Quartier des arts du cirque Inaugurates the Lab boutique, a first ephemeral micro-retail Space on rue Jarry Est
An entrepreneurial showcase for young creators from Saint-Michel
Montreal, July 8, 2026 – Quartier des arts du cirque (QUAC) is proud to inaugurate today the Lab boutique, a brand-new micro-retail space in Saint-Michel, set up in a shipping container on the lot at 2500 Jarry Est, at the corner of D’Iberville, near the bike path leading to Frédéric-Back Park.
The Lab boutique will be open to the public Wednesday through Sunday, from noon to 8 p.m., until the end of August.
A Showcase for Local Entrepreneurship
A pilot project born from the Saint-Michel Entrepreneurial Lab, the Lab boutique combines draw products (ice cream, coffee and snacks) with a selection of entrepreneurial projects developed by youth from the neighbourhood. Featured items include the collection of young Saint-Michel designer Velux 514, Grind Up t-shirts, eyelash extension products, jewellery and accessories, as well as works and prints by local artists.
The project brings together several complementary dimensions: the socio-professional integration of youth, the commercial revitalization of a neighbourhood in transformation, and the development of local entrepreneurship — building on the Saint-Michel Entrepreneurial Lab, whose first cohort was piloted between March and June 2025.
A Partnership Made Possible Through Community Mobilization
The Lab boutique is funded by Caisse d’économie solidaire Desjardins and made possible through the contribution of REMAX Infinité, which generously provides a portion of its lot as well as electricity, water access and existing camera surveillance. The Saint-Michel Entrepreneurial Lab, of which the Lab boutique is a concrete demonstration, is carried out with the support of PME MTL Centre-Est, in collaboration with Carrefour Jeunesse-Emploi Centre-Nord and youth organizations in the Saint-Michel neighbourhood.
Quotes
“The Lab boutique is a concrete demonstration of our vision: giving the youth of Saint-Michel a real space to test their projects, develop their entrepreneurial skills and make themselves known in their own neighbourhood. This is exactly the kind of initiative that embodies QUAC’s role as an urban development laboratory by and for the community.”
Charles-Mathieu Brunelle, Executive Director, Quartier des arts du cirque
“By funding the Lab boutique, Caisse d’économie solidaire Desjardins is concretely supporting a project that embodies our mission: putting solidarity finance to work for the economic and social development of communities like Saint-Michel.”
Martin-Pierre Nombré, Director of Strategic Development, Caisse d’économie solidaire Desjardins
“The Lab boutique is a great illustration of what the Saint-Michel Entrepreneurial Lab makes possible: giving young entrepreneurs from the neighbourhood a concrete space to test their products, build their customer base and gain their first experience in business management. PME MTL Centre-Est is proud to have supported several of them through this pivotal step.”
Anyle Côté, Executive Director, PME MTL Centre-Est
“Seeing the youth we support proudly presenting their projects in the Lab boutique is tangible proof that our work is paying off. This showcase gives them a real opportunity to build their confidence, develop their entrepreneurial skills and gain independence, all while staying rooted in their community.”
Linda Bourassa, Executive Director, Carrefour Jeunesse-Emploi Centre-Nord
“It is with pleasure that REMAX Infinité participates in the QUAC Lab boutique by making a portion of our lot on rue Jarry Est available. Seeing this container come to life and welcome the projects of young entrepreneurs from the neighbourhood is a source of pride for our team.”
David Bélanger, Steve Valiante and Tony Valenti, Associate Owners, REMAX Infinité
About the Saint-Michel Entrepreneurial Lab
The Saint-Michel Entrepreneurial Lab is an intervention program aimed at prevention, reintegration and support for vulnerable youth aged 17 to 25 through entrepreneurship. Focused on arts, culture and urban revitalization, it offers workshops and training covering business management, financing, communication and creativity, as well as networking with entrepreneurs and connections to start-up support programs.
About Quartier des arts du cirque
Quartier des arts du cirque is a territory where citizens, artists, researchers and entrepreneurs work together to create a prosperous and integrated neighbourhood by implementing innovative urban, ecological and social solutions activated by culture, for the benefit of the community, youth and the environment. The NPO was founded in 2022 by La TOHU, Groupe Cirque du Soleil, the National Circus School and PME MTL Centre-Est.
Information:
Justin Meloche
514-995-9704
jmeloche@national.ca