Open a linen shop in your neighbourhood

Local households, new homeowners, gift buyers and people who want to feel the quality before buying.

You sell stock at a retail markup over wholesale cost. Seasonal peaks such as holidays, weddings and back-to-school help, and add-ons like cushion covers and gift sets lift sales.

• Buying and managing stock
• Customer service and friendly selling
• Basic bookkeeping and merchandising

• Commercial lease terms, deposits and what you are responsible for, so read them carefully before signing
• Municipal business licence and zoning rules, so check with your city or town
• Commercial general liability and contents insurance
• Slow winter months and stock that does not sell, which can tie up cash
• Collecting and remitting GST/HST or provincial sales tax, with rules that vary by province
• WCB/WSIB coverage if you hire staff, with rules that differ by province

Our estimates put startup costs typically around $15,000 to $60,000, depending on the premises, lease deposits, fit-out and how much stock you buy. Stock can tie up cash, so many owners start with a smaller range.

Estimated monthly revenue is typically around $4,000 to $20,000, depending on location, stock range and season. Winter months can be slow and unsold stock can tie up cash, so plan your cash flow. Revenue is before rent, stock and other costs.

Things to check include your municipal business licence and zoning rules, commercial lease terms, insurance, GST/HST or provincial sales tax collection, and WCB/WSIB coverage if you hire staff. Rules vary by province, so confirm details with your city and province.