Neighbourhood cosmetics boutique

Local shoppers buying for themselves, gift buyers, and regular customers who like to try products before buying.

Retail margin on products sold in store, plus gift sets and seasonal promotions. Many shops also sell online to reach customers beyond the neighbourhood.

• Retail sales and friendly customer service
• Product knowledge across skin types and tones
• Stock control and basic bookkeeping

• Lease terms, deposits and fit-out costs, so get the lease reviewed before you sign
• Check municipal business licence and signage rules where you plan to open
• Commercial general liability and contents insurance
• Health Canada rules on cosmetic labelling and ingredients
• Testers and hygiene, so set up clean sampling practices
• Seasonal swings: holiday gifting can be busy while winter weather may slow footfall
• WCB/WSIB registration if you hire staff, with rules varying by province

Startup costs are typically around $25,000 to $100,000, depending on the premises, deposits, fit-out and how much stock you buy. Treat this as an estimate, and get your lease reviewed before you sign.

Monthly revenue is typically around $6,000 to $30,000, depending on your location, product mix and customer loyalty. This is an estimate of revenue, not profit. Holiday gifting can be busy while winter weather may slow footfall.

Check your municipal business licence and signage rules, Health Canada rules on cosmetic labelling and ingredients, and commercial general liability and contents insurance. Also check clean sampling practices for testers, and WCB/WSIB registration if you hire staff, as rules vary by province.