Bedding Shop with a Storefront

Local households, newlyweds and new homeowners, plus small hotels, inns and rental hosts buying in volume.

Retail mark-up on products, plus larger trade orders for hospitality customers. Add-ons like custom sizes or gift sets can lift margins.

• Product knowledge about fabrics and fills
• Retail sales and customer service
• Buying and stock control
• Approaching business customers

• Check municipal business licence, zoning and signage rules before signing a lease
• Commercial general liability and contents insurance are usually needed, ask a broker
• Retail is seasonal and stock ties up cash, plan for slow months and winter footfall
• Check textile labelling rules and Quebec's French-language requirements if relevant
• Collect and remit GST/HST and any provincial sales tax as required
• WCB/WSIB coverage rules apply once you hire staff, check your province

Startup costs are typically estimated at around $25,000 to $100,000, depending on your premises, fit-out and opening stock. Stock ties up cash, so plan for slow months, especially in winter.

Monthly revenue is typically estimated at around $4,000 to $20,000, depending on your location, range and whether you also supply local hotels, B&Bs and rental hosts. Retail is seasonal, so plan for quieter periods.

Check municipal business licence, zoning and signage rules before signing a lease. Check textile labelling rules and Quebec's French-language requirements if relevant, insurance with a broker, GST/HST and provincial sales tax, and WCB or WSIB coverage once you hire.