Retail business ideas with a startup budget over $20,000

460 ideas

A larger budget opens up retail models that need a lease, fit-out and real stock, rather than a market stall or a small online store. These 460 ideas suit people with savings or finance behind them who want a physical presence or a supply business.

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1k to 5k5k to 20kFrom homeOut and aboutOwn premisesOnline
A pregnant woman browsing comfortable clothing racks in a maternity clothing shop.

Maternity and nursing boutique shop

Open a small local shop where expectant mums can try on maternity and nursing clothes and get friendly advice.

  • A$25k-100k
  • Full-time
  • Own premises
Jeweller at a shop counter showing rings and watches to a customer.

Small jewellery shop with repairs and engraving

Run a local shop selling jewellery, watches and gifts, with repairs and engraving to bring customers back.

  • A$25k-90k
  • Full-time
  • Own premises
Model trains, track and scenery accessories displayed in a railway hobby shop.

Model railway shop with a shopfront

Open a small hobby shop where modellers browse, get advice and order, backed up by online sales.

  • A$25k-100k
  • Full-time
  • Own premises
Shopkeeper arranging milk bottles, cheese and eggs on shelves in a small dairy shop.

Local dairy and cheese shop

Run a small shop stocking fresh milk, cheese, eggs and dairy goods from local producers.

  • A$40k-150k
  • Full-time
  • Own premises
Shelves of motorcycle parts, helmets and gear in a shop.

Motorcycle parts and riding gear shop

Open a local shop stocking parts, accessories and riding gear for riders and nearby workshops.

  • A$40k-150k
  • Full-time
  • Own premises
Gold and colourful bangles stacked on display cushions in a jewellery shop.

Bangle and jewellery shop

Open a small shop selling bangles and festive jewellery to wedding and gift shoppers.

  • A$15k-60k
  • Full-time
  • Own premises
Rolls of colourful wrapping paper, ribbons and gift bags displayed on shop shelves.

Gift wrap and packaging shop

Open a small local shop for wrapping paper, ribbons and gift packaging, with an in-store wrapping service.

  • A$15k-60k
  • Part-time
  • Own premises
Grow lights and plant containers arranged on shelves in a hydroponics shop.

Local hydroponics and grow supplies shop

Open a small shop selling lights, nutrients and gear to home growers, with friendly advice at the counter.

  • A$30k-120k
  • Full-time
  • Own premises
A shop assistant weighs gold jewellery on digital scales at a counter.

Gold and jewellery buying shopfront

Open a small secure shop where locals bring gold, silver and jewellery to be tested, weighed and bought.

  • A$25k-80k
  • Full-time
  • Own premises
Display of wooden interior and exterior doors in a showroom.

Door and hardware showroom

Open a small shop selling interior and exterior doors and fittings to local homeowners, builders and renovators.

  • A$30k-150k
  • Full-time
  • Own premises
Colourful national and event flags hanging and displayed on poles in a shop.

Local flag shop with a small shopfront

Open a small shop selling flags, poles and fittings, with advice and quick local orders.

  • A$20k-80k
  • Full-time
  • Own premises
Bunches of colourful helium balloons displayed in a party decorations shop.

Balloon and party decoration shop

Open a small shop selling balloons, helium fills and party decorations to walk-in customers and event hosts.

  • A$15k-60k
  • Full-time
  • Own premises
Antiques and collectable objects displayed on shelves in a charming antique shop.

Antique and collectables shop

Open a small shop selling antiques and collectables to browsers, collectors and decorators.

  • A$10k-50k
  • Full-time
  • Own premises
Showroom displaying several hot tubs and spas with a salesperson showing a customer around.

Hot tub and spa showroom

Open a small showroom selling hot tubs and spas, with delivery, set-up help and servicing for local homeowners.

  • A$40k-150k
  • Full-time
  • Own premises

Home-based hot tub dealer and servicing

Sell hot tubs online and by appointment, deliver them, and service local spas from a ute or van, with no shopfront.

  • A$15k-50k
  • Side hustle
  • Out and about
Clothes on racks in a small boutique with a shopper browsing.

Independent boutique shop

Open a small shop with a curated range of independent clothing and accessories for local shoppers.

  • A$25k-100k
  • Full-time
  • Own premises
Gold bullion and gold coins placed on a weighing scale at a dealer's counter.

Gold buying and coin shop

Buy scrap gold and bullion from locals, then sell gold jewellery, bars and coins from a small shopfront.

  • A$100k-400k
  • Full-time
  • Own premises

Online gold coin and bullion seller

Sell gold coins and small bars online, and buy back from customers by appointment, with no shopfront.

  • A$20k-100k
  • Side hustle
  • Online
Shelves of crystals, incense sticks and tarot cards in a cosy spiritual goods shop.

Crystal and spiritual goods shop

Open a small local shop selling crystals, incense and tarot, with an online store to match.

  • A$15k-60k
  • Full-time
  • Own premises
Rows of ice and roller skates with protective gear in a skate shop.

Local skate shop with fitting and repairs

Open a small shop selling skates and protective gear, with fitting advice and wheel and bearing servicing.

  • A$25k-100k
  • Full-time
  • Own premises
Electric sauna heater and wooden accessories displayed on a showroom floor.

Sauna supply showroom

Open a small showroom where locals can see sauna heaters and accessories, get advice and order kits and spares.

  • A$40k-150k
  • Full-time
  • Own premises
Parent and child choosing toys from colourful shelves in a toy shop.

Independent toy shop

Run a small local shop selling quality toys, games and craft kits to families, gift buyers and schools.

  • A$30k-120k
  • Full-time
  • Own premises
A furniture showroom displaying wardrobes and bed frames in a styled bedroom.

Local bedroom furniture showroom

Open a small shop selling wardrobes, bed frames and drawers to locals furnishing their bedrooms.

  • A$40k-150k
  • Full-time
  • Own premises
Flooring showroom displaying carpet, laminate and tile samples for customers to browse.

Small flooring showroom

Open a local showroom selling carpet, tiles, laminate and timber-look flooring to homeowners and tradies.

  • A$40k-150k
  • Full-time
  • Own premises

About these ideas

You might look at a small flooring showroom, a bag and luggage shop or a beachside kite shop. Others, like a hair extensions supplier to salons, sell to other businesses instead of the public. Before you commit, work out your stock, rent and fit-out costs and how many months of trading you can cover before sales steady. Check the location carefully, as foot traffic and seasonality matter. Also look into lease terms, insurance and any licences or supplier agreements that apply to your products.

More ideas

Questions

What costs should I plan for in a retail business over $20,000?

Typical costs to check include opening stock, shop fit-out, a lease bond, point-of-sale systems, insurance, signage and marketing. It is also worth setting aside working capital to cover rent and wages while sales build.

Should I choose a shopfront or a wholesale or online model?

It depends on your budget, skills and the product. Shopfronts rely on location and foot traffic, while wholesale and online models may cut rent but need strong supplier and customer relationships. Compare the ongoing costs of each before deciding.

What should I check before signing a retail lease in Australia?

Check the lease length, rent review terms, outgoings, make-good obligations and any options to renew. Rules differ between states and territories, so it is sensible to have a solicitor or an accountant review the lease first.