Poster and framing shop
Open a small shop near a campus or busy street selling posters, prints and simple framing.
- 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 stocked with posters, art prints and frames. Adding custom framing or printing gives people a reason to visit beyond browsing.
Your first three steps
- Scout locations near campuses or busy streets and compare rents and lease terms
- Build a supplier list for posters, prints and frames, and test demand with a market stall first
- Write a simple budget covering rent, stock, fit-out and several months of running costs
Who pays
Students, residents, decorators, offices and gift buyers.
How it makes money
Retail sales of posters and prints, framing services and bulk orders for offices, restaurants and decorators.
Skills that help
- Retail and customer service
- Merchandising and stock buying
- Basic framing or willingness to learn
Watch out for
- Commercial lease terms and deposits, which are a big commitment, so get advice before signing
- Municipal business licence and zoning rules, which vary by city
- Copyright on licensed images, as popular film and band posters need official supply
- Commercial general liability and contents insurance
- Slow seasons, as student areas can be quiet over summer
🔒 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 start a poster and framing shop in Canada?
Startup costs are typically estimated at around $15,000 to $60,000, depending on the premises, your opening stock and whether you add custom framing or printing. Lease deposits and stock are worth pricing carefully for your own city.
How much can a poster and framing shop earn?
Monthly revenue is typically estimated at around $4,000 to $18,000, depending on your location, stock range and whether you offer framing. Student areas can be quiet over summer, so it helps to plan for slower seasons.
What licences and rules should I check before opening a poster shop?
Check municipal business licence and zoning rules, which vary by city, and get advice on commercial lease terms and deposits before signing. Also check copyright on licensed images, since popular film and band posters need official supply, and your insurance needs.
Other ways to run this business
Online poster and wall print shop
Sell posters and wall prints through your own website or marketplace, printed and shipped by a partner so you hold no stock.
- C$200-1.5k
- Side hustle
- Online
Poster stall at markets and campus events
Sell posters and prints at craft markets, student fairs and pop-ups, with an online shop to back it up.
- C$800-4k
- Side hustle
- Out and about
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