The Best Thrift Shops in Montreal to Score Second-Hand Gems

Montreal is a hub for chic French fashion, so it’s no surprise that the city is filled with to the brim with unique thrift shops. Looking for a retro piece to add to your growing vintage collection? Or maybe you need to refresh your closet by trading your clothes for someone else’s? There’s a shop for that. And it probably also sells quirky stationary and locally-made t-shirts.

Our Localist correspondent Sophie Boissinot-Tremblay rounded up the best thrift shops in Montreal where you’ll find old school leather jackets, indie artist pieces and cowboy boots. Scroll down to find out where you can upgrade your spring wardrobe with bomb pieces on a budget. Not in La Belle Ville but itching for a new vintage find? These are the best thrift shops from Vancouver to Halifax. Happy shopping!

Kitsch’n Swell

Address: 4065 St. Laurent Blvd., @boutiquekitschnswell Vibe: Step into a rockabilly dream courtesy of Kitsch’n Swell. The retro clothes will bring a smile to your face and the staff is super friendly and helpful. What you’ll find: Perfectly tailored dresses and amazing cowboy boots.

Empire Exchange

Address: 51 Bernard St. West, 5225 Blvd Saint-Laurent, empiremtl.com Vibe: This buy-sell-trade store makes a great alternative to a clothing exchange. You can sell or trade your unwanted clothes and then browse and fall for Empire’s great selection of pre-loved pieces. They also carry a selection of locally made T-shirts, stationary and beauty products. What you’ll find: Denim overalls, soy candles and adorable pins.

Citizen Vintage

Address: 5330 Saint-Laurent Blvd., @citizenvintage Vibe: If you’re looking for a curated thrift shop, this is the place to go in Montreal. If you love any era from the ‘60s to the ‘90s, you’ll have the best time hanging out in this cute shop and having a chat with owners Lara and Becky. What you’ll find: ‘80s cropped leather jackets and vintage furs.

Annex Vintage

Address: 56 Saint-Viateur St. West, annexvintage.com Vibe: After your Sunday bagel run, your next stop has to be Annex Vintage. This cute shop carries all your thrift dreams, from suede skirts to Hudson’s Bay stripes to retro Adidas sweats. What you’ll find: A curated selection of indie artists’ products, as well as vintage leather boots and jackets.