Retail business ideas you can run out and about in Canada
116 ideas
These 117 retail ideas suit people who would rather be on the move or meeting customers in person than sitting in a shop. You might run a seasonal gift wrap market stall, set up a pop-up game booth at markets and conventions, or build a flower wholesale delivery route.
Camping gear pop-up and rentals
Sell and rent camping gear from a seasonal stall near campgrounds, markets and events.
- C$8k-35k
- Side hustle
- Out and about
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
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
Shower door supply and install service
Measure, order and fit glass shower doors in homes, working from a van with no shop.
- C$15k-55k
- Part-time
- Out and about
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
Appointment-only gold and diamond buyer
Buy gold, diamonds and jewellery by appointment at secure meeting spots, with no shop rent, and sell on to refiners.
- C$5k-25k
- Side hustle
- Out and about
Feng shui market and pop-up stall
Sell feng shui décor and gifts at craft fairs, wellness events and weekend markets.
- C$1.5k-5k
- Side hustle
- Out and about
Weekend bazaar market stall
Sell a mixed range of household goods and imported items from a stall at local markets.
- C$1k-5k
- Side hustle
- Out and about
Hat stall at markets and events
Sell hats at farmers' markets, festivals and wedding fairs, with on-the-spot fitting.
- C$1.5k-5k
- Side hustle
- Out and about
Holiday market stall for seasonal decor and gifts
Sell festive decorations, cards and gifts at Christmas markets and craft fairs on weekends.
- C$500-3k
- Side hustle
- Out and about
Mobile wig fitting and styling service
Bring a selection of wigs to customers' homes or care settings for private fittings and styling.
- C$2k-8k
- Side hustle
- Out and about
Beachwear market stall or summer pop-up
Sell swimwear and beach accessories from a tent or stall at summer markets, festivals and beach events.
- C$2.5k-8k
- Side hustle
- Out and about
Hawaiian goods market stall
Sell island-themed clothing, decor and gifts at craft fairs, festivals and seasonal markets near you.
- C$1.5k-6k
- Side hustle
- Out and about
Garden statue market stall
Sell smaller statues and garden ornaments at spring and summer markets, home shows and craft fairs.
- C$2k-8k
- Side hustle
- Out and about
Chocolate market stall and pop-up
Test the chocolate shop idea with a stall at farmers' markets, fairs and holiday pop-ups.
- C$1.5k-8k
- Side hustle
- Out and about
Quilting fabric stall for fairs and guilds
Take curated fabric, kits and tools to craft fairs, quilt shows and guild meetings.
- C$3k-12k
- Side hustle
- Out and about
Dancewear pop-up at dance studios
Bring a fitting rack of dancewear and shoes to local studios and recitals, with online ordering for the rest.
- C$2k-9k
- Side hustle
- Out and about
Gas cylinder delivery and exchange round
Deliver and swap bottled gas cylinders for cottages, RV parks, farms and small businesses in your area.
- C$8k-35k
- Part-time
- Out and about
Herbal market stall
Sell dried herbs, teas and approved natural products at farmers' markets and craft fairs.
- C$1.5k-6k
- Side hustle
- Out and about
Accessories market stall and pop-up
Sell bags, jewellery and belts at craft fairs, farmers' markets and seasonal pop-ups.
- C$800-4k
- Side hustle
- Out and about
Pet supplies market stall
Sell pet treats, toys and accessories at farmers' markets, fairs and pop-ups on weekends.
- C$2.5k-10k
- Side hustle
- Out and about
Mobile workwear supplier to job sites
Visit construction sites, shops and farms with a van of hi-vis, overalls and boots, and take repeat orders from crews.
- C$3k-15k
- Part-time
- Out and about
Field-side paintball supply stand
Sell paintballs, air and spare gear from a stand at local paintball fields on busy weekends.
- C$2k-8k
- Side hustle
- Out and about
Gem and mineral show vendor
Sell loose gemstones from a table at gem shows, craft fairs and bead and jewellery events.
- C$3k-15k
- Side hustle
- Out and about
About these ideas
Most have low fixed costs compared with a storefront, but they depend on good locations, reliable transport and decent weather planning. Before choosing, think about where your customers actually gather, what stock you can carry and store, and how many events or stops you can realistically manage each week. Canadian seasons matter too, so consider what you will sell in winter. Start by testing one location or one small route before you commit to more stock.
