Launch Your All Other Home Furnishings Retailers in Burnaby
Ready to turn your home furnishings idea into a Brick-and-mortar reality? This page walks you through starting an All Other Home Furnishings Retailers business (NAICS 449129) in Burnaby with a practical, no-nonsense plan. You'll find a clear requirements overview, a permits and licenses checklist, estimated startup costs, and a realistic timeline from registration to grand opening.
You’ll meet five key requirements to launch: local licensing, federal and provincial registrations, permits for signage and occupancy as needed, insurance, and a solid start-up budget. We break down each one, including the City of Burnaby business license, potential signage and occupancy permits, GST/HST (and BC PST) considerations, and cost ranges for leasehold improvements, inventory, insurance, and marketing. We also outline a practical timeline so you know when to apply, how long approvals take, and when you can expect to open your doors.
Burnaby’s strategic location in Metro Vancouver, strong demand for home furnishings, and friendly business resources make it a smart place to launch. With diverse neighborhoods, a growing retail scene, and solid transport links, your store can attract local shoppers and online customers while enjoying comparatively approachable costs and strong supplier connections.
Requirements Overview
The most critical requirement for operating a business in Burnaby is the Business Number (BN) Registration. The BN is issued by the Canada Revenue Agency and serves as your main ID for taxes, payroll, and other government programs. You cannot legally run a retail store without a BN, and you’ll need it before you can complete other registrations or open accounts. This requirement is non-negotiable and sets the foundation for every other step.
Mandatory Operational Requirements: Health and safety come first. Ensure you have WorkSafeBC coverage for all employees and maintain safe work practices in your store, with appropriate training and reporting. You may also need local permits or licenses from Burnaby depending on your exact setup, so check with the city to avoid delays.
Business Registration & Tax: Your BN is also used to handle tax accounts. If you operate under a name other than your own, you’ll need BC Business Name Registration for a Sole Proprietorship or Partnership. If your revenue thresholds require it, you’ll register for GST/HST. You’ll also handle Payroll Deductions Registration for your employees. Keeping these numbers accurate and up to date will help you stay compliant and avoid penalties.
Next steps: Start by applying for a BN, then set up your BC business name if needed, and sign up for GST/HST and payroll tax accounts. Arrange WorkSafeBC coverage and keep solid records. If you’d like, I can map out a simple, step-by-step checklist tailored to your Burnaby location and business plan.
Detailed Requirements
Here are the specific requirements for starting a all other home furnishings retailers in Burnaby:
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Business Number (BN) Registration RequiredA 9-digit Business Number is required for most businesses operating in Canada. It is used to interact with the Canada Revenue Agency and other federal programs. Required for GST/HST, payroll, corporation income tax, and import/export accounts. Register FREE online through Business Registration Online (BRO) at canada.ca. Takes 15-30 minutes. As of November 3, 2025, online registration is MANDATORY for new BNs - phone registration no longer available. You'll need: business name, address, owner SIN, business type, and start date. BN (9-digit number) issued INSTANTLY online. Available 21 hours/day, 7 days/week (closed 3-6am ET for maintenance).
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BC Business Name Registration (Sole Proprietorship/Partnership) RequiredRegistration of sole proprietorship or partnership business names with BC Registries Register sole proprietorship or partnership at bcregistry.gov.bc.ca. Name reservation: $30 (standard) or $100 (priority 1-2 days). Registration fee: $40. Total: ~$70. Name reserved for 56 days after approval. Registration is continuous (no renewal required). No name protection for sole proprietorships. Personal names operating under own name do not require registration. Contact BC Registries: 1-877-526-1526.
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GST/HST Registration ConditionalRequired if annual taxable revenue exceeds $30,000 (small supplier threshold). Taxi/ride-share drivers must register regardless of revenue. Businesses with gross revenues over $30,000 in any single quarter or over four consecutive quarters must register for, collect, and remit GST/HST. Small suppliers (under $30,000) may register voluntarily. Register FREE online through Business Registration Online (BRO) when your revenue exceeds $30,000 in any 4 consecutive quarters (small supplier threshold). Takes 15-30 minutes. You MUST register within 29 days of exceeding threshold and start charging GST/HST immediately on the sale that made you exceed it. Need your BN (or get one simultaneously). As of Nov 3, 2025, online registration is mandatory. Voluntary registration available anytime for input tax credits.
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Payroll Deductions Registration ConditionalRequired if you pay salaries, wages, or other remuneration to employees. Must register before first pay period. Required if you have employees. You must withhold Canada Pension Plan (CPP), Employment Insurance (EI), and income tax from employee wages and remit to CRA. Register FREE online through Business Registration Online (BRO) when you hire your first employee. Takes 15-20 minutes. You'll need your Business Number (BN) or can get one simultaneously. Payroll account (RP) added to your BN instantly. Register BEFORE your first pay date. Required to deduct CPP, EI, and income tax from employee wages. For 2025: CPP rate 5.95%, EI employee rate $1.66/$100 insurable earnings.
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WorkSafeBC Coverage and Registration ConditionalRequired if you have workers in BC. Workers compensation insurance coverage through WorkSafeBC for employers in British Columbia WorkSafeBC coverage required for most BC employers. Average base premium rate: 1.55% of assessable payroll ($1.55 per $100). Register online at worksafebc.com. Apply 30 days before starting business or hiring workers. Processing: ~10 business days. Premium rates vary by industry classification (514 classification units). COR certified employers eligible for 10% rebate. Contact: 604-276-3100 or 1-888-967-5377.
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