The Complete Checklist for Starting a Retail or eCommerce Store in NYC

New York City thrives on energy and ambition—whether it’s in its bustling streets, iconic yellow taxis, or the booming blend of physical shops and online ventures. Picture an electric NYC street scene, where a lively retail storefront meets a focused eCommerce entrepreneur working from a loft stacked with shipping boxes and a laptop. This visual reflects the dual world of commerce in the city—online and off—where every corner pulses with opportunity.

But thriving in NYC’s competitive marketplace isn’t just about the hustle; it’s about being prepared from day one. This comprehensive checklist will help you launch your store with intention—whether it's a storefront on Main Street or an online business run from your living room—covering business structure, registrations, permits, banking, setup, and growth essentials. Let’s get your NYC venture off to a confident start.

Starting your own business in NYC—whether a brick-and-mortar shop or an online store—is a bold and exciting move. But success starts with preparation. This complete checklist will guide you through the must-dos so your NYC store is legal, optimized, and ready to grow.

Table of Contents

1. Decide on Your Business Structure

2. Register Your Business Name in New York State

3. Apply for a Federal EIN and NYC Permits

4. Choose a Business Address and Bank Account

5. Build Your Inventory, Website, or Storefront

6. Set Up Accounting, Sales Tax, and Marketing Tools

Conclusion: Your NYC Store Starts with Smart Setup

1. Decide on Your Business Structure

Before launching your store, choose a legal structure for liability, taxes, and scalability. Your options in NYC include:

• Sole Proprietorship: Simplest, no formal filing required. Best for low-risk solo operations.

• LLC (Limited Liability Company): Protects personal assets, simple taxes, widely preferred.

• Corporation (S or C Corp): Complex but better for investors and scaling big.

If you’re unsure, an LLC is a popular starting point for both retail and eCommerce businesses in NYC.

2. Register Your Business Name in New York State

If you’re not operating under your own legal name, you’ll need to register your Doing Business As (DBA) or entity name with New York State.

Steps to Register:

1. Check name availability on the NY Entity Search

2. File a Certificate of Assumed Name (if sole proprietor or partnership)

3. LLC or Corporation? Your name is reserved when you file Articles of Organization/Incorporation.

Make your store name:

• Unique & memorable

• Easy to spell and say

• Relevant to your products or brand vibe

• Available as a domain name & social handle

This is a legal AND branding step—don't rush it!

3. Apply for a Federal EIN and NYC Permits

A Federal Employer Identification Number (EIN) is required for:

• Hiring employees

• Opening a business bank account

• Filing taxes

• Applying for NYC-specific licenses

Apply for free on the IRS website.

Depending on your business type, you may also need:

• NYC Business License or Certificate of Authority (for collecting sales tax)

• Retail Permit

• Health Dept. Permits (if food-related)

• Home Occupation Permit (for eCommerce businesses run from home)

Be thorough—operating without the right permits can result in fines or forced closures.

4. Choose a Business Address and Bank Account

Your business address matters for tax filings, permits, and privacy.

Address Options:

• Home Address: Easy, but public.

• Virtual Office: Keeps privacy, NYC address for mail & registration.

• Commercial Location: Needed for physical stores.

Then, open a business bank account using your EIN and formation docs. This helps:

• Keep personal and business finances separate

• Accept credit card payments

• Build credit under your business name

5. Build Your Inventory, Website, or Storefront

Whether you’re opening a physical or digital store, setup is everything.

For Retail Stores:

• Lease space & set up signage

• Design layout and shelves

• Order inventory and POS system

For eCommerce Stores:

• Choose platform (Shopify, Etsy, WooCommerce)

• Design your website

• Upload product photos/descriptions

• Set up shipping, tax, and payment options

Don’t forget to add:

• Return policies

• Contact info

• Social media links

6. Set Up Accounting, Sales Tax, and Marketing Tools

No business thrives without smart tracking and promotion.

Accounting Setup:

• Use tools like QuickBooks, Wave, or Xero

• Track expenses, inventory, and revenue

• Hire an NYC bookkeeper if you’re unsure

Sales Tax:

• Register with NYS Dept. of Taxation

• Collect sales tax in NYC (8.875%)

• File quarterly or monthly returns

Marketing Essentials:

• Social media business pages

• Email list + newsletters

• Local SEO (Google Business Profile, Yelp)

• Influencer or local partnerships

Marketing is especially key for new eCommerce stores in NYC competing in a crowded space.

Conclusion: Starting a Retail or e-commerce store

Launching a retail or eCommerce store in NYC isn’t just a dream—it’s a process. But with this complete checklist, you're equipped to handle every step: from forming your company and picking the right address, to setting up shop and growing your customer base.