Metaphysical and crystal shop

Local walk-in customers, gift shoppers, tourists and regulars who follow spiritual or wellness practices.

Retail markup on stock, plus workshop tickets, rented space for visiting readers and an online shop alongside the store.

• Retail and customer service
• Knowing your products
• Stock buying and inventory control
• Community building and marketing

• Commercial leases often run for several years, so have the terms reviewed before you sign
• Check municipal business licence, zoning and fire code rules, including for burning incense or candles in store
• Collect GST/HST or provincial sales tax as required, and check registration rules in your province
• Commercial general liability and contents insurance
• Check provincial WCB/WSIB rules before hiring staff
• Quebec businesses must follow French-language signage and labelling rules, so check with the provincial authority
• Avoid health claims about products, and be careful that readings are presented as entertainment or personal practice

Estimates suggest startup costs are typically around $15,000 to $60,000, depending on the premises, stock levels and fit-out. Monthly revenue is estimated at roughly $4,000 to $20,000, depending on location and how many customers you attract.

Things to check include your municipal business licence, zoning and fire code rules (including burning incense or candles in store), sales tax registration in your province, insurance, and WCB/WSIB rules before hiring. Quebec has French-language signage and labelling rules. Avoid health claims.

Useful skills include retail and customer service, product knowledge, stock buying and inventory control, and community building and marketing. Estimates suggest at least about 35 hours a week, with readings or workshops helping to bring people in.