Launch Your All Other Home Furnishings Retailers in St. John's
This page offers a practical, step-by-step guide to starting an All Other Home Furnishings Retailers business (NAICS 449129) in St. John's. You’ll get a clear overview of the 9 startup requirements and exactly which permits, licenses, registrations, and zoning checks you’ll need before opening. We also outline typical startup costs and a realistic timeline from planning to launch, so you can budget with confidence.
You’ll learn a practical path from choosing a business structure to obtaining a Business Number and GST/HST account, plus the municipal business license, zoning approvals, and any signage or occupancy permits. The guide covers essential insurance, supplier registrations, and ongoing compliance. We break down each requirement, note potential fees, and map a smooth timeline so you know what to expect at every step.
St. John's is a vibrant market for home décor with growing retail opportunities and supportive local programs. The nine clear requirements are manageable with a steady plan, helping you open sooner and with confidence.
Requirements Overview
The core starting requirements for operating a home furnishings retailer in St. John’s are registering your business name, obtaining a business licence, and securing a Business Number (BN). These steps are legally required to run a business in Newfoundland and Labrador, and you cannot legally operate without them. Start by choosing and registering your business name, then apply for the appropriate licence to operate in the city, and finally set up your BN with the Canada Revenue Agency to handle taxes, payroll, and other filings.
On the operational side, you’ll want to stay on top of health, safety, and permits. Ensure you meet applicable health and safety standards for your store and workplace, and obtain any permits or inspections your specific setup requires. If you have employees, Newfoundland & Labrador WorkplaceNL coverage is important: register for workers’ compensation and maintain compliance for a safe, compliant workplace. Even if you don’t hire staff right away, plan for these requirements as you expand.
For business registration and tax, you’ll handle several registrations depending on your structure. If you form a corporation, complete Newfoundland & Labrador Corporation/Business Registration; if you operate as a partnership, complete Partnership Registration. You’ll also need GST/HST Registration with the CRA if your taxable supplies exceed the threshold, and Payroll Deductions Registration if you have employees. The BN you opened earlier will be used to tie these registrations together for reporting and remittance.
Next steps: map out your chosen business structure (sole proprietorship, partnership, or corporation), gather the needed documents, and tackle registrations in sequence with the appropriate agencies (city/Service NL, CRA, WorkplaceNL). If you’re unsure, reach out to a local small-business advisor or a starter workshop. You’re taking practical, solid steps toward a compliant, successful store.
Detailed Requirements
Here are the specific requirements for starting a all other home furnishings retailers in St. John's:
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Business Name Registration RequiredRegistration to operate a business. Register through Province of Newfoundland and Labrador Corporate Registry or business services: 1. Conduct name search if applicable 2. Complete registration application 3. Submit required documents 4. Pay registration fees Contact Province of Newfoundland and Labrador government services for specific requirements and fees. Annual reporting may be required.
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Business Licence RequiredGeneral business licence required to operate a business in City of St. John's. Apply to City of St. John's for Business Licence: 1. Determine business category 2. Complete business licence application 3. Submit required documents (ID, lease, zoning confirmation) 4. Pay application and annual fees 5. Await approval and receive licence Contact City of St. John's Business Licensing for specific requirements. Home-based businesses may have different requirements. Annual renewal required.
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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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Newfoundland & Labrador Corporation/Business Registration RequiredBusinesses in Newfoundland and Labrador operating under a name other than the owner's legal name must register with the Registry of Companies. This applies to sole proprietorships, partnerships, and trade names. Registration provides legal protection for the business name and is required for business operations, banking, and licensing. Registration can be completed in person or by mail. Sole proprietorship and partnership registrations must be renewed every 5 years. To register a business in Newfoundland & Labrador: 1. Reserve business name ($10 non-refundable) 2. Complete registration through CADO online portal 3. Pay incorporation fee ($270 online with share capital) 4. Receive certificate of incorporation 5. File annual returns ($75) 6. Sole proprietors only register if using trade name
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Newfoundland & Labrador WorkplaceNL Coverage ConditionalRequired if you have employees in Newfoundland. Employers in Newfoundland and Labrador must register with WorkplaceNL (Workplace Health, Safety and Compensation Commission) and maintain coverage for workers. WorkplaceNL provides insurance for workplace injuries and occupational diseases under a no-fault system. Most employers are required to register, with some exceptions. Registration should occur before hiring the first worker. Employers pay assessments based on their industry assessment rate and assessable earnings. To register with WorkplaceNL: 1. All employers in NL must register with WorkplaceNL 2. Register online through WorkplaceNL portal 3. Report assessable earnings annually 4. Pay premiums based on industry rate ($1.73/100 avg 2024) 5. Maintain coverage and report workplace injuries 6. MCAE is $76,955 for 2024
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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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NL Corporation Registration ConditionalRequired if incorporating in Newfoundland. Incorporation under NL law. Register through Province of Newfoundland and Labrador Corporate Registry or business services: 1. Conduct name search if applicable 2. Complete registration application 3. Submit required documents 4. Pay registration fees Contact Province of Newfoundland and Labrador government services for specific requirements and fees. Annual reporting may be required.
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Partnership Registration ConditionalRequired for partnerships. Registration of partnerships. Register through Province of Newfoundland and Labrador Corporate Registry or business services: 1. Conduct name search if applicable 2. Complete registration application 3. Submit required documents 4. Pay registration fees Contact Province of Newfoundland and Labrador government services for specific requirements and fees. Annual reporting may be required.
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