Maternity clothing boutique

Expectant mothers, often in their second or third trimester, and gift buyers such as partners, relatives and friends.

Stock is sold at a markup over wholesale cost. Many shops add a website for extra sales, and some offer gift cards or fitting services.

• Buying stock and managing inventory
• Sensitive, helpful customer service
• Running a shop day to day

• Check with your municipality about a business licence, zoning and signage rules for your location
• Commercial general liability insurance and cover for stock, and WCB/WSIB once you hire staff (rules vary by province)
• Lease commitments, which can be a big risk if sales are slow, so negotiate carefully
• Clothing labelling rules in Canada, including fibre content and care labels, and French-language requirements if you are in Quebec
• Slow winter foot traffic in some areas and unsold stock if sizes or styles don't match demand

Startup costs are typically estimated at around $25,000 to $80,000 CAD, depending on your location and lease, shop fit-out, opening stock and insurance. Lease commitments can be a big risk if sales are slow.

Check with your municipality about a business licence, zoning and signage rules. Also check commercial general liability and stock insurance, WCB/WSIB once you hire staff, clothing labelling rules, and French-language requirements if you are in Quebec.

Monthly revenue is typically estimated at around $6,000 to $30,000 CAD, depending on location, foot traffic and how well your stock matches customer sizes and styles. Plan for at least about 35 hours a week.