Retail business ideas you can run from your own premises

408 ideas

These 412 retail ideas all centre on a shopfront, showroom or trade counter that you lease or own. They suit people who like dealing with customers face to face and are ready to commit to a fixed location and regular opening hours.

Swipe through these ideas →

1k to 5k5k to 20kOver 20kFrom homeOut and aboutOnline
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
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
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
Stacked cardboard moving boxes, packing tape and wrap on a store shelf.

Packing supplies shop with trade accounts

Open a small shopfront or unit selling packing supplies to movers walking in, plus regular trade accounts for removalists.

  • A$15k-60k
  • Full-time
  • Own premises
Visitors browsing local-themed keepsakes and gifts in a busy tourist shop.

Local souvenir and gift shop

Run a small shop selling local-themed keepsakes and gifts to visitors in a busy tourist spot.

  • A$15k-60k
  • Full-time
  • Own premises

About these ideas

You might look at a neighbourhood tea shop, a small jewellery shop with repairs or a curtain and blind showroom. Others, such as a local marine accessories shop, depend heavily on where you are based. Before anything else, think about the location and what the rent will cost you each week, how much stock you need to buy upfront, and whether enough people nearby would actually buy what you sell. Work out your likely running costs, then compare ideas by how much space and startup money they need.

More ideas

Questions

How much money do I need to start a retail shop with its own premises?

It varies widely by idea. Check the likely costs of a lease, bond, fit-out, opening stock, insurance and point-of-sale equipment. A small specialist shop usually needs less space than a furniture showroom, so compare each idea's startup costs before deciding.

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

Check the lease term, rent review method, outgoings you would pay, and any option to renew. Also confirm that the premises can be used as a shop under local zoning. It is wise to have a lawyer review the lease first.

How do I choose a good location for a retail premises?

Look at foot traffic, nearby competitors, parking and whether your target customers pass by or travel there on purpose. Visit at different times of day and week. A destination shop, like a showroom, may suit cheaper rent away from the main street.