Valentino’s: One of the few Remaining Community Stores

Situated at the corner of Sherbrooke and Girouard in NDG, the little place is inviting

Contact Staff

Around Montreal, Lloyd Miller is known as a true community man, renowned for his involvement in sports and as an event organizer. But more than anything he considers himself a true entrepreneur and takes pride in the little emporium, Valentino Hair and Beauty Supplies, at the corner of Girouard Avenue and Sherbrooke Street, which he established in NDG over the last 15 years.
Miller told the CONTACT that the outlet is a little bit of a treasure trove for those looking for a community experience in a store.
“What’s important about this store is that Montrealers can pick up little things in here that they can’t find anywhere else around the city. Also, it’s a one-stop shop for people interested in hair and beauty.”
The place houses a hair salon operated by popular stylist, Carol Cameron, and a barbershop with Flagga, another community favorite at the back. It is laid out nicely with rows of well-stocked shelves of hair and supplies and a full compliment of weaves, wigs and other hairpieces covering the walls.
It’s also a haven for people in search of authentic Jamaican prints with a full range of T-shirt, sweaters, dresses and footwear carrying the Brand Jamaica label.
Miller, a former accounts manager with Kraft Food, launched the business as Valentino Trading in 2000 selling a variety of Jamaican teas. As the years passed, and with dwindling demand for his teas, he broadened the scope of the products on the stage.
Today, his primary focus is on hair and beauty supplies, but he says there’s a lot more to offer Montrealers looking for authentic gifts for the upcoming holidays. He also operates as a travel agent representing the Royal Caravan Travel and Tours from the store.
In his more than 40 years in Montreal, Miller has made himself a cornerstone of the Jamaican community here, as a long-serving member of the Jamaica Association of Montreal, where he was one of the early organizers of Jamaica Day.
He also served extensively with the Montreal Cultural and Social Organization (MCSO) where, although he is in his 60s, he remains one of the top cricketers.
He invites Montrealers to drop by the place at 5480 Sherbrooke and experience one of the few remaining community stores.
Reach him at 514-485-5225.