Launch Your Burnaby Furniture Retailer in 5 Simple Steps
This page gives you a clear, practical roadmap to starting a furniture retailer in Burnaby. It provides a concise five-step requirements overview for NAICS 449110, covering the licenses, permits, registrations, and inspections you’ll need, along with realistic costs and a typical timeline. You’ll get actionable guidance on budgeting for storefront setup, inventory, and basic operations so you can move from idea to open for business with confidence.
You’ll learn the five core requirements and how to tackle them efficiently: to register your legal entity and name, apply for a Burnaby business license and confirm zoning for a retail storefront, set up your tax accounts (GST/HST) and, if you hire, WorkSafeBC coverage, arrange business insurance and safety measures, and lock in a commercial lease or space with the right occupancy, fire, and accessibility clearances. We’ll also share realistic costs for permits, licenses, storefront setup, and inventory, plus a practical timeline from registration to opening.
Why Burnaby? It offers strong shopper traffic, a growing design scene, and convenient access to Vancouver and the broader Metro area—perfect for a furniture retailer looking to grow fast while staying costs sensible.
Requirements Overview
The most critical requirement for operating a furniture retailer in Burnaby is Business Number (BN) Registration. This BN is issued by the Canada Revenue Agency and is legally required before you can start selling, hire employees, or file taxes. You cannot legally operate a business in Canada without a BN, and you’ll use it for most government interactions, from invoicing to payroll, so getting this in place is non-negotiable.
Next, you’ll want to cover mandatory operational requirements that keep your store compliant and safe. WorkSafeBC Coverage and Registration is required for workplace safety. If you have employees, you’ll need to maintain proper safety practices in-store, including training, hazard reporting, and compliance with provincial rules. Even if you start solo, set up clear safety policies so you know what to do if something goes wrong.
On business registration and tax numbers, you’ll handle BC Business Name Registration if you operate as a sole proprietor or partnership under a trade name. You’ll also register for GST/HST with the federal government, if applicable, to collect tax on sales. If you hire staff, you’ll need Payroll Deductions Registration as well. Linking these numbers to your BN helps ensure smooth filings and clear records.
Next steps: gather your documents, pick your business structure, and apply online through the BC and federal portals. Consider a quick chat with an accountant or a small-business advisor to confirm you’ve covered everything. With these basics in place, you’ll be ready to open your doors and serve Burnaby customers confidently.
Detailed Requirements
Here are the specific requirements for starting a furniture 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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