Retail business ideas you can run from your own premises

425 ideas

These 426 retail ideas all centre on having your own shop, showroom or stand, where customers walk in and you control the space. They suit people who like dealing with the public, enjoy curating products and can commit to set opening hours.

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

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

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 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

Showroom displaying several hot tubs and spas with a salesperson showing a customer around.

Hot tub and spa showroom

Open a small showroom selling hot tubs and swim spas, with delivery, set-up and aftercare for local homeowners.

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

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

Luggage importer and distributor with a warehouse

Import luggage in container or pallet loads, store it in a unit and supply shops and online retailers across your region.

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

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

Garden furniture showroom

Open a small shop selling patio sets, loungers, umbrellas and fire pits to local homeowners.

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

About these ideas

Options range from a glassware and homeware boutique or a swimwear boutique shop to more specialized ideas like a local drone shop with repair bench. Before anything else, work out what you can afford for rent, fit-out and opening stock, and check whether local foot traffic suits what you plan to sell. Look at lease terms, zoning rules and any licences your products or municipality may require. Visit similar shops nearby to see what is already working, then shortlist a few ideas and test demand before signing anything.

More ideas

Questions

How much space and rent should I plan for a retail shop in Canada?

Start with the smallest footprint that displays your range properly. Compare asking rents in the neighbourhoods you like, and check what is included, such as utilities, property tax and common-area charges. Build your budget around a lease you could still cover during slower months.

What should I check before signing a commercial lease?

Check the length of term, renewal options, rent increases, who pays for repairs and whether the unit's permitted use covers your products. Ask about signage rules and exit clauses. It is wise to have a lawyer review the lease before you commit.

Do I need licences or permits to open a shop?

Requirements vary by city, province and product. Check your municipality for a business licence, zoning and signage rules, and look at provincial registration and sales tax obligations. Some goods, such as fireworks or used items, may face extra rules, so confirm with the relevant authorities.