Retail

Summerside is an ideal location to establish your retail outlet or franchise. Our low commercial rates along with identified market gaps and growing commercial development make Summerside a sought after retail and service address. Summerside serves as the Western gateway to a market of just over 44,000 people year round and seasonal visitation in excess of 500,000 persons.

The PST in Prince Edward Island is 10%. The Provincial Government has permanently exempted all clothing and footwear purchases from the 10% provincial sales tax. PST also doesn't apply to groceries, clothing, footwear, books or anything under the value of twenty-five cents.

The office has undertaken many research studies on the retail and service market gaps that this demanding and growing marketplace is looking to fill.


Our People

Population

City of Summerside 14,500
Prince County 44,499
Province 138,519

Statistical Highlights

Prince Edward Island Labour Force 76,900 (07/2007)
Summerside Labour Force 11,400 (07/2007)
Unemployment Rate 10.5% (07/2007)

Summerside takes pride in its people. We are a safe community for all ages with access to high quality education, world-class recreation, and health care services. Our median age is 38 and our population is evenly proportioned
across gender and age brackets. Thus, providing a cross section of target markets for a multitude of retail and franchise opportunities.

Our workforce is highly skilled and well educated. Well over 50% of our population has a high-school diploma or higher. We are home to 5 schools operated by the Western Prince Regional School Board, a community college campus, and numerous training facilities. All are a stone’s throw away from your Summerside home base.

 

Our Marketplace

Summerside is a colourful community which is home to office buildings, major shopping centres, government offices, and a wide variety of specialty shops and restaurants.

Culture is also in abundant supply! Professional theatre, nationally recognized museums and galleries, and high quality entertainment are among the city’s main attractions. Summerside also plays host to many festivals and events throughout the year… there is always something going on!

Residents of Summerside also get active! Whether it’s a championship golf course, curling rink, or a great workout, Summerside offers a variety of world-class recreational facilities at affordable prices. Parks, walking/biking paths, and greenspace are among the common elements in every neighbourhood.

Parking also never poses a problem. 640 public and 825 customer spaces are available in our downtown core alone for your
customers’ convenience.

In addition to our vibrant community, Summerside offers numerous economic and infrastructure benefits to its business community.

All levels of government have recognized the importance of business and human resource investment. They have collaborated to offer tax incentives and tailored financial solutions to our business and industry
partners’ needs.

A Less Taxing Environment:

• Federal Corporate Tax Rate 22.12%
• Provincial Corporate Tax Rate (Manufacturing and Small Business) 7.5%
• Provincial Corporate Tax Rate (other Business) 16%
• Provincial Commercial Property Tax Rate $1.50 per $100 of Assessment
• Municipal Commercial Property Tax Rate $1.92 per $100 of Assessment
• A full annual rebate on all provincial taxes for aviation related business operating in Slemon Park
• 35% Scientific research and investment tax credit
• 10% Manufacturing equipment and machinery tax credit

Summerside has been planned with concern for those who live here, as well as providing jobs for the majority of it’s residents. There are over 1,000 businesses in Summerside and employ over 7,000 workers. A diverse Summerside economy has created a highly stable operating environment for existing businesses and residents.

Continued investment in quality drinking water, greenspace, and utilities are strategic priorities for Summerside, already a leader in providing community infrastructure. This results in sophisticated telecommunications,electric, and sewer utility services at some of the lowest costs in the country.

We also have highly competitive lease rates at our major shopping centres, downtown core, and professional services buildings. More information and detailed leasing guides can be found on our web site at www.city.summerside.ca

To Learn More About this exciting industry click here!