Neighbourhood stationery shop

Local families, students, teachers, small offices and gift shoppers.

Retail markup on products, plus fees for services like printing, binding and laminating, and sales to local schools and businesses.

• Retail customer service
• Buying and stock control
• Managing a budget and cash flow
• Merchandising and display

• Commercial lease terms, including length, rent increases and who pays for fit-out
• Commercial general liability and property insurance, plus WCB/WSIB coverage once you hire (rules vary by province)
• Municipal business licence and signage rules, check with your municipality
• Collecting GST/HST and any provincial sales tax, check your province's rules
• Strong seasonality, with busy back-to-school and holiday periods and quieter winter and summer months
• Competition from big-box stores and online retailers, so a clear niche or service offering matters

Startup costs are typically estimated at around $25,000 to $100,000, depending on your location, fit-out and opening stock. Check lease terms carefully, including length, rent increases and who pays for the fit-out.

Check commercial lease terms, municipal business licence and signage rules, and how GST/HST and provincial sales tax apply. Also arrange commercial general liability and property insurance, plus WCB/WSIB coverage once you hire, as rules vary by province.

Monthly revenue is typically estimated at around $6,000 to $30,000, depending on location, range and any extra services. Sales are seasonal, with busy back-to-school and holiday periods, and competition from big-box and online retailers means a clear niche matters.