Leather coat shop with repairs and fitting

Local shoppers wanting a proper fit, people with coats that need repair, and customers who want something made to order.

Margin on coats sold, plus fees for repairs, alterations and custom orders, which can bring in customers outside the peak coat season.

• Knowledge of leather types and quality
• Retail selling and fitting advice
• Managing stock and buying for the seasons
• Working with a tailor or leather repair specialist

• Commercial lease terms and total costs such as rent, deposits and fit-out
• Strongly seasonal sales, so plan cash flow for the warmer months
• Check municipal business licence and signage rules
• Commercial general liability insurance and cover for stock
• Register for GST/HST once you pass the small supplier threshold, and check provincial sales tax rules
• Check labelling rules for textile and leather goods, and in Quebec the French-language requirements for signage and labels

Startup costs are typically around $25,000 to $90,000, depending on rent, deposits, fit-out and stock. Treat this as an estimate, and check total lease costs and terms carefully before you commit.

Estimated monthly revenue is typically around $5,000 to $25,000, depending on location, stock and services like repairs and made-to-measure orders. Sales are strongly seasonal, so plan cash flow for the warmer months.

Check your municipal business licence and signage rules, insurance for liability and stock, and GST/HST and provincial sales tax. Also check labelling rules for textile and leather goods, and French-language requirements for signs and labels in Quebec.