Given our healthy economy, a robust retail market and proximity to the United States, Canada is an increasingly attractive destination for U.S. retail investment. Entering the Canadian retail market can be smooth and profitable if market entrants successfully address the Canadian business and regulatory environment. Key considerations for cross-border retailers are highlighted in this guide to Canadian market entry.

Topics to Consider:

- Location and Leasing

- Supply Chain Logistics

- Logistics/warehousing

- Selection of customs brokerage services

- Recommended trade associations

- CSA and other customs compliance best practices

- Partners in Protection and supply chain security issues

- Valuation, classification and tariff preferences

- Business Organization and Key Contracts

- Choosing a Business Vehicle

- Corporate tax

- Sales and consumption taxes: GST/HST

- Vendor agreements and policies

- Human resources including employment services

- Transfer Pricing

- Product Regulation and Consumer Safety

- Competition, including marketing and advertising law

- Packaging and Labeling, including

- French language requirements

- Licensing and marks

- Insurance

- e-Commerce and m-Commerce

- Payments

- Credit Cards and Debit Cards

- Prepaid Cards

- Mobile Payments

- Excerpt from Location and Leasing:

Major Canadian retail landlords are interested in fresh, new retail concepts. With the greater concentration of Class A malls in the hands of pension funds and large commercial landlords the retail malls have been well maintained and remain vibrant. In some cases, bundled retail leases offer opportunities for streamlined market entry in established locations.