One of the best ways to understand a local economy is to look at which businesses are changing hands.
Every month, new opportunities quietly come onto the market since some because owners are retiring, some because operators are moving into new ventures, and others because businesses have reached a stage where they are ready for the next owner to grow them further.
Nanaimo continues to show a healthy mix of owner-operator businesses, franchise opportunities, service companies, specialty retail, and established local brands. For buyers, this means there is no single “right” type of acquisition. The right fit depends on your goals, experience, and preferred level of involvement.
Here are 10 businesses currently being marketed around Nanaimo that stood out in this July 1 roundup.
1. Nanaimo Waxing & Laser Established Business
A turnkey beauty and personal care opportunity for buyers looking to step into an established operation rather than building from day one. The business is well positioned for continued growth, with monthly subscription services creating predictable and recurring cash flow. In a category where repeat visits and client retention matter, this franchise stands out for its strong membership base and consistent revenue performance.
The current owner is not an aesthetician and does not perform treatments, which demonstrates that the business is not owner-dependent. Its strongest value proposition is the culture and team environment, supported by hundreds of five-star reviews, strong repeat visitation, two internal trainers, and a structured incentive program that helps staff earn competitive wages and stay engaged.
2. Highly Profitable Kids Resale Franchise Opportunity
A well-established and highly profitable children’s resale store with a loyal customer base and strong local reputation, this Nanaimo opportunity offers buyers entry into an established franchise model with proven market presence. For more than eight years, the business has served families with quality gently used kids’ clothing, shoes, toys, and accessories at up to 70% less than retail, while also supporting sustainable shopping and community value.
The store operates efficiently with a skilled management team already in place, allowing for smooth day-to-day operations and an easier transition for new ownership. Financials are professionally prepared by independent CPA firm Meade & Co., and the business benefits from virtually no direct competition in the region, steady year-round demand, comprehensive franchise training, and ongoing support from a dedicated Field Operations Manager.
3. Beauty Salon with Wig and Hairpiece Services
Beauty and wellness remains one of the more resilient categories for small business acquisitions, particularly in local markets where repeat clientele, personal relationships, and service quality matter just as much as brand recognition. This listing presents an opportunity to acquire an operating salon with an established local footprint, existing customer awareness, and the potential to build on an already functioning business rather than starting from zero.
Turnkey beauty salon with wig and hairpiece fitting services on busy Bowen Road! This established, locally known business includes full salon inventory, with wigs negotiable, and benefits from high visibility, strong walk-in traffic, and a loyal clientele. Contemporary tenant improvements feature four chairs and workstations, a private wig-fitting area, laundry, and bathroom. The owners are willing to train and assist with the transition, making this an excellent opportunity to step into a thriving operation. An assumable lease, subject to landlord approval, and ample parking add to the appeal.
More info: https://www.realtor.ca/real-estate/28820717/2-2025-bowen-rd-nanaimo-central-nanaimo
4. Well-established Pizza Restaurant For Sale
Located in a high-traffic Nanaimo strip mall, this pizza restaurant represents an exceptional opportunity to acquire a thriving and well-established food service business in one of Vancouver Island’s strongest markets. Known for its outstanding reputation, strong customer loyalty, and impressive sales performance, the business is already positioned as a local favourite with room for continued growth.
The operation serves fresh, handcrafted pizzas made with premium cheese, quality ingredients, fresh dough, and a wide selection of popular toppings. The menu also includes crispy chicken wings with a variety of sauces such as Hot, BBQ, Honey Garlic, and Spicy, helping the business appeal to a broad customer base. With excellent visibility, ample parking, and consistent foot traffic, the restaurant benefits from both pickup and delivery throughout Nanaimo, including Downtown and North Nanaimo. Popular for lunch, dinner, game nights, parties, and family meals, this fully operational business is well suited to an owner-operator or investor seeking a profitable opportunity. Training may be available to qualified buyers, and financial information is available upon signing a confidentiality agreement.
More info: https://www.realtor.ca/real-estate/29843349/2-cls-ave-nanaimo-south-nanaimo
5. Vehicle Wrap and Custom Graphics Business
Turnkey opportunity to acquire an established vehicle wrap and custom graphics business in Nanaimo. This operation has built a strong local reputation for quality workmanship across vehicle wraps, decals, branding graphics, and related custom services, making it an appealing option for a buyer looking to step into a proven business with existing clientele and repeat work.
The business is fully equipped and set up for an owner-operator or growth-minded buyer seeking a scalable specialty trade opportunity. With an efficient layout, trained workflow, and recognizable brand presence, this business is well positioned in a high-demand Vancouver Island market where both commercial and consumer demand for custom wrap and graphics solutions remains strong.
