Open a neighbourhood underwear and nightwear shop

Local shoppers topping up everyday basics, people who want a proper fit, and gift buyers, especially around Valentine's Day and the holidays.

You buy stock at wholesale and sell at retail. Higher-margin extras like fitting help, premium brands and gift sets lift the average sale.

• Customer service and tactful fitting advice
• Buying and stock control
• Visual merchandising
• Basic bookkeeping

• Commercial lease terms: length, personal guarantees and rent increases
• Textile labelling rules (fibre content and dealer identification), check with the Competition Bureau
• GST/HST or provincial sales tax registration, which differs by province; Quebec also has QST and French-language signage and labelling rules
• Commercial general liability and contents insurance
• Hygiene return policies: many shops do not accept returns on opened underwear, so state yours clearly
• Seasonal swings in sales and cash tied up in stock

Startup costs are typically around $25,000 to $80,000, depending on location, shop size and how much stock you carry. Commercial lease terms, such as length, personal guarantees and rent increases, are worth checking carefully.

Estimated monthly revenue is typically around $8,000 to $30,000, depending on location, range and season. Sales swing seasonally, with gift buying around Valentine's Day and the holidays, and cash can be tied up in stock.

Check textile labelling rules (fibre content and dealer identification) with the Competition Bureau, GST/HST or provincial sales tax registration for your province, insurance, and Quebec's QST and French-language rules. Also state your hygiene return policy clearly.