Independent outdoor sports shop

Local hikers, campers, climbers, skiers and families, plus visitors in tourist or gateway towns.

Retail mark-up on gear and clothing, plus rentals, repairs, workshops and seasonal sales. Revenue often peaks before summer and winter seasons.

• Strong outdoor gear knowledge
• Buying and stock control
• Retail and customer service
• Basic bookkeeping

• Stock is a big upfront cost and unsold seasonal items can tie up cash
• Check municipal business licence, zoning and signage rules for your premises
• Commercial general liability and property insurance, plus WCB/WSIB coverage if you hire (rules vary by province)
• Register for GST/HST and check provincial sales tax rules
• Competition from big chains and online sellers, so plan how you will stand out
• In Quebec, check French-language requirements for signage and customer materials

Estimates suggest startup costs are typically around $40,000 to $150,000, depending on your premises, fit-out and especially how much stock you buy. Stock is a big upfront cost, and unsold seasonal items can tie up cash.

Monthly revenue is estimated at typically around $8,000 to $40,000, depending on location, range and season. Competition from big chains and online sellers matters, so plan how you will stand out, such as with expert advice.

Check municipal business licence, zoning and signage rules for your premises. Also check commercial general liability and property insurance, WCB/WSIB coverage if you hire, GST/HST and provincial sales tax rules, and French-language requirements if you are in Quebec.