Neighbourhood fabric and sewing supply shop

Home sewers, quilters, cosplayers, tailors, dressmakers, and parents making costumes or alterations.

Margin on fabric and notions sold, plus optional income from classes, workshops and sewing machine sales or repairs.

• Knowing fabrics and sewing basics
• Buying and stock control
• Friendly, helpful customer service

• Commercial lease terms, deposits and fit-out costs
• Stock tied up in fabric that does not sell, start with a focused range
• Commercial general liability and contents insurance
• GST/HST registration and any provincial sales tax rules, check with the CRA and your province
• Municipal business licence and signage rules, plus French-language rules if you are in Quebec
• Seasonal swings, winter can be busy for sewing but slower for foot traffic

Startup costs are typically estimated at around $25,000 to $80,000, depending on the lease, fit-out and how much fabric and stock you buy. Starting with a focused range helps avoid stock tied up in fabric that does not sell.

Monthly revenue is typically estimated at around $6,000 to $30,000, depending on location, stock range and whether you add classes. Winter can be busy for sewing but slower for foot traffic.

Check commercial lease terms, deposits and fit-out costs, plus GST/HST registration and provincial sales tax rules with the CRA and your province. Also check municipal business licence and signage rules, insurance, and French-language rules if you are in Quebec.