, etc.).

While the price may seem attractive, sales taxes are never included, unless otherwise specified. You must therefore add 14.975% tax on your purchases (some products benefit from partial or total tax exemption, such as printed books, unprocessed food, etc.).

Debit and credit card payments are generally accepted everywhere, even in more remote areas. Please note that there has been no tax refund program for visitors for many years.

Sales

Sales are a common practice in Quebec, whether they are generalized to a certain period (end of season) or offered on a one-off basis in a specialized type of business (hardware stores and renovation centers during the July^1st moving season). Quebec also takes part in major sales such as Black Friday (the Friday following the American Thanksgiving in November) and Boxing Day (the day after Christmas), but the consumer frenzy is much less palpable here than in the US.

What's very local

There are, of course, some great classics to bring back from a stay in Quebec, such as clothing or accessories featuring the Montreal Canadiens field hockey team, maple products, typical alcohols (including maple liqueurs and the famous Caribou), native crafts, etc. But don't forget that haggling is not a common practice in the province. Please note, however, that haggling is not at all common practice in the province.

Tourist traps

The great classics bearing the effigy of the destination are always popular with visitors. Unfortunately, souvenir stores are often filled with items made in China, and are ubiquitous in major cities and high-tourism destinations. The same is true of some craft stores. So be sure to buy local and authentic to encourage the local economy.