Launch a Markham Furniture Retailer: Your Step-by-Step Plan
Planning to open a furniture retailer in Markham? This page lays out a practical, step-by-step path for NAICS 449110 businesses. You'll find a concise overview of the 12 requirements needed to launch—covering business setup, registrations, choosing a location, showroom setup, and supplier relationships. We also break down permits, upfront costs, and a realistic timeline so you know what to expect from day one to grand opening.
Along the way, you’ll learn the exact permits and licenses common in Markham, plus what costs to plan for—registration fees, insurance, showroom fit-out, inventory, and ongoing operating expenses. We map out a practical timeline and key milestones—securing a lease, obtaining a business license, setting up your cash register and POS, and lining up reliable suppliers—so you stay focused and on track.
Markham is a thriving hub for home goods, with a diverse shopper base, strong logistics, and friendly local support for new retailers. The city’s mix of malls, neighborhoods, and growing online demand creates steady opportunities for furniture sellers—perfect for a fresh brand. With this clear 12-step plan, transparent costs, and practical permits, Markham is a great place to launch and grow your furniture business.
Requirements Overview
The most critical requirement for operating a furniture retailer in Markham is Occupational Health and Safety Act Compliance. This is a legal obligation, and you cannot run your store or warehouse safely or legally without following the Act. It covers creating a safe workplace, providing proper training, and keeping employees informed to prevent injuries. This requirement is non-negotiable and serves as the foundation for every other regulatory step you take.
Beyond safety, there are mandatory operational requirements to keep your business compliant. You’ll need core permitting and safety measures, starting with a valid Business Licence to operate in Markham. You also must ensure workers are protected through WSIB (Workers’ Safety and Insurance Board) coverage and comply with Employment Standards on wages, hours, and conditions. In terms of products and retail, you’ll need to observe Furniture Flammability Standards and Consumer Protection Act compliance. Environmental rules may apply as well, such as Electronics Waste and Recycling Compliance, depending on how you handle electronics or packaging in your store.
Business Registration & Tax: You’ll set up a Business Number (BN) with the Canada Revenue Agency, register your Ontario business name with ServiceOntario, and handle important tax registrations such as GST/HST. If you have employees, you’ll also manage Payroll Deductions Registration. In addition, you’ll collect and remit Retail Sales Tax where required. Getting these registrations in place ensures you’re properly set up with the tax authorities and ready to operate legally.
Next steps and encouragement: start by confirming OHSA requirements for your specific Markham setting, then secure the necessary licences and WSIB coverage. Set up your BN, register your Ontario business name, and complete GST/HST and payroll registrations. Build a practical compliance calendar and seek help from a local business advisor or the City of Markham if needed. With a clear,
Detailed Requirements
Here are the specific requirements for starting a furniture retailers in Markham:
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Business Licence RequiredGeneral business licence required to operate a business in City of Markham. Apply to City of Markham 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 Markham 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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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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