Martial arts supply shop

Local students and parents, adult practitioners, instructors and clubs ordering in bulk.

Retail margin on gear sold in store and online, plus club orders, custom patches or embroidery if you add them, and repeat purchases as students grow.

• Deep knowledge of martial arts gear
• Retail and stock management
• Building relationships with clubs

• Commercial lease terms, rent and deposits, which vary a lot by city
• Business licence, zoning and signage rules from your municipality
• Commercial general liability and property insurance
• GST/HST and provincial sales tax registration and rules
• Slow seasons and stock that does not sell, so start with a focused range
• WCB/WSIB coverage if you hire staff, with rules varying by province

Startup costs are typically estimated at around $25,000 to $100,000 CAD, depending on your city, lease and deposit, shop fit-out and opening stock. Starting with a focused range can help limit unsold stock.

Check commercial lease terms, and your municipality's business licence, zoning and signage rules. Also check commercial general liability and property insurance, GST/HST and provincial sales tax registration, and WCB/WSIB coverage if you hire staff.

Monthly revenue is typically estimated at around $6,000 to $30,000 CAD, depending on location, your range and how many local clubs order from you. Plan for at least about 40 hours a week, and for slow seasons.