Montreal is absolutely AMAZING. My recent trip was only my third time in the city and my second as an adult (I was only eight or nine when I went there for the first time. Really too young to do anything). Of course, shopping was a MUST. While I prefer to look for things that are harder to get in Toronto (i.e. local designers, unique boutiques, etc…), some may want things that are more mainstream. For those people, the place to go is rue Ste-Catherine – St. Catherine Street. Filled with little malls connected by an underground walkway similar to PATH in Toronto (but several kilometres longer), stores are typical mall finds – Jacob, Zara, Old Navy, a Banana Republic flagship (housed in an old, historic-looking building!) and BCBG. However, if you walk just a little further, you’ll come across La Maison Ogilvy (“Ogilvy’s” or “Ogilvy” in French – 1307 Ste-Catherine O)a large upscale department store not seen outside of Montreal. This is (along with Holt Renfrew (“Holt’s”)on 1300 Sherbrooke O.) is where you’re going to find brands like Louis Vuitton, Prada, and the like. It seems that Montrealers like to shop indoors as there’s no equivalent to Bloor Street or Robson Street. Maybe it’s because Montreal winters are colder.
Ogilvy’s in Montreal
I have to admit that between the two major stores, I much prefer Ogilvy’s. Not only do we not have it in Toronto, but the Montreal Holt’s just doesn’t feel as open as Toronto or Vancouver. It has a bit of a Bergdorf Goodman vibe to it – think narrower corridors and merchandise divided into mini salons, but on a smaller scale. If you’re a shoe fan, then you may be a little bit disappointed at the size. Ogilvy, on the other hand, is big, open and easier to navigate. It also has a wider selection, especially with sizes. Ogilvy’s has a plus department, while Holt’s does not (interesting fact: according to this CBC post, the Weston family, who owns Holt’s, recently purchased Ogilvy’s. I hope this doesn’t meant that Ogilvy’s will close.)
The Bay/La Baie
For more affordable shopping in the department store realm, there’s the flagship Bay (La Baie – 565 Ste-Catherine O) store, complete with its signature Victorian architecture (similar to the buildings found in the Toronto and Vancouver stores) and Simons. Complex Les Ailes, one of the many malls in the area, has a XXII (flagship Forever21), Jacob and Azara. Locale, Aldo’s newest spin-off, is just kitty-corner away. If you’re looking for good denim without the three digit prices, check out Mavi (1241 Ste-Catherine O).
Not interested in clothes? There is an Indigo in Place Montreal Trust if you want to look at books (and books in English, at that). One interesting tidbit about this store is the fact that it is the only (or one of the only) Indigo stores that still has an Indigo Cafe rather than Starbucks (the manager said that it was because they didn’t have a separate entrance, but neither does the Starbucks over at Chapters). Note that if you’re used to a tall, order a medium. The small coffees smaller than a short at Starbucks. From what I recall, the Indigo Cafe had excellent grilled cheese sandwiches.
Look for more posts about Montreal, including boutique and restaurant reviews, coming soon!
Image credits: Ogilvy’s – Wikicommons; The Bay/La Baie picture by author
