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Most shops are open 10am to 6pm, Monday to Saturday (often later on Thursday). Department stores and shops in malls and commercial districts may keep longer hours, from 10am to 9pm, Monday to Saturday, and from noon to 5pm on Sunday. Widely observed retail holidays are Christmas, January 1, July 1, Labour Day, and Thanksgiving.

MasterCard, American Express, and Visa credit cards are widely accepted, Diner’s Club and Discovery less so. Bank debit cards compatible with the Interac, Plus, or Cirrus systems are also widely accepted. You will need your PIN.

Look for end-of-season savings on merchandise. Excellent savings are to be had on Boxing Day (December 26), when prices at many stores are reduced dramatically. Discounted items (and sometimes even those at full price) may not be returnable, or may be exchanged only, and within a certain time period. Be sure to ask about the return policy before making a purchase.

Toronto’s two department store chains, The Bay and Sears, carry practically everything. The smaller Holt Renfrew sells high-end clothing and accessories.

The largest downtown mall is Eaton Centre. Other malls are Queen’s Quay Terminal, Hazelton Lanes, Manulife Centre, College Park, and the network of malls on the PATH system.

Music giant HMV has a huge selection. For local flavor and good prices, visit Sam the Record Man. Classical and jazz lovers should head to L’Atelier Grigorian. For vinyl, try Kops Records.

Chapters, Indigo, and BookCity have good selections and many locations. Other excellent bookshops are Nicolas Hoare for architecture and art, Open Air Books & Maps for maps and travel guides, Pages Books & Magazines for contemporary literature, and Bakka-Phoenix Books for science fiction.

Sales of alcohol are restricted to LCBO (Liquor Control Board of Ontario) outlets (wine, spirits, and beer), the Beer Store (beer and coolers), and the Wine Rack (selected Ontario wines).

Small shops selling cigarettes, toiletry necessities, cold drinks, snacks and fresh produce, and lottery tickets are ubiquitous in Toronto. Many also sell transit tickets.

Books and groceries are exempt from the 8 percent PST (provincial sales tax), but most other items are subject to up to 15 percent sales tax (see Taxes). International visitors who have spent over $200 are entitled to a refund of the 7 percent GST (goods and services tax) within 60 days of purchase, excluding GST levied on restaurant meals, drinks, tobacco, and transport. Save your receipts.