Q: Cheese fondue is our family New Year’s tradition (works too for the vegetarians in our family). Is there somewhere I can buy Emmentaler and Gruyere cheese without paying an exorbitant amount? I found it very expensive last year. Enjoy listening to you n CJAD.

A: I find the best prices at sales at  Mourelatos, Adonis or Euromarche. Keep your eye on the flyers for this week and next.

If you don’t want to wait for sales, head to Mayrand which is a no-fee wholesale food store and is piled 20 feet high with everything you’d find in a supermarket and beyond. It stocks 4 times more selection than that famous warehouse club with more consistency and choices.

There’s almost 1,000 kinds of cheese, fresh meat and fish, ethnic foods (Italian, Latino, Indian, Asian, Middle Eastern) and fresh fruits and vegetables from local growers whenever possible.

In addition to all the usual items they have the less usual like Halal meat, whole filet mignons and rib roasts, pork rump and hock, homemade sausages, marinated chicken and pork as well as 70 varieties of olive oil, and dozens of flavorful Italian coffees and pastas. Their ever growing catalog of products seems almost endless.

What a great place to shop…super prices and tremendous choice.

5650 boul. Metropolitan E, St-Leonard H1S 1A7
corner: boul Lacordaire
Tel: 514-255-9330
Hours Mon-Wed & Sat 6:45-6,Thurs & Fri 6:45-9, Sun 9-6
http://smartshoppingmontreal.com/store.php?s=43

for flyers:
Mourelatos   http://mourelatos.com/en/visit-circular-2/
Adonis     http://groupeadonis.ca/CMS/index.php/en/en-vedette-2 and
Euromarche    http://euromarche.ca/flyer_en.html

Q: J’aurais une question a propos de nu-lustre -55 , j’ai applique ce produit sur mes comptoir de cuisine mais le produit n’a jamais seche. il reste toujours collant. ma question est avec quoi je peut enlever se produit de sur mes comptoire svp, pour recommencer je crois que je n’ pas bien mesurer les quantite et l’effet est un disastre. merci de me conseille.

A: I would call Circa 1850. You can speak to Linda qui parle francais. They have been selling refinishing products for 50 years. Here they are on my website:
http://www.smartshoppingmontreal.com/store.php?s=138

Also, if you want an expert on wood finishing, who can come to your house, read about this amazing craftsman on my site: http://www.smartshoppingmontreal.com/store.php?s=193

Everyone has to shop and I’ve tried to make it easier for all of you by compiling Montreal’s best stores into a guidebook. In English it’s Smart Shopping Montreal ($21.95)and in French Le Consommateur Averti Montreal ($20.95). If anyone is driving South to warm up, I’ve also written a guide about what to find at every exit on the way to Florida called Drive I-95: Exit by Exit Info, Maps, History and Trivia ($24.95). You can have them autographed too!

Here’s a synopsis of the Smart Shopping Montreal book:

There’s no reason to waste time shopping for price when the job has already been done by this bestselling book. Thousands of loyal readers for the past 28 years have learned to buy it to find all the discount stores where they can save money. Reading it will save you time too.

All it takes to be a smart shopper is knowing how to save time and money while shopping. If you know where to go for the bargains, who to call when something breaks, or where to buy that something special, you’ve accomplished that goal. This book covers all three topics:

Part I of this book covers over 800 locations around the city (and then another 200 in factory buildings) where the smart shopper can save at least 20% on clothing, household, food and leisure products. Why not make your dollar go as far as possible?

Part II helps the smart shopper resist the throw-away nature of our society by leading you to the wonderful repairmen and master craftsmen who can fix those treasures or broken household items (and save you money by not having to buy a new one!).

Lastly, Part III explores the wonderful variety of unique or unusual specialty stores (which can sometimes get a bit pricey) that one can browse through and shop in. The smart shopper knows where they are. Develop a spirit of adventure and an inquiring mind, and seek out these terrific spots in Montreal – a city which is a wonderful blend of European couture and craftsmanship with American know-how.

The first bargain you’ll find is this book.

Synopsis of Drive I-95:

Road trips are back and to help those who travel up and down the East coast, Drive I-95 is a new style of guidebook which combines colorful easy-to-follow pictorial maps and fun stories.

Look ahead exit by exit to see which motels (with 800 numbers), gas stations, restaurants, campgrounds, 24-hour pharmacies, radio stations or radar traps are there.
We share stories: history on I-95, museums, trivia, towns to explore or places to run the kids or your pets. These can be read for entertainment during the drive, and may entice motorists to stop, stretch their legs and discover someplace new.

