Step 1: Define your grocery concept and write a business plan

Before you start, conduct a thorough market study. Analyze local demand, competing grocery stores in Quebec, food trends, and consumer needs. Identify the opportunities and challenges specific to the grocery sector in Quebec. Establish the positioning of your grocery store:

• Gourmet store or neighborhood store?

• Organic or bulk products?

• Butcher shop?

• Ethnic or local specialties?

Then, write a comprehensive business plan including:

• Market analysis

• Your vision for the grocery store.

• Your short-term and long-term goals.

• Your business model (traditional grocery, organic, specialized, etc.).

• Marketing strategy

• Your startup costs (rent, setup, equipment, etc.).

• Operational structure

• Your financial projections (3 to 5 years) (revenues, expenses, profits).

Estimated cost:

• Free if done yourself

• $1,500 to $3,000 with an expert for the business plan.

Step 2: Find a strategic commercial location

The location is crucial for the viability of your project. Analyze:

• Foot and vehicle traffic. (Look for densely populated and accessible neighborhoods)

• The proximity of your target customers

• The visibility of the location

• Study the proximity of competitors and suppliers.

Estimated cost:

• Montreal: $2,000 to $6,000/month

• Regions: $1,200 to $3,500/month

• Security deposit: 1 to 3 months' rent

💡 Remember to check your city’s zoning regulations before signing a lease.

Step 3. Obtain financing to launch your grocery store

Even with an excellent concept, starting a grocery store without sufficient funds is very risky. You need to accurately assess your financial needs even before signing a commercial lease. Here are the main financing options available in Quebec:

• Personal savings: most owners inject an initial amount.

• Commercial bank loans: most major banks offer loans for SMEs.

• Grants or public assistance: programs like those from PME MTL or MAPAQ can offer a boost.

• Private investors or partners: consider involving strategic partners.

• Crowdfunding: an increasingly popular option for local or eco-friendly concepts.

Step 4: Register the business and obtain permits

Here are the mandatory steps:

• Registration with the Quebec Business Register

• Quebec Enterprise Number (NEQ)

• Contact the Ministry of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food of Quebec (MAPAQ) to obtain permits. They are essential to operate a grocery store. The restaurant permit is necessary if you plan to offer dining space in your grocery store.

• Occupancy permit or municipal commercial permit

Estimated cost:

• Registration: $37 to $356

• MAPAQ permit: $300 to $600

• Municipal permit: $100 to $500

Step 5: Design your grocery store

Plan the interior layout of your grocery store. Consider sales space, aisles, checkout counters, and storage areas. Create a welcoming environment for your customers.

This is where you will invest a large part of your budget:

• Renovation of the grocery store location (plumbing, electricity, counters, shelving)

• Commercial refrigeration and freezing

• Cash register systems and management software

• Indoor and outdoor signage

Estimated cost:

• Layout: $20,000 to $50,000

• Equipment: $25,000 to $80,000

• POS software: $1,500 to $10,000

💡A good technological solution will save you time on a daily basis. Consider a specialized point of sale (POS) system for grocery stores, such as those offered by OneTrip.

Step 6: Purchase your initial inventory of grocery products

Establish relationships with Quebec and Canadian grocery suppliers. Choose quality, varied products that meet the needs of your customers. Consider local and organic products to attract quality-conscious customers. Or even international products to serve immigrants. Your inventory should be suited to your concept, your clientele, and your space.

Estimated cost:

• Small grocery store: $15,000 to $30,000

• Medium grocery store: $40,000 to $100,000

💡 Prioritize local suppliers or specialized wholesalers for better margins.

Step 7: Hire your staff

Depending on the size of your business, you may need:

• Cashiers

• Inventory clerks

• Manager

Estimated cost:

• Average salary: $16 to $22/hour

• 3 full-time employees for 3 months: $18,000 to $27,000

Step 8: Launch your grocery store with a local marketing strategy

Get the word out about your new grocery store! Use social media, organize promotional events, and offer special deals. Create a strong brand identity to stand out. Highlight your unique products and values. Check out our guide for the best marketing strategies for grocery stores.

Prepare an impactful launch campaign:

• Outdoor signage

• Social media (Facebook, Instagram)

• Local advertising (newspapers, flyers)

• Opening promotions (discounts, tastings)

Estimated cost:

• Initial marketing: $2,000 to $7,000

• Outdoor sign: $1,000 to $3,000

💡 Marketing needs to be ongoing to continuously attract customers.

Estimated total cost to open a grocery store in Quebec

Bonus: Financial management

Keep accurate records of your income and expenses. Consult an accountant to ensure you meet your tax obligations. Also, set aside a working capital fund to deal with unforeseen events.

By following these steps and drawing inspiration from the mentioned resources, you will be ready to open your own grocery store and serve your local community.

Ready to launch your grocery store in Quebec?

Launching a grocery store requires careful planning and a realistic budget. By following these steps and surrounding yourself with the right partners like OneTrip, you maximize your chances of success.

Need an all-in-one management solution for your grocery store?

Our technological solution is specially designed for food businesses in Quebec. We also help you secure financing, automate your operations, and market the launch of your grocery store.

Contact us for a free demo and discover how we can simplify your life today!