Silk fabric and accessories boutique

Dressmakers, bridal and costume makers, local designers, theatre and film wardrobe teams, and shoppers looking for gifts or special-occasion pieces.

Margin on fabric sold by the metre and on accessories and garments, plus add-ons like cutting for designers, special orders and sewing notions.

• Deep knowledge of silk and other fine fabrics
• Customer service and styling advice
• Buying, pricing and stock control

• Commercial lease terms, deposits and fit-out costs, so read the lease carefully before signing
• Check municipal business licence and zoning requirements
• Commercial general liability and contents insurance
• Sales tax registration and collection: check with the Canada Revenue Agency
• Textile and fibre content labelling rules from Competition Bureau Canada, and French-language signage rules if you are in Quebec
• Slow winter periods and heavy stock costs, so keep a cash buffer
• WCB/WSIB coverage once you hire staff, as rules differ by province

Startup costs are typically estimated at around $25,000 to $100,000, depending on the lease, fit-out and how much silk stock you buy. Read lease terms and deposits carefully, and keep a cash buffer for heavy stock costs.

Estimated monthly revenue is typically around $6,000 to $25,000, depending on location, range and how many sewers, designers and gift buyers you attract. Slow winter periods can affect income, and estimates suggest at least about 35 hours a week.

Things to check: municipal business licence and zoning, sales tax registration with the Canada Revenue Agency, and textile and fibre content labelling rules from Competition Bureau Canada. In Quebec, check French-language signage rules. Also check insurance and WCB/WSIB coverage once you hire.