Neighbourhood skate shop

Parents buying for growing kids, hockey and figure skaters, recreational roller skaters, and beginners who want advice before buying.

Profit on products sold, plus fees for services such as blade sharpening, wheel and bearing changes, and fitting.

• Knowing skates, sizing and fit
• Customer service and advice
• Stock buying and inventory control
• Basic skate maintenance

• Commercial general liability and property insurance, and check whether your lease requires it
• Municipal business licence and zoning for retail, which differ by city, so check with your municipality
• GST/HST or provincial sales tax registration once you pass the small supplier threshold, and the rules in your province
• Seasonal sales: ice skating peaks in autumn and winter, so plan cash flow for slower months
• Stock tied up in many sizes and models, so start with a focused range
• In Quebec, signage and customer communication need to meet French-language requirements

Startup costs are typically around $25,000 to $100,000, depending on your premises, opening stock and fit-out. Starting with a focused range of skates can keep stock costs down.

Monthly revenue is typically around $5,000 to $25,000, depending on your range, location and season. Estimates start from about 40 hours a week, and ice skating peaks in autumn and winter, so plan cash flow for slower months.

Check commercial general liability and property insurance, your municipal business licence and zoning for retail, and GST/HST or provincial sales tax registration once past the small supplier threshold. In Quebec, signage and customer communication need to meet French-language requirements.