Online retail business ideas you can start in Canada

292 ideas

These 292 online retail ideas suit people who want to sell products without renting a shop. Some are tightly focused, like an online paddle gear shop with demo days or an online fabric and notions store.

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

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

Large rolls of fabric stacked in a wholesale warehouse.

Online niche fabric wholesaler

Sell one type of fabric by the bolt to small makers and shops online, with stock stored in a garage or small storage unit.

C$5k-25k
Side hustle
Online

Incense sticks smoking in a shop display of wooden boxes.

Online incense and accessories shop

Source quality incense and burners, then sell them to customers across Canada through your own website or a marketplace.

C$1k-5k
Side hustle
Online

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

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

Resistors, chips and connectors laid out on an electronics workbench.

Online electronic parts shop for makers

Sell resistors, chips, connectors and kits to Canadian hobbyists and repairers from home, with fast local shipping.

C$1k-5k
Side hustle
Online

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

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.

Online certified diamond seller

Sell certified loose diamonds to engagement ring shoppers across Canada through your own site, with video viewings and advice.

C$5k-25k
Side hustle
Online

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

Shelves of replacement car parts in a motor spares shop.

Online car parts and accessories store

Sell replacement parts and accessories for a niche of vehicles online, shipped from home or direct from suppliers.

C$1.5k-8k
Side hustle
Online

Shelves of feng shui ornaments, crystals and wind chimes in a shop.

Online feng shui shop

Sell feng shui décor, crystals and symbolic objects to home and wellness buyers across Canada.

C$1k-5k
Side hustle
Online

Pre-owned guitars and instruments hanging on walls in a music shop.

Online used instrument reseller

Buy used guitars, keyboards and more locally, then clean, check and resell them online.

C$1k-5k
Side hustle
Online

Shop rack of folded and hanging denim jeans with a shopper browsing.

Online denim store with market pop-ups

Sell a curated range of jeans online and at local markets, with no shop lease to carry.

C$3k-15k
Side hustle
Online

Stacks of white hotel towels, bed linen and toiletries displayed in a supply warehouse.

Online hospitality supplies reseller

Sell linens, toiletries and basics online to small inns, B&Bs and restaurants, shipped from suppliers.

C$2k-10k
Part-time
Online

About these ideas

Others lean on a clear customer group, such as an online baby goods store or an online American snacks store. Start by thinking about who you would sell to and why they would buy from you rather than a big marketplace. Then look at stock: holding inventory, dropshipping and wholesale models all carry different cash needs and risks. Check shipping costs across Canadian distances, how returns would work, and whether your products need labelling, safety or import paperwork. Pick an idea where you already understand the customer, because that knowledge is hard to copy.

More ideas

Questions

How much money do I need to start an online store in Canada?

It varies widely by model. Check what a first order of stock would cost, plus website fees, payment processing, packaging and shipping. Selling on pre-order or using a supplier who ships for you may lower the amount you need upfront.

Do I need to register for GST/HST to sell online?

Often there is a small supplier threshold, but rules depend on your situation and where customers are. Check current Canada Revenue Agency guidance, and consider asking an accountant, before your first sale so you can price and invoice correctly.

How do I choose a product niche for an online shop?

Look for a customer group you understand and can reach cheaply. Check competition, typical margins after shipping, and whether products are bulky, fragile or regulated. Test demand with a small range before committing to large stock orders.