18 Best Places to Shop in Montreal, Quebec

Featured in publications like The Guardian, GQ and Goop, this authentically retro locale is a hipster's dream. Little has changed on the building's main floor, with the old, scuffed up brownish gray terrazzo flooring still in attendance and few embellishments made to the premises. The focus here is on the clothing and other products like leather goods, apothecary and homewares, each item handpicked for quality, craftsmanship and the story behind the brand. In addition to their own locally produced in-house brand, Clark Street Mercantile sources casual and classic men's clothing from labels like Portuguese Flannel, La Paz, and orSlow; apothecary from Rockwell, Groom and Baxter; and other lifestyle products, including books, from Barebones, Kinto, and Monocle.

Tucked away in a basement, the tiny "Second Skin" sells a fine assortment of French lingerie. It's hard to miss the curvy mannequins in their ground-floor window, adorned in the likes of Aubade, Chantelle, and Prima Donna. While you're feeling brave and beautiful, kill two birds with one stone and try on a bathing suit from the shop's tasteful collection of French, Spanish, and Australian designers.

Owner Julie Pesant has stocked her boutique with top-quality Montréal-made-and-designed dresses in a multitude of styles that can easily be dressed up or down with a simple change of accessories. From peplums to lace, satin to jersey, long and short, they're all here.

For a taste of the old Main, where generations of immigrants came to shop, look no farther than this deli packed with sausages, cheeses, European chocolates, jams, and loads of atmosphere. Pick up a rich shot of espresso on your way out. Call ahead as hours vary seasonally.

A fixture on boulevard St-Laurent since 1964, this is your one-stop shop for all things Spanish and Latin American in Montréal. The name is really a misnomer today since few books are sold here anymore. However, the friendly staff at this unpretentious establishment sell just about everything else from Spanish and Latin American foods to ceramic ware and cookware to flamenco shoes and a large assortment of espadrilles.

Sleek, supple leather clothing and bags from the Québec designer Frédéric Mamarbachi have a cult following from Antwerp to Tokyo. The rough-hewn wood floors and concrete walls of this branch give it an industrial-chic vibe.

Everyone from casual readers to serious book collectors will find something at this Mile End gem, where the stacks of literature are complemented by a vast selection of books on philosophy, science, and religion. The owner and his employees are friendly and well-read.

This multilevel labyrinth of affordable housewares is filled with fine and funky designs for the kitchen, bath, and living room. There is also an outpost on Monkland, in NDG.

Set in an old button factory, this retro, multipurpose space (boutique, design/sewing workshop, and sewing school) makes and sells simple and sustainable clothing for women, men, and children, as well as toys, underwear, and homewares. Having embraced the concept of a circular economy, many of their products, such as pencil cases and bags, are made from recycled scraps of organic cotton and linen, sometimes even turning these into pulp to make lamp shades. atelier b also produces made to order pieces and does repairs and alterations.

When Nicole Kidman wore one of this designer's zip denim dresses, Judith Desjardins's star was set. The designer has a penchant for all things British, so look for cheeky checks and plaids.

This boutique stocks romantic, lacy, and affordable finds from local and international designers, including Arti Gogna and Champagne & Strawberry. With everything white—hardwood floors, couches, and armoires—the boudoir vibe is irresistible. Just look for the pink-and-black cameo signage. The name comes from the smaller branch at 1861 rue Ste-Catherine.

If you're a believer in buying stylish upcycled clothing, then this Mile End vintage boutique has your name on it. Bright, spacious, and carefully curated by the owners (who scour North America for their finds), this store makes shopping easy, as everything is arranged by color. The stock changes almost daily, so don't feel you can only visit once. There's a second location in the Plateau at 4059 boul. Saint-Laurent

The Mile End neighborhood earned its reputation for all things cool with funky shops like this one. The natural-hue clothes—most by local designers—are feminine and elegant, and owner Jennifer Glasgow sells her eponymous clothing line here. The location on The Main is warm and welcoming, with exposed brick and intricately patterned floors.

This company's snowy owl trademark has become something of a status symbol among the shivering urban masses. The Québec-made coats and parkas sold here are built to keep an Arctic explorer warm and dry. Try on coats in a variety of styles and lengths, with optional fur hoodies. Rain gear is also available.

With sizes running from 2 to 22, this place makes finding the perfect fit a snap. Choosing from among the casual wear by fashion labels like James Perse, Pas de Calais, and Odd Mooly might be a bit more difficult. Be sure to pick up a comforting sweater from Autumn Cashmere.

Designer Christian Chenail's contemporary take on fashion always has a French twist, and his daring black gowns are showstoppers. His flirty skirts and dresses usually come in cheerful shades of red and blue and call to mind the styles of the '50s.

Young Québécois designers like Barilà, Valérie Dumaine, and Mélissa Nepton are the stars of this beautiful Mile End boutique, which also stocks unique national and international labels. All the black and white in the window display hints at the minimalist aesthetic within.

Established in Montréal in 2007, WANT's new (2021) flagship boutique in hipster Mile End draws inspiration from travel and transitional spaces like airports, train stations, airplane cabins, and Montréal's metro cars, complementing the label's minimalist, gender neutral clothing, footwear and bags in muted blacks, whites, and grays. In addition to its own brand, WANT also carries apothecary, jewelry, and accessories from labels such as Grown Alchemist, Susanne Kaufmann, and All Blues, among others. Shoppers can also enjoy a VIP WANT experience by booking an appointment online.