Independent shoe shop with fitting advice

Local families, school-age children's parents, workers needing safe footwear, and people who want to try shoes on before buying.

You buy stock from brands or wholesalers and sell at a markup. Extra income can come from accessories like insoles, polish and socks, plus seasonal sales such as back-to-school and winter boots.

• Friendly, patient customer service
• Eye for what sells locally
• Stock buying and tracking
• Basic bookkeeping

• Stock is the biggest cost and unsold seasonal items tie up cash, so start with a tight range
• Check your municipality for a business licence and zoning rules for retail
• Check provincial sales tax rules in your province, plus GST/HST registration once you pass the threshold
• Commercial general liability and contents insurance
• If you open in Quebec, check French-language signage and customer service rules
• Winter boots drive sales in cold months, so plan cash flow around seasons

Startup costs are typically around $40,000 to $120,000, depending on premises and how much stock you buy. Stock is the biggest cost, so a tight opening range helps protect cash.

Monthly revenue is typically around $15,000 to $50,000, depending on location, range and season. Winter boots drive sales in cold months, so plan your cash flow around the seasons. Expect about 40 hours a week or more.

Check your municipality for a business licence and retail zoning rules, plus provincial sales tax and GST/HST registration once you pass the threshold. In Quebec, check French-language signage and service rules. Also check liability and contents insurance.