Neighbourhood yarn shop with classes

Local hobby crafters, beginners taking classes, and gift shoppers, especially in the colder months.

Retail margins on yarn and tools, class and workshop fees, and extras such as kits and gift cards.

• Strong knitting or crochet knowledge
• Friendly customer service and teaching
• Buying stock and managing a budget

• Check your municipality for business licence, zoning and signage rules
• Commercial general liability and contents insurance
• Register for GST/HST and check how provincial sales tax applies in your province
• Rent and stock are big fixed costs, and sales are often strongest in autumn and winter, so plan your cash flow for slower summers
• WCB/WSIB coverage and employment rules once you hire staff, which differ by province

Startup costs are typically estimated at around $25,000 to $90,000, depending on your premises, fit-out and how much stock you buy. Treat this as an estimate, since rent and stock are big fixed costs.

Monthly revenue is typically estimated at around $6,000 to $30,000, depending on location, stock range and how many classes you run. The estimate starts from about 35 hours a week, with sales often strongest in autumn and winter.

Check your municipality for business licence, zoning and signage rules. Also check commercial general liability and contents insurance, GST/HST registration and provincial sales tax, and WCB/WSIB coverage and employment rules once you hire staff, which differ by province.