Stores and shopping
Shopping centres and stores
There is a wide range of stores in the three main shopping centres located near the campus (Place Ste-Foy, Place de la Cité, and Laurier Québec). There are also lovely shops on Maguire, Cartier, Saint-Jean, Grande-Allée, Saint-Joseph, and Saint-Vallier streets.
Although prices are fixed in each store, they can vary from one location to another. We recommend visiting several places, doing your research to find out the going rate, and getting to know the stores in the area.
The Office de la protection du consommateur also offers a variety of informational and preventive resources to help you become a savvy consumer in Québec. You can find these tools in the section dedicated to consumers on their website.
Store hours
Most stores are open from 8 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. Monday through Wednesday, from 8 a.m. to 9 p.m. on Thursdays and Fridays, and from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. on Saturdays and Sundays. Stores located in shopping centres generally open at 9:30 a.m. (10 a.m. on Sundays). The following businesses may have more flexible opening hours: supermarkets, small neighbourhood grocery stores, convenience stores, pharmacies, etc.
If you’re unsure, check the opening hours of the store you want to visit before heading there. Opening hours may also vary on holidays.
Tipping
In Quebec, it is generally recommended to tip hairdressers, beauty service providers, taxi drivers, valets, restaurant and café waiters, and delivery drivers. The amount varies depending on the service provided. For example, in a restaurant, it is recommended to tip the waiter an amount equal to 15% to 20% of the bill before tax.
New and used books
Here are some tips and good places to look for saving money on books.
More places where you can find new books:
- Coop Zone
- Les libraires (website of the Quebec Cooperative of Independent Bookstores)
- Renaud-Bray
Computer equipment
Here are a few places where you can find computer and school supplies:
Money-saving tips
Discover tips and tricks to help you save money on furniture, clothing, and other personal items, as well as useful places to know about.