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District Central. The iconic district focuses on the local economy
Renowned for its legendary Chabanel sector, District Central is the cradle of Montreal's textile industry. Today, this dynamic business district is the city's fourth-largest employment hub, with over 25,000 workers and 2,170 diversified companies. Its ecosystem of innovation embodies the future of an industrial sector in full transformation, building on the manufacturing heritage that has shaped its identity.
The rebirth of an iconic Montreal landmark
From the 1950s onwards, particularly on Chabanel Street and Saint-Laurent Boulevard, the textile industry redefined the image of this part of the city. The factories there were in full swing, and for several decades they enjoyed dazzling growth. Generations of Montrealers frequented these factories to benefit from the advantages of direct sales and good bargains. It was a time when buying local was a matter of course.
Today, the landscape of District Central is changing. New industries with business models focused on the circular economy and sustainability are moving in. But some things remain unchanged, not least the spirit of proximity that reigns here.
The concentration of designers, manufacturers and creators creates a place of direct exchange that reduces both intermediaries and the environmental footprint of activities in this industrial sector in full revitalization. And, as in the golden age of local manufacturing, this model of short circuits also brings manufacturers and consumers closer together.
Local savoir-faire
For the SDC District Central, this model is associated with what we call “industrial merchants”, who play a decisive role in the urban dynamism of District Central. They are entrepreneurs (designers, creators, manufacturers, etc.) who share the ambition of exerting the least possible pressure on our resources, who sell their products directly to the customer - whether in a boutique, warehouse or online, on a permanent or occasional basis - and who have their own brand of products.
"Industrial merchants like Matelas Sélection, which is one of the local manufacturing companies, contribute to the vitality of this ecosystem, notably by favoring short circuits and business practices that promote proximity. District Central is an ideal location for this new business model, given the short distance between businesses."
- Hélène Veilleux, Executive Director, SDC District Central
For over 30 years, the family-run business has offered a wide range of mattresses and sleep accessories from its boutique-atelier. “We design and manufacture all our products in-house, which enables us to guarantee optimal quality and personalized service,” explains Eugénie Lévis, Executive Coordinator at Matelas Sélection.
Matelas Sélection's activities are perfectly integrated into the local ecosystem. The manufacturer buys its textiles just around the corner from Tonitex, and its zippers just a few minutes away from Canzip. The small team takes its coffee break at neighboring Terra Café. In return, several of the neighborhood's art sector customers buy directly from the mattress manufacturer.
"This local network of businesses and creators generates a real synergy that helps to energize and enrich the whole neighborhood."
- Eugénie Lévis, Executive Coordinator, Matelas Sélection
Beyond industry, a neighborhood life
For 218 industrial merchants like Eugénie Lévis, District Central stands out for its energy and ability to stay current. The business district seeks not only to remain a thriving industrial sector, but also to transform itself into a stimulating living environment for all those who frequent it.
5 key figures to remember about District Central
• 25,000 jobs, with the potential to accommodate over 40,000.
• 2,170 companies in three business clusters: design, urban manufacturing and technology.
• 676 companies in the fashion and textile industry.
• 218 industrial merchants
• 37 % of companies in the sector are wholesalers or retailers.
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