Written by: Tara Mehr
When it comes to the fashion industry, over-consumption of clothing is an urgent problem that actively contributes to the climate crisis and exploitation of workers. Keeping up with fashion trends is a daunting task, and fast fashion retailers like Shein make it easy for consumers to buy clothing that is fashionably up-to-date and cheap. Shein is an e-commerce platform, with headquarters in Singapore, that is valued at $100 billion dollars and has been consistently criticized for its unethical and inhumane working conditions, unsustainable fashion practices, poor quality clothing, and plagiarizing clothing designs. Shein has made profits primarily online, however, on March 23rd of this year, Canada opened up its first in-person pop-up Shein store in Toronto’s Eaton Centre. Other pop-up Shein stores are being planned throughout North America, and I for one am not happy about the increased attention and profits this will generate for the highly problematic company. At the same time, I understand the appeal: patchwork print pants for $10, full swimsuit sets for $18, and $8 knit halter tops? The prices are scarily low, but they reflect the unethical business practices used to sustain such high profits with those cheap prices.
Just in case Montreal ends up opening a pop-up Shein store, or you feel inclined to have an online shopping spree and happen upon Shein’s website, below you will find a list of thrift shops in Montreal that can help to revamp your wardrobe on a budget without supporting fast-fashion retailers. The production of clothing uses excessive amounts of water and harmful chemicals, and while there is an overproduction of clothing in the fashion industry, old clothing items are still ending up in large landfills. This is why thrift stores offer a more environmentally friendly and ethical alternative. Along with presenting countless fashion possibilities, purchasing second-hand helps to diminish our environmental waste by reducing energy consumption and lowering our carbon footprint. Thrifting may be less convenient than clicking “add to cart” online, but I promise that the thrill of buying a perfect thrift find is way more rewarding!
Eva B
Address: 2015 St Laurent Blvd, Montreal, Quebec H2X 2T3
Website: https://boutiqueevab.com/
Fun fact: They also have a sister store nearby called Eva D on 1611 St Laurent Blvd !
Marché Floh
Address: 4301 Saint Denis St, Montreal, Quebec H2J 2K9
Website: https://www.marchefloh.com/
Fun fact: Marché Floh sells super cute $10 tote bags as merch! I’ve had mine for a year and it's still in good condition
The Gallery
Address: 5584a Sherbrooke St W, Montreal, Quebec H4A 1W3
Fun fact: Everything in the store is $35 or less!
Friperie Renaissance Pie-IX
Address: 2030 Pie-IX Blvd, Montreal, Quebec H1V 2C8
Website: https://renaissancequebec.ca/fr/
Fun fact: This thrift store is right across from the next store on this list! (the value village)
Value Village
Address: 2033 Pie-IX Blvd, Montreal, Quebec H1V 2C9
Website: https://magasinage.villagedesvaleurs.com/qc/montreal/villagedesvaleurs-magasin-doccasions-2015.html
Fun fact: There is another value village near the Jean Talon market but it is temporarily closed right now
Cul-De-Sac
Address: 3794 St Laurent Blvd, Montreal, Quebec H2W 1X6
Fun fact: I always get complimented on a dickies jacket that I found at Cul De Sac!
KILOfripe
Address: 3800 St Laurent Blvd, Montreal, Quebec H2W 1X6
Website: https://kilofripe.com/
Fun fact: If you're lucky, you may be able to find a good fur coat here!
Nuage Collectif Vintage
Address: 222 Rue Rachel E, Montréal, QC H2W 1E3
Fun fact: Don’t be fooled by the small size of the store, since it also has a basement filled with more vintage clothing too! Note that this store is on the pricey side, unfortunately, but has a unique style!
Hadio
Address: 314 Mont-Royal Ave E, Montreal, Quebec H2T 1P7
Website: https://hadio.com/another-home/
Fun fact: This store has a huge selection of clothing with plenty to dig through, so skip your gym arm day and go to Hadio instead!
Boutique Swing
Address: 151 Ave des Pins, Montreal, Quebec H2W 1N9
Website: https://boutiqueswing.com/
Fun fact: The curated vintage finds are largely inspired by theatre
Sources
Fressynet, I. (2022, December 1). An inside look at Shein: The $100 billion fast fashion brand
where factory staff work 75-hour weeks. Euronews.
Gest-rip-off-since-fast-fashion-was-born
(n.d.). How Thrifting Is Good for the Planet. Thrift Superstore.
https://www.2ndavestores.com/blog/how-thrifting-is-good-for-the-planet/
O'Neil, L. (2023, March 11). SHEIN is opening a store at the Eaton Centre in Toronto but there's
a catch. Ethically Dressed.
https://www.blogto.com/fashion_style/2023/03/shein-toronto-eaton-centre/
(2022, August 1). 6 Reasons You Should Never Shop at Shein. Ethically Dressed.
https://ethically-dressed.com/6-reasons-you-should-never-shop-at-shein/
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