Retail business ideas with startup costs over $20,000 in Canada

460 ideas

These 462 retail ideas suit people who have savings, a loan, or a partner to fund a bigger start. A budget above C$20,000 usually pays for things like a shop lease, fixtures, and opening stock.

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

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

Camping gear shop

Open a small shop selling tents, sleeping bags and camping gear to local campers and hikers.

C$30k-120k
Full-time
Own premises

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

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

Local DJ gear shop

Open a small shop where DJs can try controllers, test headphones and get advice in person.

C$40k-150k
Full-time
Own premises

Large rolls of fabric stacked in a wholesale warehouse.

Small-warehouse fabric wholesaler

Buy bolts from mills and importers, and sell them by the bolt to makers, upholsterers and shops from a small unit.

C$25k-120k
Full-time
Own premises

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

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

Formal wear hire shop

Open a small shop renting gowns, tuxedos and tailcoats for weddings, proms and events.

C$25k-100k
Full-time
Own premises

Cigars displayed in a wooden humidor inside a tobacconist shop.

Independent cigar and pipe tobacco shop

Open a small specialist store selling cigars, pipe tobacco and accessories to adult customers who want good advice.

C$50k-150k
Full-time
Own premises

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

Neighbourhood skate shop

Open a small shop selling skates, protective gear and parts for ice and roller skaters.

C$25k-100k
Full-time
Own premises

Bolts of colourful silk fabric displayed in a fabric shop.

Silk fabric and accessories boutique

Open a small shop where sewers, designers and gift buyers can touch silks and buy fabric, scarves and accessories.

C$25k-100k
Full-time
Own premises

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

Independent womenswear shop

Open a small high-street or neighbourhood shop selling women's clothing and accessories, with an online shop alongside.

C$25k-100k
Full-time
Own premises

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

Neighbourhood hardware and DIY store

Open a small local store selling tools, paint, fixings and supplies to homeowners and tradespeople.

C$60k-250k
Full-time
Own premises

Florist arranging colourful cut flowers into a bouquet at a shop counter.

Neighbourhood flower shop

Open a small street-front shop selling fresh flowers, gifts and arrangements, with local delivery.

C$15k-60k
Full-time
Own premises

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

Local mobility and support products shop

Open a small shop selling braces, walkers and support aids to people recovering from injuries or living with mobility needs.

C$40k-120k
Full-time
Own premises

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

Western wear shop

Open a small shop selling boots, hats and western clothing, with proper fitting for local riders and ranch families.

C$40k-150k
Full-time
Own premises

Wedding dresses on racks inside a bridal shop.

Independent bridal boutique

Open a small shop where brides try on gowns and buy veils, shoes and accessories.

C$40k-120k
Full-time
Own premises

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

Local hobby shop with a gaming table

Open a small shop for model kits, crafts and games, with space for play nights and workshops.

C$30k-120k
Full-time
Own premises

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

Small cabinet showroom

Open a local showroom selling kitchen, bathroom and storage cabinets to homeowners, renovators and contractors.

C$30k-150k
Full-time
Own premises

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

Electronic parts counter for repairers and makers

Run a small shop or unit stocking components for local repair businesses, students and hobbyists, plus an online store.

C$15k-60k
Full-time
Own premises

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

Bedroom furniture showroom

Open a small local shop where people can try beds and see wardrobes and dressers before they buy.

C$25k-100k
Full-time
Own premises

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

Map and travel shop in a small unit

Open a small shop selling maps, atlases, charts and travel guides to walkers, boaters and travellers.

C$20k-80k
Full-time
Own premises

Wheelchairs and walking frames stocked in a medical equipment supply warehouse.

Medical equipment showroom and rental shop

Open a small shop where people try, buy or rent mobility aids and home care equipment, and supply local care homes.

C$30k-120k
Full-time
Own premises

Installer fitting a frameless glass shower door in a bathroom.

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

Shower door showroom and fitting shop

Run a small showroom with display doors, take orders and send fitters to homes and building sites.

C$25k-100k
Full-time
Own premises

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

Local tack and feed shop

Open a small shop near horse country selling saddles, tack, riding wear and feed to local riders.

C$40k-150k
Full-time
Own premises

About these ideas

You might look at a handbag boutique with a small shop, a dancewear shop with a fitting service, or a local fishing and hunting supply shop. Before choosing, think about where your customers actually live and shop, how much stock you must hold before the first sale, and how long you can cover rent if sales start slowly. Compare a physical shop with an online or appointment-only model, since each changes your costs and risks. Check local zoning and licence rules for any idea that involves regulated goods.

More ideas

Questions

How much stock should I budget for when opening a retail business?

Check what your supplier requires as a minimum first order, and how much shelf space you need to look credible. Many owners also keep a cash buffer for slow weeks. Ask suppliers about payment terms, since these can ease early cash pressure.

Do I need special licences for retail ideas like gold buying or hunting supplies?

Some retail types may face extra rules. Gold and jewellery buying, firearms-related goods, or items sold to minors can involve extra requirements. Check with your municipality, your province or territory, and relevant federal bodies before you spend on stock or a lease.

Should I lease a shop or start online first?

It depends on your product and customers. A shop suits items people want to try or fit, while online or appointment-only models can lower rent risk. Check lease terms, foot traffic, shipping costs, and whether you could test demand before signing a long commitment.