Empire de l’échange/Exchange

They have some nice stuff, but I’m really not impressed with their cash back policy… I was shocked when I saw that the bill added up to over $ 100 and I ended with basically nothing in return… let’s just say it was enough to buy myself dinner. Anyway, I took the credit, despite not wanting to spend my money at their other stores. Believe it or not, there are other spots in the city that offer upwards of 50%. Aside from that, I wasn’t too thrilled with the customer service. The salesgirl was quite rude. When I deigned to ask about how everything works, she kept cutting me off, as if I was asking stupid questions. She also wouldn’t speak English… I’m not even from Montréal! Thank god I know some basic words. All to say, I don’t think I’ll be returning anytime soon.

Super clean, bit overpriced, concept of buying clothes from the public is a nice one, but only giving 20% cash back is very low, as other stores with this concept give 30−40%. I think it’s cause it’s the only one that does that in Montréal. The store people are nice though. They are also very picky when it comes to buying clothes, I saw them turning down basket after basket.

Really nice quality secondhand, and you can sell here too! They have clear rules about what you can bring in, so the place isn’t overloaded with fast fashion cast offs. Clean and bright and stylish with lots of cozy sweaters in the winter and little dresses in the summer and a pretty big collection of on trend boots and shoes in the back.

The first thing I have to say about Empire de l’échange/Exchange is that they have an adorable tumblog

Second, the shop is really fantastic. Much like their sister stores Annex and Local 23 they have a really well organized and sorted collection of items. They obviously take care to ensure that what they’re bringing in is in good quality and looking for a good home.
It also didn’t feel super picked over. They obviously are bringing in stock all the time, so it felt like I was looking through a lot of great, diverse items. Which is exactly what you want in a vintage shop, I think.
The other thing that really impressed me is that they have a good selection of sizes and styles. There are party dresses and sweaters, cowboy boots and heels and really everything in between.
The woman working was lovely and helpful and chatted a bunch with us about good things to do and see in Montréal.