You can order the guides online (autographed):
www.smartshoppingmontreal.com
www.drivei95.com
Tel: 514-684-4020 (If you want to make arrangements to buy in person)

Lola Jeans is a contemporary denim brand located in Montreal but with an e-commerce only address.

For one day only, Boxing Day, they will be having a 50% off sale on all their Fall & holiday styles. It is a great time to stock up on their jeans for the whole female side of the family.

They believe that all women are beautiful and inspiring, no matter what their shape or size.
They are known for their Pull On jeans, which have the look and feel of their best-selling classics without the hassle. Expect detailed stitching, comfy 4-way stretch fabric and an amazing fit. Their Pull On Jeans creations flatten your tummy and hug your curves.

Lola Jeans supports the pink ribbon campaign and will until every woman affected is healed. Since the beginning of their business journey, they have donated over $50,000 towards this cause, and proudly continue to contribute.

Lola says “Embrace your curves – beauty is not defined by the size of your jeans”.

Location: 1625 rue Chabanel, Unit 725, Montreal H4N 2S7
Dates: Dec 26 ONLY
Times: 12AM to 11:59PM EST
FB: http://on.fb.me/1HYLWuv
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/lolajeansdotca/
Twitter: www.twitter.com/@lolajeansdotca
Tel: 514-954-8552 or 888-954-8552

From Dec 26-Jan 3 you can grab some of the hottest deals in town when you stop by Surplus on boul. St-Laurent. You will find clothing and accessories for the whole family there, and you will definitely bump into the following labels: Diesel, Scotch & Soda, Maison Scotch, Lucky 7, Lyle & Scott, G-Star Raw, Carerra, HS, Kuwallatee, Superdry, SullyWong, Paige, Gsus, Levis, Dockers and more.

Everything must go at this sale, so why not help them along with some shopping.

Location: 5168 boul St-Laurent H2T 1R8
corner: rue Fairmont
Tel: 514-948-5005
Date: Dec 26-Jan 3
Time: Mon-Wed 10-6, Thurs & Fri 10-9, Sat & Sun 10-5:30
Metro: Station Laurier
http://www.surplusmtl.com
FB: www.facebook.com/surplusmtl
Instagram: www.instagram.com/surplusmtl
Twitter: www.twitter.com/surplusmtl

Around since 2000, Golden Elite Deco Center is a distributor and manufacturer of wooden flooring and vanities. The showroom features flooring, doors, vanities, kitchens, tiles (mosaic tiles, marble tiles and decking tiles) and adhesives selling at warehouse prices.

The types of flooring they sell: hardwood flooring 3/4?, engineered flooring 1/2?, laminate flooring 12.3mm and 8mm, engineered floating floor and vinyl floors. The floors have 10-14 layers of varnish, 1 layer of aluminum oxide anti-scratch and are precision milled (installers love installing their wood because of the milling).

Since they are the manufacturer, you skip the expense of a middle-man so expect savings between 25%-40% which is quite good. Their sales staff is quite knowledgeable as they know the manufacturing process from A to Z, as well as details concerning maintenance, sanding, refinishing and installation.

For one day only, Dec. 26, they will be paying both taxes on any and everything in the store. Stock up now for great savings. This is only applicable to in-store purchases – not on line.
Locations: 88 Brunswick Blvd, DDO; St-Hubert: 3929 boul. Taschereau
corner: (DDO location): rue Tecumseh
Tel: DDO: 514-243-8860 or 888-MGA-8844; St-Hubert: 450-486-3929 or 438-396-4143
Hours: Mon-Wed 8-6, Thurs & Fri 8-8, Sat 10-5
Dates: Dec 26 ONLY
www.goldenelitedeco.com
FB: http://on.fb.me/Zg3Ep7
www.twitter.com/planchersbois

Mega Vente d’Entrepot is a warehouse with incredible savings. Snowsuits (for temperatures as low as -35) for kids from sizes 3-18 are only $49. Adults who wear sizes from petite to 3TG can buy warm winter jackets for $69. Sheet sets in single, double, Queen and even King sizes are ridiculously low at only $22 a set.

Mention 24 hours and get 2 winter accessories ( hat, scarf, mitten or gloves), with any purchase of a snowsuit or coat.

Please note that the Kirkland store will be permanently closing on Dec. 26.

