Neighbourhood japanese grocery shop

Home cooks, Japanese and other Asian communities, students, food lovers, and small local restaurants buying in bulk.

Retail margin on each product sold, plus larger wholesale orders to restaurants and cafes. Regulars buying staples weekly bring steady sales.

• Knowing Japanese food products and how people use them
• Stock ordering and managing shelf life
• Friendly customer service
• Basic bookkeeping

• Food retail rules: check with your local public health unit about permits and inspections, especially for chilled or frozen goods
• Prepackaged food labelling: check CFIA rules, including English and French requirements, for imported products
• If you import directly, check whether you need a CFIA Safe Food for Canadians licence; buying from Canadian distributors is simpler to start
• Commercial general liability and property insurance
• Best-before dates and slow-selling stock tying up cash
• Lease terms and rent in a location with enough local foot traffic

Estimates suggest startup costs typically around $40,000 to $150,000, depending on your premises, fit-out, opening stock and any chilled or frozen equipment. Lease terms and location will affect your own figure.

Estimated monthly revenue is typically around $15,000 to $70,000, depending on your location, product range and customer base, including any restaurants buying in bulk. The estimate assumes at least about 40 hours a week.

Check permits and inspections with your local public health unit, especially for chilled or frozen goods. Check CFIA labelling rules, including English and French, and whether you need a Safe Food for Canadians licence if you import directly.