Vintage clothing shop with a storefront

Local shoppers, students, creatives, tourists and people looking for outfits for events or themes.

In-store sales of items bought at a lower price, plus extras like accessories, alterations or buying clothes from customers on consignment.

• Buying and pricing stock well
• Merchandising and shop display
• Customer service and styling
• Managing rent, stock and cash flow

• Read lease terms carefully, including length, rent increases and who pays for repairs
• Check municipal business licence, zoning and signage rules
• Commercial general liability and contents insurance are worth checking
• Register for GST/HST or provincial sales tax where required, and check your provincial rules
• Rent and slow winter months can strain cash flow, so keep a buffer
• WCB/WSIB coverage may be needed once you hire staff, check your province

Estimates suggest startup costs are typically around $10,000 to $40,000, depending on your location, lease terms, shop fit-out and how much opening stock you buy. Check your own quotes and lease terms before committing.

Estimated monthly revenue is typically around $4,000 to $20,000, depending on your location, stock quality and whether you also sell online. That is revenue, not profit, so rent, stock and other costs come out of it.

Check your lease terms, including length, rent increases and who pays for repairs. Also check municipal business licence, zoning and signage rules, insurance, GST/HST or provincial sales tax registration, and WCB/WSIB coverage if you hire staff in your province.