Montreal, the largest city in the province of Quebec and the second largest city in Canada, is known for its rich history and unique European architecture. Right behind Paris, Montreal is also the largest French-speaking city. But did you know Montreal is home to some unique and popular thrift stores, too?
From historic Old Montreal to the unique Underground City, thrifting in Montreal can benefit both you and your wallet. Plus, it's a sustainable practice that's great for the environment. If you're in the area and considering a day of thrifting, here are 10 shops worth a stop in Montreal.
CRTBLNCHSHP
1136 Mont-Royal Ave E, Montreal, Quebec H2J 1X8, Canada
If you're looking for a pre-owned brand-name handbag, look no further than Cart Blanche Shop, otherwise known as CRTBLNCHSHP. Known as the shop for “luxury consignment,” this boutique features high-end products from clothing to accessories and purses. Each item is authenticated and shoppers can also rent instead of purchasing if they're looking for short-term use of an item. Additionally, products can be purchased online and reviewers are happy with this shop's stellar customer service.
If you're looking to sell your gently used luxury items, you can send an email with photos to the shop. They'll review your photos and let you know if they can accept your items. Because the products need to be in great condition, they do not accept drop-offs or walk-ins.
Boutique Swing
151 Ave des Pins, Montreal, Quebec H2W 1N9, Canada
Also known as “Friperie Swing,” Boutique Swing is a vintage and retro clothing store located in Montreal. The shop features high-end clothing and accessories with a rock and roll vibe due to the owner's experience working with theaters and musicians. Items found at the store include an authentic Levi's jean jacket, black leather cowboy boots, and Italian leather handbags. Customers can also see what's available on the store's website or social media pages.
If you're interested in selling your items there, you can contact the owner through his website.
Retyche
Sortie Citrine, 2305 Rockland Rd, Mount Royal, Quebec H3P 3E9, Canada
Another luxury second-hand shop in Montreal is Retyche. This shop only carries authentic, gently used, brand-name items and features everything from handbags to clothing and shoes. They guarantee the authenticity of each item through their staff of experts and they gather a second opinion through AI technology. Additionally, the store has a solid community of content creators who regularly shop and share about it.
If you'd like to sell your luxury items through consignment with the shop, you can walk in any time during store hours. Retyche also offers up to 70% back on your authentic items.
Eva B.
2015 St Laurent Blvd, Montreal, Quebec H2X 2T3, Canada
A well-known and artistic thrift shop in downtown Montreal is Eva B. This store is unique in that its exterior reflects the history of the area and the outer brick wall is covered in graffiti. Once you walk in, you'll notice that the main level reflects mostly vintage finds while the second floor offers extremely affordable contemporary clothing options. Additionally, Eva B. is unique in that it has a cafe. Shoppers can experience a light lunch along with $1 espressos outside during the summer months.
The shop offers in-store credit for those who are looking to bring in items to sell. A buyer will review each item and let you know what they can take. As an additional step in providing goodwill to others, Eva B. will donate any of your clothing items that they can't take.
The Little Shop
1002 Av. Ogilvy, Montréal, QC H3N 1P5, Canada
The Little Shop is a vintage thrift store open Wednesday-Sunday in Montreal. While small in size and located in a residential neighborhood, The Little Shop features three stories of various vintage finds. From books to clothing, fur coats, quilts, home goods, and even wedding dresses, this store does not disappoint! In fact, The Montreal Gazette coins it, “Montreal's Best Kept Secret.” The Little Shop was originally opened over 60 years ago by Ann Silverstone. It's been kept alive by her daughter and offers a little something special for everyone.
Local 23 x Annex
5364 St Laurent Blvd, Montreal, Quebec H2T 1S1, Canada
Located in the Mile End neighborhood is Annex Vintage. This store is part of the Local 23 brand and offers vintage finds from the 50s through the 90s. You can also find art, accessories, jewelry, self-care items, and locally sourced goods within the store. Additionally, Annex is especially known for its sourced vintage finds, primarily from the 90s. New items arrive each day, so there's always something to see here. You can also shop online through the shop's website.
If you're looking to sell your gently used vintage items, contact the store to find out more information on what they'll take and how they accept items.
Citizen Vintage
5330 St Laurent Blvd, Montreal, Quebec H2T 1S1, Canada
Another shop located in Mile End is Citizen Vintage. This store features upcycled and gently used high-end vintage finds. You can also shop for home goods at accessories at Citizen Vintage. Additionally, the founders place a large importance on sustainable items and even began their own handmade line of clothing called Studio Citizen. This line of clothing features dead-stock fabric which prevents new fabric or materials from needing to be created for their clothing. The store is broken into three sections, including vintage and used clothing, local artistic items, and the Studio Citizen line.
The owners enjoy hand-picking all of the items in person, so they do not accept donations or consignment items.
Empire Exchange
5225 St Laurent Blvd, Montreal, Quebec H2T 1S4, Canada
As a sister store to Annex Vintage, Empire Exchange is also operated by the Local 23 brand. There are two shops in Montreal: One in Mile End (next to Annex), which opened in 2023, and one in Little Italy, which opened in 2018. The goal of the store is to offer gently used items a second life as well as feature local artisan goods that give their shops a boutique vibe. Additionally, items can be purchased online through the Annex Vintage website.
If you're looking to sell your clean and high-quality items to Empire, the store will offer cash or in-store credit for your items. Be sure to book an appointment before coming in and check out the list of items the buyers will take on the website.
Shwap Club
4710 St-Ambroise #265, Montréal, QC H4C 3C7, Canada
Shwap Club is a unique thrift experience where you pay a member fee for the club, but are then allowed to buy, sell, and trade items with other members. At their St. Henri location, which features adult clothing and accessories, members simply bring their items during store hours. The items are then reviewed and whatever is “purchased” by the store is provided as a credit to the seller, who can then use the money to purchase something from the store.
If you're looking to sell or “shwap” your gently used clothing, be sure to check the store's website for specifications on what they'll accept. You'll also need to check the store hours as you can only trade items when they're open, not by appointment.
Kitsch'n Swell
4065 St Laurent Blvd, Montreal, Quebec H2W 1Y7, Canada
With a 1950s pinup and vintage vibe, Kitsch'n Swell is a unique thrift shop. The store is known as the “largest retro, pin-up, rockabilly clothing store in Quebec.” Kitsch'n Swell offers varying collections from “1960 Barbie” to “Western” and “Career Lady.” Additionally, the shop is known for its focus on body positivity for women and celebrates all sizes. Beyond clothing, the store also offers accessories, shoes, and men's clothing that can be purchased online as well.
Final Thoughts
While there are several fun and exciting things to enjoy in Montreal, thrifting is a great option and one that can be enjoyed in several places throughout the city. The shops we've discussed here offer everything from donated, gently used items to unique vintage pieces. We hope you enjoy your thrifting experience in Montreal!
The image featured at the top of this post is ©Anna Svetlova/Shutterstock.com.