Independent womenswear shop

Local women looking for clothes and gifts, plus tourists and regular customers who like a personal service.

Retail sales of stock bought at wholesale prices, with income rising through repeat customers, seasonal ranges and accessories.

• Buying and merchandising
• Customer service and styling advice
• Stock control and budgeting
• Marketing and social media

• Check your municipality for a business licence, zoning and signage permits
• Lease terms can be a big commitment, so have the lease reviewed before signing
• Winter and post-holiday slumps can hit sales, so plan cash flow for slow months
• Register for GST/HST and check provincial sales tax rules
• Commercial general liability and contents insurance, plus WCB/WSIB coverage once you hire (rules vary by province)
• Unsold seasonal stock ties up cash, so plan markdowns and avoid over-buying
• In Quebec, check French-language rules for signs, labels and websites

Startup costs are typically around $25,000 to $100,000, depending on your premises, fit-out, opening stock and how much you spend on an online shop. These are estimates, so build your own budget from real quotes and lease terms.

Monthly revenue is typically around $6,000 to $30,000, depending on location, range, pricing and season. That is revenue, not profit, so rent, stock and wages come out of it. Winter and post-holiday slumps can hit sales, so plan cash flow.

Check your municipality for a business licence, zoning and signage permits, and have the lease reviewed before signing. Register for GST/HST and check provincial sales tax rules. In Quebec, check French-language rules for signs, labels and websites.