Map and Travel Shop
Open a small shop selling maps, atlases, guidebooks and map gifts to locals, tourists and outdoor fans.
- $15k-60k
- Full-time
- Own premises
- Licence or permit needed
Estimates for a small start in the US, not guarantees.
Official data
8,803 US businesses with employees in this field, +3.9% in a year
NAICS 451120 “Hobby, toy, and game stores”. Source: U.S. Census Bureau, County Business Patterns 2023.
What it is
A small retail shop stocking local and national maps, atlases, nautical or trail charts, guidebooks and map-themed gifts. Many map shops add custom framing, globes or local-area wall maps to bring in more customers.
Your first three steps
- Scout locations near trails, parks, harbors, campuses or tourist areas and compare rents
- Set up wholesale accounts with map publishers and distributors and plan a starting stock list
- Check licensing, zoning and sales tax requirements with your city, county and state, then form an LLC or other structure
Who pays
Hikers, tourists, boaters, teachers, collectors, gift shoppers and people planning trips.
How it makes money
Retail margin on maps and books, plus higher-value items like framed maps, globes and custom framing, and sometimes events or local-guide partnerships.
Skills that help
- Customer service and local knowledge
- Buying and stock control
- Display and merchandising
- Basic bookkeeping
Watch out for
- Commercial lease terms, deposits and how long you are committed
- Sales tax permit or resale certificate requirements in your state
- General liability and property insurance for stock and premises
- Seasonal sales swings, especially if you depend on tourists or outdoor trade
- Competition from online sellers and free map apps, so plan a local niche or services
🔒 Full research report for US
Real cost breakdown with current prices, licences and registration checklist, local competition, pricing, break-even and a 30-day launch plan, with sources.
Coming soonQuestions people ask
How much does it cost to open a map shop?
Startup costs are typically around $15,000 to $60,000, depending on rent and deposits, shop fit-out and opening stock. Costs vary with location and whether you add extras such as framing or globes.
How much can a map shop earn?
Monthly revenue is typically estimated around $6,000 to $25,000, depending on location, tourist and outdoor trade and your product range. Sales may swing with the seasons. This is revenue, not profit.
What should I check before opening a map shop?
Check commercial lease terms, deposits and how long you are committed. Also check sales tax permit or resale certificate requirements in your state, and insurance for your stock and premises.
Other ways to run this business
Similar retail ideas
Neighborhood flower shop
Open a small storefront selling fresh flowers, bouquets and gifts to walk-in customers and local orders.
- $15k-60k
- Full-time
- Own premises
Neighborhood health and beauty shop
Open a small store selling skincare, cosmetics, hair care and personal care products people want to try in person.
- $15k-60k
- Full-time
- Own premises
Neighborhood greeting card and stationery shop
Open a small storefront selling cards, wrapping and stationery to local shoppers and gift buyers.
- $15k-60k
- Full-time
- Own premises
Regional cosmetics distributor with a small warehouse
Rent a small unit, stock several beauty brands and supply salons and retailers across your region.
- $15k-60k
- Full-time
- Own premises
Shelving and storage showroom
Open a small local shop where homeowners and businesses can see, buy and collect shelving and storage units.
- $15k-60k
- Full-time
- Own premises
Needlework shop with stitching classes
Open a small local shop for stitchers with kits, threads and fabrics, plus classes and a stitching circle.
- $15k-60k
- Full-time
- Own premises
Photo: MabelAmber on Pixabay