Indigenous art and craft shop

Tourists, local gift buyers, collectors and people buying meaningful presents. Some tour operators and hotels may also buy in bulk.

Retail margin on pieces bought wholesale, or a commission on items sold on consignment. Higher-value artworks and seasonal gift sales add to the total.

• Retail and customer service
• Respectful, honest relationships with artists
• Stock buying and pricing
• Telling the story behind each piece

• Authenticity: buy directly from Indigenous artists or trusted Indigenous-owned suppliers, and avoid mass-produced imitations sold as Indigenous-made
• Some items, such as eagle feathers or products made from certain wildlife, may be restricted or illegal to sell, so check federal and provincial rules
• Check your municipality's business licence and zoning rules, and your provincial rules on sales tax and GST/HST
• Commercial general liability and contents insurance
• Strong seasonality in tourist areas, so plan cash flow for the quiet winter months
• Get written agreements on pricing, payment timing and image use with every artist

Estimates suggest startup costs typically around $15,000 to $60,000, depending on the premises, fit-out and opening stock. Get written agreements with every artist on pricing, payment timing and image use.

Estimates put monthly revenue typically around $4,000 to $20,000, depending on location, range and visitor numbers. Tourist areas are strongly seasonal, so plan cash flow for the quiet winter months.

Check authenticity by buying directly from Indigenous artists or trusted Indigenous-owned suppliers. Check federal and provincial rules on restricted items such as eagle feathers or certain wildlife products, plus municipal licensing and zoning, GST/HST, and insurance.