American grocery shop on your local high street

Americans living in Australia, students, families, snack collectors, and shoppers who like novelty or gift items.

You sell stock at a markup on what you paid. Hampers and gift boxes can lift the average sale, and you can sell online as well.

• Retail and customer service
• Buying and stock control
• Basic bookkeeping
• Merchandising and social media

• Check with your local council about food business registration, shopfront approvals and any fit-out requirements
• Imported food must meet Australian import, biosecurity and labelling rules (Food Standards Code), so check each product with your supplier
• Lease terms, rent and fit-out costs can be your biggest risk, so get advice before signing
• Trends can shift fast, and short-dated or slow-moving stock can mean waste
• Public liability insurance and a plan for stock and shop cover are worth checking
• Workers compensation insurance is needed once you hire staff, so check your state's scheme

Startup costs are typically estimated at around $30,000 to $150,000, depending on shop size, lease terms, fit-out and how much imported stock you buy. Lease terms, rent and fit-out costs can be your biggest risk, so get advice before signing.

Monthly revenue is typically estimated at around $12,000 to $60,000, depending on location, product range, foot traffic and whether you also run an online store. Trends can shift fast, and short-dated or slow-moving stock can mean waste.

Check with your local council about food business registration, shopfront approvals and fit-out requirements. Imported food must meet Australian import, biosecurity and labelling rules (Food Standards Code), so check each product with your supplier. Also check insurance and workers compensation once you hire staff.