Best Supermarkets in Quebec
Metro, Loblaws, Walmart, and Costco are also available in Ontario and probably in other provinces.
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IGA
IGA prices and product quality are almost the same as Metro, Provigo, and Loblaws. The prices in these four supermarkets aren't the lowest, but the quality is usually very good. These are mid-range prices. These stores often have good products on sale, and it's best to buy expensive items when they are discounted.
However, these supermarkets offer different additional services. IGA is my number one choice because they offer extras that make them the best for me.
IGA extra services:
1. They offer free delivery (minimum purchase required - $45).
2. They accept phone orders (costs $4) with a minimum purchase of $45, but delivery is still free.
3. They accept internet orders (you can pick up your items yourself or request free delivery for purchases over $45).
4. They have a weekly flyer with promotions (both paper and online).
5. They issue rain check coupons valid for one month.
6. They offer cash back, with amounts sometimes larger than in other stores.
7. They participate in the Air Miles program, allowing you to earn points.
8. Their deli counter offers more freshly cooked, ready-to-eat products.
9. They have in-store bakeries, and most items, like bread, cakes, and muffins, are usually fresh.
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Provigo
Extras:
1. They offer paid delivery, which costs $6 (minimum purchase required - $25).
2. They have a weekly flyer with promotions (paper and online).
3. They issue rain check coupons valid for one month.
4. I think they offer cash back, but I'm not sure.
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Loblaws
Loblaws prices and products are similar to Provigo. Some products may be a bit cheaper at Loblaws, but the difference is usually only a few cents. The main difference is that, unlike Provigo, Loblaws does not offer delivery.
Extras:
1. They have a weekly flyer with promotions (paper and online).
2. They issue rain check coupons valid for one month.
3. They have rewards programs.
4. I think they offer cash back, but I'm not certain.
Negatives:
They do not offer delivery.
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Metro
Metro offers mid-range to high prices, with good product quality and service. They also provide more variety. Their stores have a wine shop, deli, bakery, floral shop, fish counter, and an extensive line of health products. In some locations, they even sell beer. Metro is slightly more expensive than my top three: IGA, Provigo, and Loblaws.
Extras:
1. They participate in the Air Miles program, where you can earn points.
2. They have a weekly flyer with promotions (paper and online).
3. They issue rain check coupons valid for one month.
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Walmart
Walmart offers significantly lower prices than the stores I've previously discussed. They probably have the lowest average prices, but some items can be expensive. For example, Walmart usually has the highest cost for pork tenderloin, so don't expect to find it for $8-9/kg there.
Extras:
1. They have a weekly flyer with promotions (paper and online).
Negatives:
1. They do not offer delivery.
2. You may not have a Walmart store close to where you live.
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Super C
Super C offers lower prices with decent product quality.
Extras:
1. They have a weekly flyer with promotions (paper and online).
2. They offer cash back.
Negatives:
- No delivery.
- The deli counter offers only whole BBQ chicken (but it's warm).
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No Frills
No Frills has the lowest average prices, close to Walmart. I don't have a No Frills store in my neighborhood, but I've visited one twice. It's an OK store.
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Maxi
Maxi is similar to Super C, offering lower prices and decent product quality.
Extras:
1. They have a weekly flyer with promotions (paper and online).
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Costco