Surplus and Outdoor Gear Shop
Open a small store selling clearance, surplus and ex-military stock to bargain hunters and outdoor fans.
- C$15k-70k
- Full-time
- Own premises
- Licence or permit needed
Estimates for a small start in Canada, not guarantees.
What it is
A bricks-and-mortar shop stocked with surplus, closeout and ex-military goods such as boots, jackets, tents, packs, tools and workwear. Stock changes often, so customers keep coming back to see what is new.
Your first three steps
- Research local rents and foot traffic, and visit similar shops to see what stock sells and at what prices
- Build supplier contacts with surplus wholesalers, liquidators and auctions, and test with a first batch of stock
- Choose a business structure, register with your province, get a Business Number and check municipal licence and zoning requirements
Who pays
Bargain hunters, campers, hunters and anglers, tradespeople, students, collectors and local walk-in shoppers.
How it makes money
Markup on goods bought cheaply from wholesalers, auctions and liquidators. Many shops add an online store and buy-in of used gear to widen sales.
Skills that help
- Sourcing and negotiating on stock
- Pricing and merchandising
- Customer service
- Managing inventory and cash flow
Watch out for
- Commercial lease commitments and fit-out costs, negotiate terms carefully
- Commercial general liability and contents insurance
- Rules on selling knives, replica weapons, optics or military-style items differ by province and municipality, check before stocking them
- Register for GST/HST once over the small supplier threshold, and check provincial sales tax rules
- WCB or WSIB coverage once you hire staff, rules vary by province
- Slow winter or off-season periods and unsold stock can strain cash
🔒 Full research report for Canada
Real cost breakdown with current prices, licences and registration checklist, local competition, pricing, break-even and a 30-day launch plan, with sources.
Coming soonQuestions people ask
How much does it cost to open a surplus shop in Canada?
Estimates suggest startup costs typically around $15,000 to $70,000, depending on your premises, fit-out and opening stock. Commercial lease commitments and fit-out costs are worth negotiating carefully before you sign.
How much can a surplus and outdoor gear shop earn?
Estimated monthly revenue is typically around $5,000 to $25,000, depending on location, stock and season. Slow winter or off-season periods and unsold stock can strain cash, so plan your cash flow.
What rules should I check before opening a surplus shop in Canada?
Check rules on selling knives, replica weapons, optics or military-style items, which differ by province and municipality. Also check GST/HST registration, provincial sales tax, insurance, and WCB or WSIB coverage once you hire staff.
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