The best fashion and gift stores - Québec - Canada in 2024

Practical information : Treat yourself (& others) Québec

Timetable

Opening hours vary greatly from one establishment to another in Quebec City. On weekdays, they open in the morning generally between 9 and 10 am and close between 5 and 6 pm (7 or 9 pm on Thursday and Friday). On weekends, they open between 9am and noon and close at 5 or 6pm. In Old Quebec, however, the hours are longer because of the tourist industry, both in summer and winter. In the Quebec City area, hours may vary from one city to another and are often reduced out of season, or even closed altogether (although it is generally possible to make an appointment). In cities and small towns, there may also be closing days, usually Sunday and/or Monday.

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 (cheese, alcohol, etc.). While the posted price may seem appealing, keep in mind that sales taxes are never included, unless otherwise specified. Therefore, 14.975% tax must be added on his purchases (some products benefit from partial or total tax exemption such as printed books, unprocessed food, etc.). Payments by debit or credit card are generally accepted everywhere, even in more remote areas. It should be noted that there has not been a visitor tax rebate program in place for many years.

Sales

Sales are a common practice in Quebec, whether they are generalized at a certain period (end of season) or offered on an ad hoc basis in a specialized type of business (hardware stores and renovation centres during the July¹ moving season). Quebec also participates in the big sales like 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

Of course, there are some great classics to bring back from a stay in the Quebec City area, such as clothing or accessories bearing the effigy of the defunct Quebec Nordiques hockey team, a toque or arrow belt from the Quebec Winter Carnival, maple products, typical alcohols (including local beers or creme de cassis and wines from Île d'Orléans), native crafts, etc. Be aware, however, that haggling is not at all common practice in the region, or even in the entire province.

Tourist traps

The great classics in the effigy of the destination are always popular with visitors. Unfortunately very often filled with items made in China, souvenir shops are omnipresent in Old Quebec and its surroundings. The same is true for some craft shops. So make sure you buy local and authentic to encourage the local economy.

The best fashion and gift stores Québec

LES GALERIES DE LA CAPITALE

LIBRAIRIE ST-JEAN-BAPTISTE

ATIKUSS

LE KNOCK-OUT

BOUTIQUE LUCIA F.

ARTICLE 721

MARTINO

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