Renaissance isn’t just another thrift store—it’s a full-fledged social economy model built in Montreal. Founded in 1994 by the team behind Moisson Montréal, Renaissance runs on three core pillars: employment, environment, and access. They boast over 19 thrift stores, 11 bookstores, and a liquidation centre across Quebec (and this location on Saint-Jacques is among the best of them for their selection), Renaissance has grown into one of the province’s strongest players in social enterprise—proving that giving back can be baked into business. It’s solidarity in action, one reused shirt at a time.
The mission is simple but far-reaching: help people facing employment barriers reintegrate into the workforce while keeping millions of kilos of goods out of landfills each year. Donating, shopping, or working at Renaissance means you’re part of that loop. Every item resold funds job training and work experience. Every donation avoids waste. Every purchase supports reinvestment into the organization itself.
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