Les Garçons is a carefully curated knitting and yarn store with a beautiful new brick-and-mortar location on the Plateau Mont-Royal in Montreal, as well as an online shop. By sourcing yarns from all over the world, including collaborations with renowned designers, they offer a selection of the highest quality, premium fibres for knitters and crocheters. Founders Vincent Deslandes and Maxim Cyr pride themselves on showcasing the work of talented artists, while welcoming local fibre artists to their in-store knitting corner. We talked to the president and co-founder of Les Garçons, Vincent Deslandes, to learn more.
What is your business called and what does it do?
Les Garçons is a yarn boutique offering natural, luxurious yarns and knitting supplies, as well as inspiring designs and kits for makers from all over the world.
What made you want to do this work?
We started Les Garçons so that Max, the other “garçon”, and I could unite as a single entity at our very first yarn show. At the time, Max was designing knitting patterns, and I was dyeing yarn, each under separate brands. The show, scheduled for the end of March 2020, was cancelled last minute due to COVID, so in just a few weeks, we launched a website and gave real life to the “Les Garçons” brand.
What problem did you want to solve with the business?
For the yarn side of the business, we wanted to fill a gap in the North American market for high-quality, natural fibres in a palette of hand-dyed, wearable, timeless and moody solid colours. We also wanted to design well-written, inclusive knitting patterns for men’s garments, which were harder to find at the time.
Who are your clientele/demographics?
At first, our customers were mostly our Instagram following, with 90% in the U.S. For a few years, our online shop mainly served American knitters. Now, with our brick-and-mortar store and a growing Canadian and Québec customer base, our clientele is more diverse. We love working with “adventurous beginners” and beyond.
How does your business make money? How does it work?
We sell yarn, patterns, and kits through our online shop (since March 2020), and through our brick-and-mortar boutique (opened January 2024). We also travel to various events in Canada, the U.S., and internationally to connect with knitters in person.
Where in the city can we find your profession?
Our shop and dye studio are both located on the Plateau Mont-Royal.
What is the best question a prospective customer could ask a member of your profession when comparing services? Give the answer as well.
The best question is: “Tell me about this yarn.”
A good answer should include how the yarn was made (ideally ethically and sustainably), who made it (e.g. small family-run mills vs industrial production), and what it’s made from (breed-specific fibres like “merino wool” vs generic “wool”). It shows expertise and transparency.
What is the best part about what you do? What is the worst part?
The best part is connecting with customers: suggesting yarn for their projects and seeing the finished results when they return or send us photos. The worst part? Not having enough time to knit for ourselves!
Where can we follow you?
You can find us at boutiquelesgarcons.com or on Instagram.
PAY IT FORWARD: What is another local business that you love?
Les Tissées, a beautiful woman-owned fabric store offering high-quality fashion fabrics.
