Map and Travel Shop in a Small Unit

Hikers, boaters, tourists, cottagers, teachers, students, gift shoppers and collectors.

Retail margin on maps, books and gifts. Extra income can come from custom-printed maps, framing, an online shop alongside the store, and events such as route talks.

• Retail sales and customer service
• Knowledge of maps and outdoor routes
• Stock control and bookkeeping

• Check your municipality for business licence, zoning and signage rules for retail premises
• Commercial general liability and contents insurance
• Check GST/HST or provincial sales tax registration and WCB/WSIB coverage if you hire staff
• Sales are seasonal, so plan cash flow for slow winter months
• Stock can sit unsold, so start small and reorder what sells
• Lease commitments can be long, so have the terms reviewed before signing
• Check French-language signage and service rules if you are in Quebec

Startup costs are typically estimated at around $20,000 to $80,000, depending on your location, lease and the range of stock you buy. Monthly revenue is estimated at around $6,000 to $30,000.

Check your municipality for business licence, zoning and signage rules for retail premises, plus GST/HST or provincial sales tax registration and WCB/WSIB coverage if you hire staff. In Quebec, check French-language signage and service rules.

Useful skills include retail sales and customer service, knowledge of maps and outdoor routes, and stock control and bookkeeping. The estimate is a minimum of around 30 hours a week. Sales are seasonal, so plan cash flow for slow winter months.