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
- Licence or permit needed
Estimates for a small start in Canada, not guarantees.
What it is
A small retail showroom selling bedroom furniture such as bed frames, wardrobes, dressers and chests. Customers can see sizes and finishes in person, and you offer delivery and assembly to their home.
Your first three steps
- Research your local area to find a gap, such as budget, solid wood or small-space furniture, and visit nearby furniture stores to compare prices
- Get quotes from Canadian suppliers and wholesalers and a few retail units with low rent, such as in a light industrial or secondary retail area
- Draw up a simple budget covering rent, stock, delivery van or courier costs and the first six months of running costs
Who pays
Local homeowners, new movers, parents furnishing children's rooms and landlords furnishing rental units.
How it makes money
Retail margin on each piece sold, plus delivery and assembly fees and sales of related items such as bedding, mattresses and lighting.
Skills that help
- Retail selling and customer service
- Buying and negotiating with suppliers
- Managing stock and cash flow
- Basic furniture assembly knowledge
Watch out for
- Commercial lease terms and rent, so check carefully before signing and consider a short initial term
- Commercial general liability and property insurance, and WCB/WSIB coverage once you hire staff (rules differ by province)
- Slow-moving stock ties up cash, so start with a small range and display samples where suppliers allow
- Check municipal business licence and zoning requirements for your location
- Check Health Canada rules on children's furniture and labelling, and register for GST/HST when required
- Quiet seasons and winter weather can affect foot traffic and deliveries
Deep research report · Canada
Everything you need to start: bedroom furniture showroom
Researched with live web search for Canada: real startup prices, the licences and rules, what others charge, a break-even example, how to find your first customers and a 30-day launch plan. With sources.
- Startup costs with real prices
- Licences, registration and rules
- Pricing: what others charge
- Break-even example
- Finding your first customers
- 30-day launch plan
- Risks and how to reduce them
Questions people ask
How much does it cost to open a bedroom furniture showroom in Canada?
Startup costs are typically estimated at around $25,000 to $100,000, depending on your location, lease terms and how much stock and display furniture you buy. Monthly revenue is estimated at around $8,000 to $40,000.
What should I check before opening a furniture showroom in Canada?
Check commercial lease terms, municipal business licence and zoning requirements, and insurance such as commercial general liability and property cover. Also check Health Canada rules on children's furniture and labelling, and when you must register for GST/HST.
How much time does running a furniture showroom take?
The estimate is a minimum of around 35 hours a week, depending on opening hours and deliveries. Quiet seasons and winter weather can affect foot traffic and deliveries, and slow-moving stock can tie up cash, so plan your cash flow.
Other ways to run this business
Similar retail ideas
Asian household goods shop
Run a small shop selling Asian kitchenware, cleaning goods and home decor to your local community.
- C$25k-100k
- Full-time
- Own premises
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
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
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
Oriental rug showroom
Open a small shop where customers can see, touch and try hand-knotted rugs before buying.
- C$25k-100k
- Full-time
- Own premises
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
Photo: 4506458 on Pixabay