Candle shop with a small storefront

Local shoppers, tourists, gift buyers and people looking for home décor.

Retail sales of candles and add-ons at a markup, with higher sales from gift sets, seasonal ranges and corporate or wedding orders.

• Customer service and selling
• Buying stock and managing inventory
• Displaying products attractively

• Commercial lease terms, deposits and how long you are committed for
• Check municipal licence, zoning and signage rules, and fire safety requirements for storing and displaying candles
• Commercial general liability and property insurance
• Strong seasonality, with sales often peaking before the holidays and slowing in winter and summer
• Check WCB/WSIB rules in your province before you hire staff

Startup costs are typically estimated at around $15,000 to $60,000, depending on the lease deposit, shop fit-out and displays, and how much opening stock of candles, holders and gift sets you buy.

Monthly revenue is typically estimated at around $4,000 to $20,000, depending on location, foot traffic and range. The estimate assumes at least about 35 hours a week, and sales can swing strongly with the seasons.

Things to check: commercial lease terms and how long you are committed, municipal licence, zoning and signage rules, fire safety for storing and displaying candles, general liability and property insurance, and WCB/WSIB rules before hiring.