African foods and goods shop

Nearby African and Caribbean households, students, newcomers and shoppers looking for specific ingredients and products.

Retail mark-up on groceries and goods, with extra margin from fabrics, clothing and gift items, plus regular repeat customers.

• Retail and stock management
• Supplier negotiation
• Knowing your community's needs

• Food retail permits and inspections from your local public health unit
• CFIA labelling and import rules for food products, including bilingual labelling
• Commercial general liability and property insurance
• Lease commitments and the cost of unsold or expired stock
• WCB/WSIB coverage if you hire staff, as rules vary by province
• Quebec has its own rules, including French-language signage and labelling requirements

Startup costs are typically around $25,000 to $100,000, depending on the premises, your fit-out and how much stock you buy. Treat this as an estimate, and remember lease commitments and unsold or expired stock can add to your costs.

Monthly revenue is typically around $8,000 to $40,000, depending on your location, product range and the size of the community you serve. This is an estimate of revenue, not profit, so factor in rent, stock and any staff costs.

Check food retail permits and inspections from your local public health unit, plus CFIA labelling and import rules, including bilingual labelling. Also check insurance, WCB/WSIB coverage if you hire, and Quebec's French-language signage and labelling rules if you open there.