Launch Your London Furniture Retailer Business Today: A Practical Guide
This page gives you a clear, practical roadmap to launching a furniture retailer in London, Ontario (NAICS 449110). You’ll find a concise overview of the 12 requirements you need to meet, plus guidance on permits, registrations, and typical start-up costs. Use this as your starter kit to move from idea to open storefront with confidence and speed.
What you’ll learn: the exact sequence to register your business name and structure, obtain a Canada Revenue Agency Business Number, and register for GST/HST. We also break down the necessary provincial and municipal licenses, along with permits like zoning and signage. You’ll get a practical costs snapshot and a realistic timeline from planning to grand opening, so you can budget and pace your rollout.
London is a welcoming, cost-friendly market for new retailers, with strong local supplier networks and community support. This city-and-industry combo offers solid opportunities for growth and faster setup compared with larger metros. Tap into local resources, favorable spaces, and a growing customer base to set your furniture retailer on a bright, sustainable path.
Requirements Overview
The most critical requirement for operating a furniture retailer in London, Ontario is Occupational Health and Safety Act Compliance. It’s a legal obligation to keep your store safe for customers and staff, with proper training, hazard assessments, safe equipment, and a clear accident reporting system. You cannot operate legally without meeting these standards, and non-compliance can lead to fines or shutdown. Start by documenting safety policies, training plans, and procedures for safe handling of products.
Beyond safety, there are mandatory operational requirements that keep your day-to-day running compliant. This includes obtaining a business licence and securing WSIB coverage for your employees. If your product mix involves electronics, you’ll need electronics waste and recycling compliance. You must follow Employment Standards for wages and hours, and ensure furniture is compliant with flammability standards and the Consumer Protection Act rules for retail.
On the registration and tax side, you’ll set up a Business Number (BN) with the Canada Revenue Agency, and register your Ontario Business Name with ServiceOntario if you operate under a trade name. You’ll also enroll for GST/HST, and, if you have staff, payroll deductions registration. Depending on your structure, you’ll collect and remit sales tax in line with Ontario rules when customers buy furniture.
Next steps: start with the critical item and then move through licences and registrations. Check ServiceOntario and the city of London for licensing specifics, and assemble a simple compliance checklist. Consider a quick chat with an accountant or small business advisor to set up payroll, taxes, and records. With a clear, phased plan, you can confidently launch and grow your furniture store.
Detailed Requirements
Here are the specific requirements for starting a furniture retailers in London:
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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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Business Licence RequiredGeneral business licence required to operate a business in City of London. Apply to City of London 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 London Business Licensing for specific requirements. Home-based businesses may have different requirements. Annual renewal required.
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Ontario Business Name Registration (ServiceOntario) RequiredBusinesses in Ontario operating under a name other than the owner's legal name must register with Ontario Business Registry through ServiceOntario. This includes sole proprietorships, partnerships, and business names for corporations. Registration provides legal protection for the business name within Ontario and is required for banking, licensing, and business operations. Registration can be completed online through Ontario Business Registry. Business name registrations must be renewed every 5 years. Register business name with Ontario Business Registry: 1. Search Ontario Business Registry (free) for name availability 2. Consider NUANS name report ($25) for thorough search 3. Register online through Ontario Business Registry 4. Pay registration fee ($60 for sole proprietorship/partnership) 5. Receive 9-digit Ontario Business Identification Number (BIN) 6. Registration valid for 5 years 7. Renew before expiry
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Occupational Health and Safety Act Compliance RequiredAll Ontario workplaces must comply with the Occupational Health and Safety Act to ensure safe working conditions. Requirements include workplace safety policies, training, hazard assessments, and incident reporting. No registration - compliance law. Must post OHSA in workplace. JHSC required for 20+ workers (or 6+ in designated industries). Nov 2025: New administrative penalty scheme, defibrillator reimbursement. Telework now covered. Fines: up to $500K individuals, $1.5M corporations. 27 regulations under OHSA. Must conduct safety audits, maintain training records. Contact: 1-877-202-0008.
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Electronics Waste and Recycling Compliance ConditionalRequired for specific regulated activities. Electronics retailers must participate in electronics waste recycling programs and may be required to accept old electronics for proper disposal. Resource Recovery and Circular Economy Act (RRCEA). Ontario Electronic Stewardship (OES) program ended; producers now individually responsible. RPRA registry for producers. Collection network requirements. Manufacturers/importers must register and report. Free consumer drop-off locations. Contact RPRA: 1-833-600-0530.
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Employment Standards Compliance ConditionalApplies if you have employees. Covers minimum wage, hours of work, vacation pay, public holidays, termination notice, etc. All Ontario employers must comply with the Employment Standards Act, covering minimum wage, hours of work, overtime, vacation, termination, severance, and other workplace rights. No registration required - compliance-based requirement. Follow Employment Standards Act (ESA) for minimum wage, hours of work, overtime, vacation, leaves, and termination. Post ESA poster in workplace (free download from ontario.ca). Keep employment records for 3 years. NEW for 2025: Employers with 25+ staff must provide written employment info to new hires by July 1, 2025. Job postings must include salary ranges by Jan 1, 2026. Call 1-800-531-5551 for help.
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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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Retail Sales Tax Collection and Remittance ConditionalRequired for retail sales. Retailers must register to collect HST, charge appropriate taxes on taxable goods, maintain records, and remit taxes to CRA on schedule. Ontario uses HST (13%) not separate RST. Register for GST/HST if revenue exceeds $30K in 4 quarters. HST collected = 5% federal + 8% Ontario. Remit to CRA. Point-of-sale rebates on some items (children's clothing, books). Input tax credits available. File returns as assigned (monthly, quarterly, annually). Contact CRA: 1-800-959-5525.
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WSIB Registration and Coverage ConditionalRequired within 10 days of hiring first employee, including family members and subcontractors. Workplace Safety and Insurance Board (WSIB) registration is mandatory for most Ontario businesses with employees. Provides compensation and support for workplace injuries and illnesses. Sole proprietors and partners can apply for optional coverage. Register FREE online at wsib.ca in 15-20 minutes. MANDATORY for most Ontario employers within 10 calendar days of hiring first worker. You'll need: CRA Business Number, payroll estimate, business activity description, owner/director info. Account number issued INSTANTLY online. Construction industry has expanded compulsory coverage. Premium rates vary by industry classification. Must display WSIB safety poster in workplace.
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Furniture Flammability Standards ConditionalRequired for specific regulated activities. Furniture retailers must ensure upholstered furniture meets flammability standards and proper labeling requirements for fire safety. Federal regulations under Canada Consumer Product Safety Act (CCPSA). Upholstered furniture and mattresses: smoulder resistance (SOR/2018-58). Retailers must sell compliant products. No provincial license. Manufacturers must meet standards. Contact Health Canada: 1-866-662-0666.
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Consumer Protection Act Compliance (Retail) ConditionalRequired for specific regulated activities. All retailers must comply with Consumer Protection Act requirements for pricing, returns, refunds, warranties, extended warranties, gift cards, and unfair practices. Consumer Protection Act 2002 (CPA 2002) in force. New CPA 2023 pending (Bill 190). Covers: unfair practices, cooling-off periods (10 days), gift cards (no expiry), prepaid purchase cards. Motor vehicle repair disclosure. Bill 187 Right to Repair pending (Feb 2025 consultation). Max penalty $250K corps. Contact MCCSS Consumer Protection Ontario: 1-800-889-9768.
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