Retail business ideas you can start for up to C$20,000

376 ideas

These 377 retail ideas suit people who want to sell products without taking on a full shop lease. Some are online, like an online yarn and knitting supplies store or an online dancewear store.

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1k to 5k Over 20k From home Out and about Own premises Online

Tents, sleeping bags and hiking gear displayed in an outdoor camping shop.

Online camping gear store

Sell a focused range of camping gear online and ship it across Canada from home.

C$3k-15k
Side hustle
Online

DJ controller, headphones and speakers displayed on a shop counter.

Online DJ gear shop

Sell DJ controllers, headphones and accessories online to hobbyists and working DJs across Canada.

C$3k-15k
Side hustle
Online

Incense sticks smoking in a shop display of wooden boxes.

Incense wholesaler for local shops

Import or source incense in bulk and supply gift shops, yoga studios and spiritual stores in your region.

C$3k-15k
Part-time
From home

Tailcoats and evening gowns displayed on a rack in a formal wear rental shop.

Home-based formal gown hire

Rent out gowns and formal wear for proms, galas and weddings from a fitting room at home.

C$2.5k-10k
Side hustle
From home

Rows of ice and roller skates with protective gear in a skate shop.

Online skate shop with sharpening

Sell skates and gear online from home, and add skate sharpening for local customers.

C$3k-15k
Side hustle
From home

Bolts of colourful silk fabric displayed in a fabric shop.

Online silk fabric and scarf store

Sell silk by the metre, plus scarves and accessories, to sewers and designers across Canada from a home base.

C$2.5k-10k
Side hustle
Online

Women's clothing hanging on racks inside a bright fashion boutique.

Online womenswear boutique

Sell a carefully chosen range of women's clothing and accessories through your own website and social media.

C$2k-10k
Side hustle
Online

Shopper browsing tools and paint in a bright hardware store aisle.

Online hardware and fixings shop

Sell a focused range of tools, fasteners or specialty supplies online, with local pickup or delivery.

C$3k-15k
Side hustle
Online

Shelves of braces, walking sticks and mobility aids displayed in a supplies shop.

Online braces and mobility aids store

Sell braces, supports and daily living aids online, with local delivery or shipping across your province or Canada.

C$4k-20k
Side hustle
Online

Cowboy boots and wide-brim hats displayed on shelves in a western clothing store.

Online western wear store

Sell cowboy boots, hats and western clothing to riders and fans across Canada through your own website.

C$1.5k-8k
Side hustle
Online

Western wear pop-up and market stall

Sell boots, hats and western clothing from a booth at stampedes, fairs, rodeos and markets.

C$3k-12k
Side hustle
Out and about

Wedding dresses on racks inside a bridal shop.

By-appointment bridal studio and online accessories

Run a private fitting room at home and sell veils, jewellery and wedding supplies online.

C$3k-15k
Side hustle
From home

Shelves of model kits, craft supplies and board games in a family-friendly hobby shop.

Online hobby and model kit store

Sell model kits, paints, craft supplies and games to Canadian enthusiasts from a spare room.

C$2k-10k
Side hustle
Online

Hobby stall at markets and conventions

Take model kits, craft supplies and games to markets, fairs and hobby shows on weekends.

C$1.5k-7k
Side hustle
Out and about

Kitchen and storage cabinets displayed in a showroom for homeowners to browse.

Home-based cabinet dealer and designer

Sell cabinets from supplier catalogues, offering design help and quotes from home with no showroom rent.

C$3k-15k
Side hustle
From home

A furniture showroom displaying wardrobes and bed frames in a styled bedroom.

Online bedroom furniture store

Sell bed frames, dressers and wardrobes through your own website, with suppliers or a small stock delivering.

C$1.5k-8k
Side hustle
Online

Folded maps and atlases arranged on shelves in a specialist map shop.

Online map and atlas store

Sell trail maps, road atlases and wall maps online to hikers, paddlers, travellers and collectors.

C$1.5k-6k
Side hustle
Online

Shelves of saddles, bridles and riding boots in a tack shop.

Online equestrian supply store

Sell riding clothing, grooming gear and tack to Canadian riders through your own website, shipped from home.

C$2k-15k
Side hustle
Online

Stacks of suitcases and travel bags packed in a wholesale warehouse.

Home-based luggage wholesaler for small shops

Buy suitcases and bags in small lots and sell them in bulk to independent shops and online sellers.

C$3k-15k
Side hustle
From home

Wooden patio table and chairs displayed in an outdoor furniture showroom.

Online garden furniture store

Sell patio and outdoor furniture through your own website, shipped from suppliers or a small storage space.

C$3k-20k
Side hustle
Online

Shelves of sheet music books and folios in a music shop.

Online sheet music store

Sell printed and digital sheet music to students, teachers and players across Canada from home.

C$1.5k-6k
Side hustle
Online

Rows of handbags and backpacks displayed on shelves in a retail shop.

Online bag and backpack store

Sell a focused range of bags, backpacks and travel accessories to shoppers across Canada through your own website.

C$1.5k-8k
Side hustle
Online

Loose cut diamonds spread on a dealer's velvet tray under light.

Independent loose diamond broker

Source certified loose diamonds for independent jewellers and private buyers, often on memo, and earn a margin on each sale.

C$4k-20k
Side hustle
Out and about

Surfboards and wetsuits hanging and standing in a colourful beach surf shop.

Online surf shop with used boards and gear

Sell new and second-hand surfboards, wetsuits and accessories online and at beach or club pop-ups.

C$3k-15k
Side hustle
Online

About these ideas

Others put you in front of customers, such as a mobile workwear supplier to job sites or a monthly indoor flea market in a rented hall. Before you pick one, think about who will actually buy, where your stock will come from, and how much cash will be tied up in inventory. Check your margins after shipping, returns and platform fees. Also look at storage space, sales tax registration and any licences your products or sales location might need. Start with a narrow range and grow it once you see what sells.

More ideas

Questions

How far does C$20,000 go in a retail business?

It depends on the model. Online shops and market stalls usually need less than a storefront, but stock is often the biggest cost. Check supplier minimum orders, shipping, packaging, website fees and insurance before deciding how much to set aside.

Do I need a licence to sell products in Canada?

Requirements can vary by province, city and product type. Check whether you need a business registration, municipal licence, or GST/HST registration. Some goods, such as safes or consumables, may have extra rules, so confirm with the relevant authorities.

Is online or in-person retail better on a small budget?

Each has trade-offs. Online selling can reach more customers but needs marketing and delivery. Stalls and local delivery build direct relationships but depend on location and time. Compare fees, stock risk, your available hours and where your customers already shop.