Cricket shop with a small storefront

Club and league players, parents of junior players, coaches, schools and club committees.

Retail margin on gear and clothing, team and club bulk orders, and small services such as bat preparation and repairs.

• Deep knowledge of cricket equipment
• Retail stock buying and pricing
• Customer service and community networking

• Commercial lease terms and deposits: have the lease reviewed before signing
• Check with your city or municipality whether you need a business licence and whether the zoning allows retail at your chosen unit, as rules differ by city
• GST/HST and provincial sales tax registration and collection, with rules varying by province
• Commercial general liability insurance, plus coverage for stock and theft
• Strong seasonality: sales peak before and during the outdoor season, so plan cash flow for slower winter months
• Competition from online sellers, which makes try-on service and local advice important

Startup costs are estimated at typically around $40,000 to $120,000, depending on your lease, fit-out and how much stock you carry. Monthly revenue is estimated at about $12,000 to $60,000, depending on location, range and the cricket season.

Have your commercial lease and deposit terms reviewed before signing. Check with your city about a business licence and whether zoning allows retail at your unit. Also check GST/HST and provincial sales tax rules, plus insurance for liability, stock and theft.

Sales peak before and during the outdoor season, so plan cash flow for slower winter months. Estimates start at around 40 hours a week. Online sellers are competition, so try-on service and local advice matter.