Embroidery and craft supply shop
Run a small shop selling threads and supplies while taking custom embroidery orders.
- C$60k-150k
- Full-time
- Own premises
Estimates for a small start in Canada, not guarantees.
What it is
A small retail unit selling embroidery thread, fabric, hoops and kits, with a multi-needle machine in the back for custom work. It can also host classes and workshops for local crafters.
Your first three steps
- Visit local crafters, schools and clubs to learn what they buy now and what they struggle to find
- Price out a small unit and a commercial machine, and check whether leasing the machine makes sense
- Build a starter range of supplies from wholesalers and plan a launch with a few classes
Who pays
Hobby crafters, schools, sports teams, local businesses and people wanting custom gifts.
How it makes money
Retail sales of supplies, per-item charges for embroidery orders, digitizing fees and class fees. Custom orders from schools and teams can fill quieter retail periods.
Skills that help
- Retail and customer service
- Embroidery machine operation and design software
- Stock control and basic bookkeeping
Watch out for
- Commercial lease terms, deposits and fit-out costs
- Commercial general liability and contents insurance
- Check your municipality for a business licence and signage rules
- Collect GST/HST and, where it applies, PST or QST, so check your provincial rules
- Slower winter or summer periods depending on your customers, so keep a cash buffer
- In Quebec, check French-language rules for signs and customer materials
Deep research report · Canada
Everything you need to start: embroidery and craft supply shop
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 an embroidery and craft supply shop in Canada?
As an estimate, startup costs are typically around $60,000 to $150,000, depending on your lease, deposits, fit-out, stock and embroidery equipment. Review commercial lease terms carefully before committing.
What rules should I check before opening a craft and embroidery shop?
Check your municipality for a business licence and signage rules, and review lease terms and fit-out costs. Also check insurance, GST/HST and any PST or QST, and French-language rules for signs and customer materials if you are in Quebec.
How much can an embroidery and craft shop earn?
As an estimate, monthly revenue is typically around $4,000 to $20,000, depending on location, stock, custom orders and classes. The estimate assumes about 35 hours a week or more. Keep a cash buffer for slower seasons.
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