Mexican goods neighbourhood shop

Mexican and Latin American families, curious home cooks, nearby restaurants and visitors looking for gifts.

Retail margin on groceries and crafts, with higher margins on handmade items, gift sets and prepared specialty products.

• Retail and customer service
• Buying and managing stock
• Knowledge of Mexican products and food

• Selling packaged and perishable food may need a permit from your local public health unit and refrigeration compliance
• Imported food rules, labelling and CFIA requirements; check before ordering stock
• Lease terms, deposits and fit-out costs
• Commercial general liability and property insurance
• WCB or WSIB coverage once you hire staff, as rules vary by province
• Quebec has French-language signage and labelling requirements

Estimates suggest startup costs of typically around $25,000 to $100,000, depending on your lease, deposits, fit-out and opening stock. Check lease terms and fit-out costs carefully before committing.

Estimates suggest monthly revenue of typically around $8,000 to $40,000, depending on location, product range and how loyal your local customer base becomes. Expect full-time hours, at least about 40 a week.

Check whether selling packaged and perishable food needs a local public health permit and refrigeration compliance, plus CFIA import and labelling rules. Also check insurance, WCB or WSIB coverage when hiring, and French-language signage rules in Quebec.