Window treatment showroom
Open a small shop showing blinds, curtains and shutters, with measuring and fitting for local customers.
- C$15k-70k
- Full-time
- Own premises
Estimates for a small start in Canada, not guarantees.
What it is
A small retail showroom with display samples of blinds, curtains and shutters, plus made-to-measure ordering, home measuring and installation.
Your first three steps
- Research your local area for gaps, such as new builds or older homes, and check rents for small retail or light industrial units
- Set up supplier accounts and plan a display of samples rather than large amounts of stock
- Build a simple website and Google Business listing, and introduce yourself to local builders, designers and realtors
Who pays
Homeowners, renovators, builders, interior designers, landlords and local businesses.
How it makes money
Product sales with a markup on made-to-measure items, plus fees for measuring, fitting and repairs. Builders and property managers can bring repeat orders.
Skills that help
- Retail and customer service
- Measuring and fitting
- Product knowledge and design advice
- Managing suppliers, stock and bookkeeping
Watch out for
- Commercial lease terms, and the cost of rent through slower winter months
- Commercial general liability and contents insurance
- Check municipal business licence and signage rules
- Child safety rules for corded blinds, so check Health Canada requirements
- WCB or WSIB coverage if you hire installers, as rules differ by province
- Check GST/HST and provincial sales tax registration
Deep research report · Canada
Everything you need to start: window treatment showroom
Researched with live web search for Canada: real startup prices, the licences and rules, what others charge, a break-even example, how to find your first customers and a 30-day launch plan. With sources.
- Startup costs with real prices
- Licences, registration and rules
- Pricing: what others charge
- Break-even example
- Finding your first customers
- 30-day launch plan
- Risks and how to reduce them
Questions people ask
How much does it cost to open a window treatment showroom in Canada?
Estimates suggest startup costs typically around $15,000 to $70,000, depending on your premises, display samples, fit-out and insurance. Commercial lease terms will affect your own figure, so check them carefully.
How much revenue can a window treatment showroom make?
Estimated monthly revenue is typically around $6,000 to $30,000, depending on your location, product range and how many measuring and fitting jobs you win. The estimate assumes at least about 35 hours a week.
What rules should I check before opening a blinds showroom?
Check commercial lease terms, municipal business licence and signage rules, and Health Canada requirements for corded blinds. Also check insurance, WCB/WSIB coverage if you hire installers, and GST/HST and provincial sales tax registration.
Other ways to run this business
Similar retail ideas
Kimono and Japanese garment shop
Open a small shop where people can try on, choose and buy kimonos and accessories.
- C$15k-70k
- Full-time
- Own premises
Computer desk and workstation showroom
Open a small shop where people can try desks and gaming setups before they buy, with local delivery.
- C$15k-70k
- Full-time
- Own premises
Kite shop in a tourist or seaside spot
Open a small shop selling kites, windsocks and outdoor toys to families and visitors.
- C$25k-70k
- Full-time
- Own premises
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
Sports memorabilia shop
Open a small shop selling signed jerseys, cards and collectables to local fans and collectors.
- C$15k-70k
- Full-time
- Own premises
Small scrap yard buying from the public
Rent a small yard, buy scrap metal from locals and contractors, sort it and sell in bulk to larger recyclers.
- C$15k-70k
- Full-time
- Own premises