Comprising four office buildings and an underground shopping plaza,it's known locally at PVM and is situated in the heart of downtown. You'll find over 80 upscale boutiques and stores offering ready-wear-collections and high-end products as well as a food court and several good restaurants. A clever cruciform structure designed by the Sino-American architect, Ieoh Ming Pei, allows natural light into the center of the building giving the plaza a light and airy feel complimented by some really great public art.The centre allows visitors direct access to key subway stations, the South Shore bus terminal, and the Windsor and Central train stations. Two major hotels are also linked to Galerie Place Ville Marie: the Fairmont Queen Elizabeth and the Hilton Montreal Bonaventure.
Recommended for Christmas Shopping because: The natural light alleviates that cramped, shopping mall experience with the largest selection of goods under one roof.
Sherel's expert tip: The lights you see sweeping across the night skies come from the rotating beacon on the rooftop.
Looking for arty pillows for your sofa? How about hand- crafted blown glass pieces in an array of colors and designs? Here you will find an extensive collection of ever-changing pieces of functional art at very good prices from top Quebec artists. Choose from a large assortment of ceramic bowls, cups and bottles, an array of textile pieces or fine figurines hand-carved from attractive wood. This store is a real find for shoppers who seek top quality, unique items that are beautifully made by local and regional artisans. It's the ideal source for one-of-a-kind gifts and souvenirs from Montreal and Quebec.
Recommended for Christmas Shopping because: For high-end, one of a kind items check here first.
Sherel's expert tip: When searching for a particular item keep in mind the price can vary greatly depending on which artist produced it.
Open year round, this Montreal landmark has been supplying locals with fresh produce, local meats and cheeses, desserts and dry goods since 1934. This is the place everyone adores. It's a whole city block of nothing but stall after stall piled high with the best regional fruits and veggies, meats and seafood. Baked goods, cheese, maple syrup, ice cream, jams and jellies, charcuterie, wine and beer, olive oil, balsamic vinegar â" you name it, if it's a "gourmet" food item, produced or grown locally, or imported from Italy, Japan or some other far off country, you will find it here.
Recommended for Christmas Shopping because: Here's one of the best spots in the city to score some edible gifts while supporting the local economy.
Sherel's expert tip: Go early and park underground.
Ben & Tournesol is best described as high-end home decor. From the depths of Westmount - a bastion of taste in itself - comes some noteworthy objects for yourself or others. The latest cool weather must-haves include soft, natural, 100% wool throws from Avoca, Ireland's oldest woollen mill. The owners work hard to keep the store stocked with the most unique items including vegan-friendly shopping bags and porcelain table sets by Versace. There's even clothing by the likes of Paul Frank and Kate Spade's coffee table book to set beside your ginger-scented candles. Direct from Europe check out the Arte Italica ceramic and pewter collections.
Recommended for Christmas Shopping because: This is a great gift spot for people who love to show off their homes.
Sherel's expert tip: Perfect for a last minute gift for that hard to buy for person.
Irreverent, cheeky, tasteless, chic, trendy, retro, contemporary, politically correct/incorrect - Bang-On has a t-shirt that suits everyone. If you've been dying to find a shirt with the Pillsbury Dough Boy emblazoned on the front, a pop art Che Guevara, or an old-skool Donkey Kong icon, check here. David Bowie, Iggy Pop or Kiss? Check here. Mr. Snuffleupagus, Grover or the Count? Yep,check here. The Toronto-based company has several locations across North America, and even a few in Mexico, Australia and Europe. But we like the Montreal location the best - honest. Plus, you can't beat the location on St. Laurent and the online store gets the orders out within days.
Recommended for Christmas Shopping because: This is a great way to get a customized gift for someone special.
Sherel's expert tip: Go online to check about designing your own tee.
A real foodies delight, Gourmet Laurier has been inspiring Montreal chefs - both amateur and professional for over half a century. This is the place to head for those hard-to-find ingredients. The imported treasures include spices, teas, mustards, chocolates, candies, jams, and a variety of oils and vinegars. This is one of the few places where you can score Puget oils, imported lentils from Le Puy and Lustucru pasta. Rare spices, top quality extra virgin olive oils, Quebec cheeses and meats and exotic soaps complete the grocery list. The shop also has a good selection of high-end coffee grinders, pepper mills and other kitchen gadgets. You can even get a sandwich to go too.
Recommended for Christmas Shopping because: This is a great spot to get those hard to find ingredients for the fussy chef on your list.
Sherel's expert tip: If you're looking for a gift for a chef or a foodie check here first.
Maison Marie Saint Pierre is renowned for its use of unconventional fabrics and textures that balance natural and technological notions. Marie-Pierre carries her expertise to furniture, leather goods and perfume as well as her upmarket collections. This award-winning designer and Montreal native is known for her fashion-forward apparel, unique for its vivid color combinations and well-crafted detailing. Much of her clothing is made at an in-town workshop, although savvy shoppers will find it carried in such world capitals as Paris, Hong Kong and Tokyo. Even if you don't buy, a trip to the shop will let you peruse the latest styles and catch sight of the extravagant designs.
Recommended for Christmas Shopping because: At Marie-Pierre high-end gifts are available for everyone on your holiday shopping list.
Sherel's expert tip: The e-boutique is well-designed for easy shopping.
Simons is a real local gem that is easy to miss. Most travel guide sites fail to mention this quintessential Quebec department store. Simon's focuses on quality fashions for the whole family. A particularly good value is the Twik line - a unique Quebec designer brand of fun, casual fashions for women and girls. Of the seven locations throughout the province, The downtown Montreal store in the Ste.Catherine West shopping district is the most popular. If you can't find it amidst the miles of shops in the area, just ask anyone on the street and keep your eyes open for the green and white banners and awning.
Recommended for Christmas Shopping because: There's so much choice between clothing, accessories, household goods and fun fashions and all offer top quality at fair prices.
Sherel's expert tip: Keep an eye out for the clearance items which are spread throughout the store.
Welcome to eight blocks of shopping pleasure - if only because the shops and boutiques are evenly interspersed with cafes, bars and restaurants to relieve the strain of shopping and appease those who would rather be doing something else. In these blocks along Laurier Avenue west between boulevard St-Laurent and Chemin de la Cete-Ste-Catherine you'll find medium to high-end fashions, art galleries, gourmet food stores and upscale kitchenware shops. No member of the family is left out as toys and children's clothes can be found here along with books, music and decorative items- perfect for gift shopping too and all within a 10-minute walk of the Laurier metro station.
Recommended for Christmas Shopping because: This is a great place to find those higher end items for people who have everything.
Sherel's expert tip: Best to travel here by public transit as parking and traffic can be a hassle in this neighborhood.
Since 1792, "The Main" has been the dividing line between the east and west sides of Montreal. Saint-Laurent Boulevard, a.ka. "the Main" is by far the busiest street in the city and the commercial hub of Montreal. The melange of cultures here is reflected in the crazy mix of stores. There's everything from the high-end to the low-end in fashion, home furnishing, jewelry, books, music, collectibles and shoes. If you're in town for the sidewalk sales, held in the spring and fall, you're in for a shopping frenzy of bargains galore. The Main is also a great place for eating, drinking and dancing.
Recommended for Christmas Shopping because: Here's the most fun you can have doing your holiday shopping as the streets are rich in interesting shops and boutiques.
Sherel's expert tip: It's best place in the city to pick up goods from around the globe.