American snacks and groceries shop

American expats, snack fans, students, families, and gift buyers who want brands they can't get in regular supermarkets.

Retail mark-up on each item, with extra from gift boxes, seasonal displays and repeat customers who come in for favourites.

• Spotting which products will sell
• Stock control and ordering
• Friendly customer service

• Check with the CFIA whether you need a Safe Food for Canadians licence, especially if you import directly
• Packaged food sold in Canada must meet Canadian labelling rules, including French and English text. Check how American-labelled products are treated
• Some US ingredients, additives or products may not be allowed in Canada, so check before you order
• Contact your local public health unit and municipality about food retail permits and business licences
• Trade rules, tariffs and exchange rates can change your costs, so build in a pricing buffer
• Commercial general liability insurance and a lease you fully understand before signing

Startup costs are typically estimated at around $25,000 to $90,000, depending on your premises, shop fit-out and how much opening stock you buy. Check your lease terms carefully and build in a pricing buffer for exchange rates.

Monthly revenue is typically estimated at around $8,000 to $40,000, depending on your location, product range and how many customers come through the door. Treat this as revenue, not profit, since stock and rent come out of it.

Check with the CFIA whether you need a Safe Food for Canadians licence, especially if you import directly. Also check Canadian labelling rules (English and French), whether specific US products are allowed, and local public health and municipal permits.