Miniatures and hobby shop with a play area
Open a small local shop for miniatures and dollhouses, with a painting and gaming table to build a community.
- C$15k-60k
- Full-time
- Own premises
- Licence or permit needed
Estimates for a small start in Canada, not guarantees.
What it is
A small retail unit selling miniature figures, dollhouse kits, paints and scale accessories. A table for painting nights and games gives customers a reason to come back.
Your first three steps
- Talk to local hobbyists and gaming groups to see what is missing nearby, and check rents in small units in your area
- Open trade accounts with a few suppliers and plan a first stock order that fits a tight budget
- Start with pop-up tables at markets or hobby fairs, or run events in a borrowed space, to build a customer list before signing a lease
Who pays
Local hobbyists, collectors, parents and gift buyers, plus tabletop gamers who join events at the shop.
How it makes money
Retail sales of stock, plus table fees, workshop or painting class tickets, and special orders. Online sales can add to in-store sales.
Skills that help
- Deep hobby knowledge
- Retail and stock control
- Hosting events and workshops
- Basic bookkeeping
Watch out for
- Commercial lease terms, deposits and how long you are committed
- Commercial general liability and contents insurance
- Check municipal business licence, zoning and signage rules
- GST/HST registration and provincial sales tax rules
- Slow winter foot traffic and the busy period before the holidays, so plan your cash flow
- WCB/WSIB coverage if you hire staff (rules vary by province)
🔒 Full research report for Canada
Real cost breakdown with current prices, licences and registration checklist, local competition, pricing, break-even and a 30-day launch plan, with sources.
Coming soonQuestions people ask
How much does it cost to open a miniatures and hobby shop?
Startup costs are typically estimated at around $15,000 to $60,000, depending on the lease and deposit, shop fit-out, opening stock and your painting or gaming table setup. Check lease terms carefully before you commit.
How much can a hobby shop earn each month?
Monthly revenue is typically estimated at around $4,000 to $20,000, depending on your location, stock and events. Winter foot traffic can be slow and the holiday period busy, so plan cash flow. These are estimates, not guarantees.
What licences and rules should I check for a hobby shop?
Check your municipal business licence, zoning and signage rules, plus commercial lease terms. Also check commercial general liability and contents insurance, GST/HST registration and provincial sales tax rules, and WCB/WSIB coverage if you hire staff.
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