When Montrealers say "Chabanel," they mean the eight-block stretch just west of boulevard St-Laurent, which is the heart of the city's garment district. The factories and shops here are tiny -- dozens of them are crammed into each building -- and the goods seem to get more stylish and more expensive the farther west you go. For really inexpensive leather goods, sportswear, children's togs, and linens, try the shops at 99 rue Chabanel; 555 rue Chabanel has more deluxe options. The manufacturers and importers at 555 have their work areas on the upper floors and have transformed the mezzanine into a glitzy mall with bargains in men's suits, winter coats, knit goods, and stylish leather jackets. Many of the city's furriers have also moved into the area. A few places on Chabanel accept credit cards, but bring cash anyway. If you pay in cash, the price will often include the tax. From the Crémazie Métro station, take Bus 53 north.
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