Orthopedic and comfort shoe shop

Older adults, people with diabetes, arthritis or bunions, people on their feet all day at work, and anyone with painful feet. Some customers may claim part of the cost through extended health benefits.

Margin on each pair of shoes sold, plus add-ons like insoles, orthotic accessories, socks and shoe stretching or adjustments. Repeat customers return when they need new pairs.

• Patient, caring customer service
• Foot measuring and shoe fitting
• Stock buying and inventory control
• Basic knowledge of common foot conditions

• Check whether your province regulates the title pedorthist or the fitting of medical devices, and avoid claiming to treat conditions
• Check with your municipality about business licences and signage rules for retail premises
• Commercial general liability and property insurance, and a lease you can afford if sales are slow
• Register for GST/HST once revenue passes the small supplier threshold, and check your province's sales tax rules
• Stock is expensive to carry because sizes and widths multiply, so start with a tight range

As an estimate, startup typically costs around $40,000 to $150,000, depending on your premises, stock and fit-out. Monthly revenue is typically around $8,000 to $40,000, depending on location, range and customer numbers.

Check whether your province regulates the title pedorthist or the fitting of medical devices, and avoid claiming to treat conditions. Also check business licence and signage rules with your municipality, and GST/HST and provincial sales tax requirements.

Stock is expensive to carry because sizes and widths multiply, so start with a tight range. Check that you have commercial general liability and property insurance, and a lease you can afford if sales are slow.