Local sports nutrition shop

Gym members, recreational athletes, team players and people starting a fitness routine, often from nearby gyms and campuses.

You buy stock from distributors and brands, then sell at a markup. Repeat customers, bundles and a loyalty scheme help keep sales steady.

• Knowing sports nutrition products well
• Stock buying and cash flow control
• Friendly, honest customer service

• Health Canada rules on natural health products, including product licence numbers (NPN) on supplements. Check every product you stock
• Labelling and bilingual requirements, which are stricter in Quebec. Check with your provincial regulator
• Commercial general liability and product liability insurance
• Avoid making health or medical claims about products you sell
• Lease terms, rent and a slow first few months. Check municipal business licence and signage rules
• Registering for GST/HST once revenue passes the small supplier threshold, and checking provincial sales tax rules

Estimates suggest startup costs are typically around $40,000 to $150,000, depending on your premises, opening stock, fit-out and licensing. It is also worth planning for lease terms and a slow first few months.

Check Health Canada rules on natural health products, including NPN licence numbers on supplements, bilingual labelling requirements (stricter in Quebec), insurance, municipal licence and signage rules, and GST/HST registration. Avoid health or medical claims.

Estimates suggest monthly revenue is typically around $12,000 to $50,000, depending on your location, range and foot traffic. The estimates assume full-time hours, at least about 40 a week.