Local hockey equipment shop

Open a small shop selling sticks, skates-side gear and protective equipment to local players, parents and teams.

Hockey sticks, helmets and protective gear arranged on display in a sports shop.
Startup costC$25k to C$100k
Monthly revenueC$6k to C$30k
Time needed40+ h/week
First incomeMonths
  • C$25k-100k
  • Full-time
  • Own premises
  • Licence or permit needed

Estimates for a small start in Canada, not guarantees.

What it is

A small retail shop stocking hockey sticks, helmets, pads, gloves, jerseys and accessories, with fitting advice for players of all ages.

Your first three steps

  1. Visit local rinks and clubs to learn what players buy and what nearby shops charge
  2. Contact hockey equipment distributors and brands to ask about dealer accounts and minimum orders
  3. Get quotes for a small retail unit near a rink or busy area and draw up a simple budget
Who pays

Parents of minor hockey players, adult league players, local clubs and school teams.

How it makes money

Markup on new equipment and clothing, plus add-ons like stick taping, repairs and team orders. Sales peak before the season starts.

Skills that help
  • Knowing hockey gear and sizing
  • Buying and stock control
  • Customer service
  • Basic bookkeeping
Watch out for
  • Commercial general liability and contents insurance
  • Business registration and GST/HST registration, check with your province and the CRA
  • A municipal business licence and zoning approval for retail are likely needed before you open, check with your municipality
  • Seasonal sales: cash can be tight in spring and summer
  • Large stock investment and sizes that do not sell, buy carefully
  • Competition from big sports chains and online retailers

Deep research report · Canada

Everything you need to start: local hockey equipment 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
Ready in about 2 minutes · one-off payment, tax included

See a full sample report

Questions people ask

How much does it cost to open a hockey equipment shop?

Estimates typically put startup costs at around $25,000 to $100,000, depending on the premises, fit-out and the amount of stock you buy. Stock is a large investment, and sizes that do not sell can tie up cash, so buy carefully.

How much can a hockey equipment shop earn?

Estimated monthly revenue is typically around $6,000 to $30,000, depending on location, stock range and local demand. The estimate assumes at least about 40 hours a week. Cash can be tight in spring and summer.

What should I check before opening a hockey shop?

Check business registration and GST/HST registration with your province and the CRA. A municipal business licence and zoning approval for retail are likely needed, so check with your municipality. Also arrange commercial general liability and contents insurance.

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Photo: soerli on Pixabay

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