1 – Many of us have heard the word Chabanel or shopping at Chabanel, where is it and why bother to go all the way there to shop?

– It’s the name of a street, a district, and a nickname for the Montreal clothing industry
– Chabanel St is north of the Met, off of boul. St-Laurent. There are 7 buildings which are numbered from #99 to #555
– Manufacturers, now distributors, sell direct to public -samples, liquidation and stuff not sold elsewhere.

2 – When can we shop there?

– Sat morn about 9-1
– Be prepared that some may not open that week;  it’s all on the whim of owner. You may find new ones that were not open the last time you were there.
– Certain spots open during week 9-5, like  the 4th floor of the #99 building, or lunch hours or Thurs & Fri 10-4 or whatever they feel like.
– It’s a bit like a treasure hunt.

3 – How is shopping different there?

– You have to look for signs on doors, building entrances, posted on walls, near or in elevators. Sometimes there are people  giving out the flyers.
Check entire showroom, outfits get split up or great,  sample racks might be  in back.
Prices are not always marked, just ask.
Buy immediately. It might not be there when you return

4- Is there a way to approach this for beginners?

– Dress for easy try-ons. You will be probably using a bathroom, an office, or an area behind a curtain (which might be communal).
– I like to wear a money belt so I’m all hand’s free.
– It might seem a bit overwhelming at first, but once you find favorites, those are the ones you’ll go back to next time. – Perhaps think of the first visit there as just exploratory.
– Take elevator to top and work down by staircase

5 – Just how good are the bargains?

Taxes are usually  included and prices can be up to 90% off.

– Bargaining can work here. But when prices are already at $5, $10, you don’t have to if you are uncomfortable.
– Cash (tax included) is usually the method of payment – and no returns
– Last week I bought 2 men’s polo shirts, 1 ladies sweater and a digital thermometer for $12!