The best fashion and gift stores - Canada in 2024

Practical information : Treat yourself (& others) Canada

Timetable

Opening hours may vary from one establishment to another, but in general they open in the morning between 9 and 11 am and close between 6 and 9 pm. On Sundays, hours are often limited (12:00 to 5:00 or 6:00). Opening hours may vary from city to city and are often reduced in the off-season, and sometimes the establishments are even closed (although it is usually possible to make an appointment). In cities and small towns, there may also be closing days, mostly on Sunday and/or Monday. Regardless of the season, most businesses are open 7 days a week in the larger cities.

Budget & Tips

If the cost of living in Canada is relatively low, it is quite different in Vancouver and Toronto, the most expensive cities in the country, not to mention the Far North where the long transportation of goods makes their cost explode. As far as shopping is concerned, you can get by quite well thanks to a favorable exchange rate. However, some products are more expensive, especially in the gourmet sector (cheeses, alcohols...). Although the price may seem attractive, you should not forget that sales taxes are never included, unless you are advised otherwise. You must therefore add between 5 and 15% tax on your purchases (some products are partially or totally exempt from taxes, such as printed books, unprocessed food, etc.). Payments by debit or credit card are generally accepted everywhere, even in the most remote areas. Please note that there has not been a tax refund program for visitors for many years.

Sales

Sales are a common practice in Canada, either over a certain period of time (end of season) or on a one-time basis in a specialized type of business (hardware stores and home improvement centers just before summer). Canada also participates in major sales such as Black Friday (Friday following the American Thanksgiving in November) and Boxing Day (day after Christmas), but the consumer frenzy is much less palpable here than in the United States.

What's very local

There are of course some great classics to bring back from a stay in Canada, such as Roots or Canada Goose clothing or accessories, or those bearing the effigy of one of the country's professional sports teams (especially field hockey, a sport beloved by Canadians). Local beers and spirits are also recommended, as well as wines from British Columbia and Ontario, especially ice wine. Aboriginal crafts and art are also popular, as are maple products. Be aware, however, that haggling is not at all common in this country, except perhaps in some ethnic neighbourhoods in major Canadian cities.

Tourist traps

The classic souvenirs of the destination are always popular with visitors. Unfortunately, souvenir stores are often filled with made-in-China items and are ubiquitous in large cities and high tourist destinations. The same is true for some handicraft stores. So make sure you buy local and authentic to encourage the local economy.

The best fashion and gift stores Canada

VICTORIA'S SECRET

BOUTIQUE EVA B.

LES GALERIES DE LA CAPITALE

APPLE STORE

ESPACE WAZO

CENTRE EATON DE MONTRÉAL

HÔTEL LA NICHE

YORKDALE SHOPPING CENTRE

ALDO OUTLET

KID ICARUS

LA CORDÉE

BELLE ET REBELLE

MARIE SAINT PIERRE

M0851

BOUTIQUE KITSCH’N SWELL

ATOM HEART

TONY PAPPAS

LIBRAIRIE GOURMANDE

LIBRAIRIE L’ÉCHANGE

CRAFT ONTARIO SHOP

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