Neighbourhood judaica shop

Local Jewish families, synagogues and schools, plus visitors and people shopping for gifts for Jewish friends or colleagues.

Retail margins on stock, with extra income from special orders, bulk orders and seasonal peaks before major holidays.

• Knowledge of Jewish traditions and ritual items
• Retail and customer service
• Stock buying and budgeting

• Commercial lease terms, zoning and your municipal business licence, so check with your municipality
• Commercial general liability and contents insurance, plus WCB or WSIB coverage if you hire staff (rules vary by province)
• Cash flow is uneven, with big peaks before the holidays and quiet periods between them
• Ritual items such as mezuzah scrolls and tefillin need trusted, qualified sources
• Check opening hours around Shabbat and holidays, and French-language signage rules if you are in Quebec

Startup costs are typically estimated at around $25,000 to $100,000, depending on your lease, shop fit-out and opening stock. Your total will vary with location and how much inventory you buy at the start.

Monthly revenue is typically estimated at around $6,000 to $30,000, depending on location, stock range and the season. Cash flow is uneven, with big peaks before the holidays and quiet periods between them.

Check commercial lease terms, zoning and your municipal business licence. Also look at liability and contents insurance, WCB/WSIB if you hire, trusted sources for ritual items, opening hours around Shabbat and holidays, and French signage rules in Quebec.