More ideas
- Seasonal tackle stand and bait counter
- Pop-up and market clothing boutique
- Batik clothing market stall
- Online safe dealer with installation
- Sewing notions market stall
- Mobile flooring sales by appointment
- Pop-up baseball gear stand at fields
- Collectables stall at markets and shows
- Lumber supplier with local delivery
- Flower wholesale delivery route
- Seasonal souvenir market stall
- Jewellery market stall and pop-ups
- Pop-up bookstall at markets and events
- Handbag stall at markets and pop-ups
- Mobile tack shop trailer
- Seasonal outerwear pop-up stall
- Phone accessory market stall
- Sunglasses market stall and pop-up
- Mobile glasses repair and adjustment
- Cheese and dairy market stall
- Drafting kits for design students
- Vintage clothing market stall
- Mobile carpet and rug sales
- Belt stall at markets and pop-ups
- Candy stall at markets and seasonal events
- Hair extensions supplier to local salons
- Mexican goods market stall
- Pop-up paintings stall at markets
- Mobile scrap metal pickup
- Seasonal gift wrap market stall
- Crystal and spiritual goods market stall
- Second-hand CD market stall
- Market stall selling coffee beans and brewing gear
- African goods market stall
- Wicker market stall and pop-ups
- Knife and kitchen tool market stall
- Poster stall at markets and campus events
- Seasonal plant stall at markets
- Mobile blinds and curtains service
- Mobile home resale broker
- Glassware market stall and pop-ups
- Local supplier to physio clinics and care homes
- Asian gifts market stall
- Pop-up Judaica stall for holidays
- Small vending machine route
- Healthy snack vending for gyms and workplaces
- Music box market stall
- Irish goods market stall
- Stationery market stall and pop-ups
- Weekend discount goods market stall
- Local shop fit-out supplier and installer
- Pinball rentals for bars and cafes
- Beauty and wellness market stall
- Pop-up soccer gear stand at fields and tournaments
- Dollar-style market stall
- Martial arts gear at clubs and tournaments
- Magazine and sundries market stall
- Mobility aid rentals with home delivery
- Pop-up game booth at markets and conventions
- Pottery stall at markets and craft fairs
- Mailbox supply and installation
- Beauty vending machine in one busy location
- Beauty vending machine route
- Local grocery shopping and delivery
- Novelty gifts at markets and pop-ups
- Artificial greenery for offices, hotels and shops
- Local hygiene supplies wholesaler
- Wholesale jewellery with sample case and trade shows
- Herb and tea market stall
- Tableware market stall and pop-up
- Skin care vending machine in a gym or salon
- Skin care vending route across malls and hotels
- Weekend clothing market stall
- Vintage clothing stall with online shop
- Clothing market stall and pop-ups
- Mobile e-bike repair and servicing
- Electronics vending: 1 to 3 machines
- Electronics vending route across many sites
- Chinese grocery pre-order and delivery
- Children's clothes market and pop-up stall
- Home cinema advisor and reseller
- Homeware market stall
- Mobile mower and small engine service
- Mobile comfort shoe fitting service
- Washer, dryer and fridge rentals for tenants
- Pop-up flamenco shop at studios and festivals
- Seasonal swimwear pop-up stall
- Sheepskin and wool supplier to designers and shops
- Mobile window and door screen service
- American snacks market stall
- Gift stall at markets and seasonal pop-ups
- Candle stall at markets and pop-ups
Questions
Do I need a licence to sell at markets or pop-ups in Canada?
Requirements often vary by province and municipality. Check whether your city needs a business licence or vendor permit, whether the market organizer asks for insurance, and whether your products, such as food or cosmetics, have extra rules.
How should I plan for Canadian weather when selling outdoors?
Look at which months you can trade outside and which indoor events, conventions or delivery work could fill the gaps. Check what a tent, heating or weatherproof storage would cost, and whether your stock can handle cold or damp.
Do I need to charge GST or HST on what I sell?
Many retailers must register once their sales pass a set threshold, and rates differ by province. Check current Canada Revenue Agency guidance, and consider asking an accountant how sales tax applies to your products and where you sell.