They have 5 locations, so no matter where you are in the city, you are close to their deals.
Locations: 120 Boul. St. Joseph, Lachine QC H8S 2L3 (514-637-1116); St-Leonard, 8235 Boul. Langelier (514-223-0510); Greenfield Park, 3259 boul Taschereau (514-226-1497); Kirkland, 3570 boul. St-Charles H9H3C3 (514-238-0705); Vaudreuil, 3100 Rte Harwood J7V8P2 (450-566-5266) Centre d’Achats Hudson
Hours: Kirkland and Vaudreuil: closed Tues, Wed 10-6, Thurs & Fri 10-8
Rest of stores: Mon-Wed 10-6, Thurs & Fri 10-8, Sat 10-5, Sun 11-5
www.megaventemontreal.com
FB: www.facebook.com/megavente

Denim Kings is a retail store which specializes in the hottest men and women’s premium denims and designer clothing, always discounted. Their Boxing Day Sale will last a whole week, so you have plenty of time to scoot over and save an additional 25%-60% off great labels such as G-Star Raw, Rudsak, Arctic North, Pajar Canada, Moose Knuckles, Rock Revival, Soia and Kyo, Palladium, Toboggan, Noize, Red Wing Shoes, Converse, Diesel,  and lots more.

For men size 28-40 and women size 23-32 you will find a vast selection of jeans, shirts, jackets, belts, shoes, hats and jewelry. Whether you’re looking for something trendy or classic, they are well equipped to suit your fashionable needs.

Location: 8575 St-Laurent, Montreal H2P 2M9
corner: de Liege
Tel: 514-750-3288
Hours: Mon-Wed 11-6, Thurs & Fri 11-8, Sat 11-5, Sun 12-5
Dates: Dec 26-Jan 3
Metro: Station Cremazie
www.denimkings.com
Facebook: http://on.fb.me/1WFEE5z
Twitter: www.twitter.com/DenimKings
Instagram: www.intsagram/DenimKings

When you want to revitalize your decor with new accessories, look no further than Décors Véronneau. To start with, they have an immense selection of plants and artificial flowers, along with the pots and vases for both indoor and outdoor foliage arrangements.

Their extensive lines of decorative items include: hand-painted paintings, wall hangings, creative mirrors, accent pieces, lamps, rugs and colourful throws and cushions.

Search no further if you are looking for that special something to make your room come alive: wall murals, trunks, sculptures, tables, colored wicker balls, rugs, animal skins rugs, clocks, candles and holders and even home fragrances.

With their expert design team, the company can help both residential and commercial customers with any indoor or outdoor projects. Advice is available on decorating, home staging or an entire renovation project.

Over the years Décors Véronneau has built a wonderful reputation designing artistic and majestic Christmas decorations. Go in and meet the holiday specialists in this city.

Call upon one of their designers/decorators to create a unique & personal setting to suit you. Whether it be for Christmas trees, wreaths, garlands, custom creations, decorations, goblins or original ornaments, Véronneau is the place to shop. Décors Véronneau also offers delivery and installation services. Just inquire!

Their Boxing Day sale has already started, so take advantage of the savings. They are selling selected Christmas merchandise at 50% off right now.

Locations: Laval, 2965 Boul. Le Courbusier H7L 3M3 (450-680-1989), Terrebonne, 1200 Ave Yves-Blais J6V 1P7 (450-585-555?); Grandby, 922 Rue Principale J2G 2Z4 (450-991-1554); Quartier DIX30, 8240 Boul.Leduc J4Y 0K7 (450-678-5060)
www.veronneau.com
FB: https://www.facebook.com/decorsveronneau/?ref=ts
Twitter: www.twitter.com/veronneaudeco

At  TifClip, you can buy professional hair care products and tools like Argan Oil, Babyliss Pro, Biosilk, Dikson, Lakmé,  Pravana, Marrakesh Oil…which the salons use and you can too,  if you shop here at their new location on St-Denis. Styling products such as boar’s hair and ceramic brushes, clippers and trimmers, gels, waxes can be found.

Hair salon quality electrical appliances are available such as blowdryers, flat irons, curling iron, hotrollers, clippers ( Andis, Avanti, Babyliss Pro, Chi, Dannyco, Elchim, Gama, Miracurl, Parlux,Oster, Whal, Zazen )

Professionnal hair dye (Dikson, Fantasy colors) and free consultation is offer and a repair service for your electricals is also available!

Take note that all the taxes are included in the prices

Location: 3901 rue Saint-Denis, Montreal QC H2W 2M4 Click for map 
corner: rue Roy est
Tel: 514-288-4411
Hours Mon-Fri 10-6, Sat 11-5
www.tifclip.com