Luggage and travel goods shop

Travellers, students, business people and families buying for trips, plus gift buyers and people replacing damaged luggage.

Retail margin on products bought at wholesale, plus higher-margin add-ons such as accessories, packing aids and small repairs if you offer them.

• Retail selling and customer service
• Stock buying and managing inventory
• Product knowledge of materials and sizes

• Commercial lease terms, deposits and how long you are committed
• Municipal business licence, signage and zoning rules, which vary by city
• Commercial general liability and contents insurance, plus WCB/WSIB coverage once you hire staff (rules by province)
• Money tied up in stock, and seasonal swings with busy spring and summer travel and slower winter months
• Competition from big retailers and online stores, so think about what makes your range different
• In Quebec, check French-language requirements for signs and product labelling

Startup costs are estimated at typically around $20,000 to $90,000, depending on your lease and deposit, shop fit-out, and how much stock you buy. Money tied up in stock is a major factor, so check your numbers before signing a lease.

Monthly revenue is estimated at typically around $6,000 to $30,000, depending on your location, range and season. Spring and summer travel tend to be busy, with slower winter months. Revenue is not profit, as rent and stock costs come out of it.

Check commercial lease terms and your municipal business licence, signage and zoning rules. Also check commercial general liability and contents insurance, WCB/WSIB coverage once you hire, and in Quebec, French-language requirements for signs and product labelling.