More info: https://www.realtor.ca/real-estate/29355303/2575-mccullough-rd-nanaimo-central-nanaimo
6. Established Health-Focused Juice Brand
The owner has publicly indicated that the business is available for sale, creating an opportunity for a buyer to step into an established health-focused brand rather than starting from scratch. This is a rare chance to acquire a business with a strong market position, proven customer appeal, and a foundation already in place.
Concepts in the food and beverage space that emphasize wellness, convenience, and quality continue to attract interest from buyers looking for consumer-facing businesses with room to grow. For the right owner, this opportunity offers both immediate operational strength and meaningful long-term potential.
More info: https://goodlifejuice.com/pages/business-for-sale
7. Downtown Grocery Store with Strong Community Demand
Prime downtown business opportunity! This highly successful, well-established grocery store is a beloved community staple with steady sales and a loyal customer base. As a true turnkey business-only sale, it offers an established operation in a strong location with the kind of everyday demand that continues to attract buyers looking for a stable, essential-service business.
The store features a full meat department, dairy, household essentials, and indoor and outdoor produce sections, all within a 2,396 sq ft storefront on a strategic corner lot of approximately 12,853 sq ft. Additional highlights include excellent exposure, a loading bay, walk-in coolers, inventory storage, parking, a built-in U-Haul dealership for immediate auxiliary revenue, and potential for expansion or food truck placement. The seller is also willing to consider renting the upstairs residential unit to the buyer for added convenience or income.
More info: https://www.realtor.ca/real-estate/29958761/nanaimo
8. North Nanaimo Liquor Store with Strong Sales Growth
Retail businesses with established locations, steady customer traffic, and recognizable local presence continue to attract acquisition interest, especially when the business already has a strong position in the market, a loyal customer base, and the kind of day-to-day demand that can make ownership feel more predictable and scalable. This North Nanaimo liquor store fits that profile well, offering buyers an opportunity to step into a business that is still relatively new, with only 2.5 years of operating history.
The store has shown very strong annual sales, with revenue increasing each year, and benefits from excellent traffic, ample parking, and healthy margins. With room for further growth in a well-positioned location, this is the kind of opportunity that may appeal to buyers looking for an established retail business with upside. A signed NDA is required for additional information.
More info: https://www.realtor.ca/real-estate/29384514/nanaimo
9. Established Winemaking Business in North Nanaimo
Turn-key opportunity to own a well-established and highly regarded winemaking business in a prime North Nanaimo location. This successful operation enjoys a loyal repeat customer base and can be efficiently run by one or two people, making it an ideal owner-operator venture.
The sale includes all equipment and inventory required to continue operations seamlessly, along with an attractive lease already in place. The current owner is willing to provide training and transitional support to ensure a smooth handover. With a strong reputation in the community and a fully functional website supporting ongoing sales, this is an excellent chance to step into a profitable, easy-to-manage business and build on its continued success.
More info: https://www.realtor.ca/real-estate/29447560/106-5070-uplands-dr-nanaimo-north-nanaimo
10. Tank Specialty Cleaning Business For Sale
This is a rare opportunity to acquire an established, highly specialized environmental services business serving Vancouver Island, the Gulf Islands, and surrounding regions. Founded in 2013, the company has built a strong reputation in a niche market focused on reservoir and tank cleaning, sediment removal, disinfection, and water quality improvement. Its proprietary, environmentally responsible cleaning process allows customers to retain approximately 90% of their stored water during service, creating a safer, more sustainable alternative to traditional methods and helping the company save more than 72 million litres of water over time.
The business serves a diversified customer base that includes residential, commercial, institutional, industrial, and government clients, with more than 50% of annual revenue coming from repeat customers. Operations are highly systemized, with administrative support and trained contractors already in place to reduce day-to-day owner involvement. For a buyer, this creates an attractive transition opportunity with strong margins, recurring demand, proprietary processes, and meaningful growth potential across Vancouver Island and beyond.
More info: https://vibusinessbrokers.ca/tank-and-reservoir-cleaning-business-for-sale/
A Few Market Observations
A few patterns stand out in this month’s Nanaimo listings:
- Service businesses continue to dominate available inventory.
- Buyers still appear attracted to operations with existing staff and systems.
- Niche and specialized businesses remain active despite broader market uncertainty.
- Essential and recurring-demand sectors continue to show up consistently.
As always, a listing is only the starting point.
The real work happens in understanding lease terms, financial performance, owner involvement, customer concentration, transition planning, and whether the business fits your goals.
If you are considering buying or selling a business on Vancouver Island and want help evaluating opportunities, the team at VI Business Brokers is always happy to have a conversation.
Which of these businesses would you be most interested in owning?
