Opening A Wiccan Shop?

We're still saving up, for those reasons - but my boyfriend is of legal age, so he could.

I wish you luck if you decide to go through with it. You will need luck, as you have probably figured out already; it is not an easy line of work.

My best suggestion is to make your store both physical and online. You will get a wider range of people that way. Also, get good at promoting and advertising; it will help. Lastly, have something unique that people will be interested in.

I don't have much else advice to offer! But good luck.

The owner of the magic shop, near me, told me that if she only sold magic things she would go bankrupt in a week! She sells everything, from Halloween masks to fake vampire fangs!

A few days ago I was reading an informative older article about pagan shops on Witchvox.com I found it via a google search. It might be interesting for you to read it.
Via witchvox.com you can also see the list of shops in your area.
I do not know the Canadian tax system but here in Europe if you have a shop selling items and a job you have to pay even more tax.
You can find general info on having a shop via small business sites. Before delving in you might perhaps do Etsy for a while see how it goes or an online shop.Not sure how big the market for witchy items is in Canada.

Witchvox.com author Pennanti adult pagan essay april 1 2012 -
Why pagan shops fail and how some succeed. This is it.

You would also benefit from doing Tarot readings
Most of your income would come from that avenue in person

There are two successful occult shops near me (relatively). I jave never visited one, and haven't been to tje other in years.

I also used to work at a shop which sold a few spiritual-related items.

If you are interested, I can mail you the occult stores' numbers and what little input i may have on the matter. I am sure thd people running the stores would have some great advice if they are willing.

I would think current business owners would be reluctant to offer any advice,in such a tight marketplace the last thing they need or want is more competition

You say you're in a town near Toronto [as am I] have you ever been to Odyssey Books in Pickering? It's in Old Pickering Town center right on the line of Ajax township. Anyway, you might want to go there, check it out, ask a few questions. They've been in business for 12 years I think, they market themselves as a spiritual shop and teaching center. They sell a variety of items including Christian, Buddhist, Jewish, and Muslim subjects as well as have a section of books about 'aliens' and various mythologies. They also sell statues, clothes, cds and dvds along with all your typical witchy items. You might want to speak with them for some tips.

Also, check your city bilaws, I use to live in a town north of Toronto [but still in the GTA] and it has a bilaw against 'anything occult'. I knew someone who ran a store and he openly practices Witchcraft and he not only had it written in his contract he would not sell anything that could be used in the occult but the owner would do weekly surprise inspections.

You will probably have better luck starting online, but go for it. Live your dream. Good luck to you!

this may be a bit old, but my aunt owns a wiccan shop, she said it isn't easy but it is worth it. she loves it and loves the vibes and people she meets, surprisingly many people you may not expect will show up, many. well cheers girl, hope all goes well x