Montreal’s grocery landscape is about to get more affordable with the arrival of Liquidation Marie, a new discount food store opening its doors this week in the Saint-Léonard borough. As a journalist who’s covered Montreal’s cost of living challenges for years, I’ve witnessed firsthand how rising food prices have strained household budgets across our city.
Walking through the soon-to-open space yesterday during a media preview, I was struck by the warehouse-style setup with its straightforward approach. Unlike the polished aisles of major supermarket chains, Liquidation Marie embraces a no-frills environment where savings take center stage.
“We’re here to make food affordable again for Montrealers,” explains owner Marie Trottier, who previously operated several convenience stores across the island. “When I saw how many families were struggling just to put food on the table, I knew I needed to create something different.”
The store’s business model focuses on purchasing surplus inventory, items approaching best-before dates, and products with packaging changes at steep discounts from suppliers. These savings are then passed directly to shoppers, with prices typically 30-50% below mainstream grocery chains.
During my tour, I spotted familiar brand names selling for a fraction of their usual cost. A package of pasta priced at $1.29 instead of $3.99. Premium coffee at $4.99 rather than $12.99. Fresh produce bins filled with perfectly good fruits and vegetables at remarkable discounts.
Consumer advocate Jean Bergeron from Montreal’s Food Price Watch sees the opening as a welcome development. “With inflation hitting grocery bills particularly hard, discount options like this provide essential relief for many households,” he told me. “The timing couldn’t be better.”
The store’s location at 4575 Jarry East was specifically chosen to serve communities where food affordability has become increasingly challenging. According to recent Statistics Canada data, Quebec grocery prices have increased by nearly 11% over the past year, with some staples rising even more dramatically.
What strikes me as particularly innovative is the store’s dynamic pricing model. Items approaching their best-before dates will see their prices reduced further, sometimes by up to 70% off retail. The stock will change frequently based on what’s available from suppliers.
“Everything is perfectly good to eat,” Trottier assures me as we examine a display of yogurt set to expire in two weeks, priced at just 50 cents per cup. “We’re fighting food waste while helping people save money.”
Saint-Léonard resident Martine Côté, who received a sneak peek during yesterday’s preview, expressed enthusiasm about the new addition to her neighborhood. “I’m a single mom with three kids. This place will make a real difference in my weekly budget,” she said while filling her basket with discounted essentials.
The store isn’t just focusing on packaged goods. A modest but practical fresh produce section features fruits and vegetables that might have slight cosmetic imperfections but remain perfectly nutritious. I noticed apples with minor blemishes selling for less than half the price of their “perfect” counterparts elsewhere.
Liquidation Marie joins a growing movement of food retailers addressing both affordability and sustainability. The Conseil québécois du commerce de détail notes that interest in alternative grocery models has surged by over 40% since 2020, reflecting changing consumer priorities.
While wandering through the aisles, I couldn’t help but think about my grandmother’s approach to food. Born during the Depression, she taught me that appearance matters far less than quality and value. Liquidation Marie seems built on this same practical wisdom.
The store officially opens Thursday at 8 a.m., with the first 100 customers receiving additional discounts. Based on social media response and community interest, Trottier expects a significant turnout.
“We’re already planning to expand to other Montreal neighborhoods if this location proves successful,” she mentions as we conclude our tour. “Every community deserves access to affordable food.”
As many Montrealers continue juggling rising housing costs, transportation expenses, and grocery bills, initiatives like Liquidation Marie
