Doll and collectibles shop
Open a small shop selling dolls, accessories and collectibles to local families, gift buyers and collectors.
- C$15k-60k
- Full-time
- Own premises
- Licence or permit needed
Estimates for a small start in Canada, not guarantees.
What it is
A small bricks-and-mortar shop stocked with dolls, doll clothes, accessories and collectibles. It can also run doll-themed events, such as collector meetups or kids' doll parties.
Your first three steps
- Visit local toy and gift shops, and check rents in a few small retail areas or malls to test whether the numbers work
- Build a first stock list with suppliers, and ask about minimum orders and payment terms
- Plan for the Christmas season, when much of the year's sales may come, and map out your cash flow before signing a lease
Who pays
Local parents and grandparents buying gifts, tourists, and collectors who like to see items in person.
How it makes money
Retail markup on stock, with extra sales from accessories, gift wrapping, special orders and event tickets. Online sales can be added later.
Skills that help
- Buying and stock control
- Merchandising and window displays
- Customer service
- Basic bookkeeping
Watch out for
- Commercial lease terms and deposits, so read them carefully before signing
- Commercial general liability and contents insurance
- Toys for children must meet Canadian product safety rules (check Health Canada guidance)
- Check with your municipality about a business licence, zoning and signage rules
- Check GST/HST and provincial sales tax requirements for retail sales
- Sales that rise and fall with the seasons, with a slow period after the holidays
- WCB/WSIB coverage if you hire staff (rules vary by province)
🔒 Full research report for Canada
Real cost breakdown with current prices, licences and registration checklist, local competition, pricing, break-even and a 30-day launch plan, with sources.
Coming soonOther ways to run this business
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