Retail business ideas you can start in Australia

966 ideas

Retail covers anything where you buy or source products and sell them on, whether through a shopfront, a market stall or your own website. This page lists 966 ideas, from a second-hand games shop or a glassware market stall to an online home brewing supplies shop.

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1k to 5k5k to 20kOver 20kFrom homeOut and aboutOwn premisesOnline
Drawing board with set squares, scales and pens on a desk.

Online drafting and technical drawing supplies shop

Sell drawing boards, technical pens and scale rulers online to architecture, design and engineering students and studios.

  • A$2k-10k
  • Side hustle
  • Online
A pregnant woman browsing comfortable clothing racks in a maternity clothing shop.

Online maternity and nursing wear store

Sell maternity and breastfeeding clothing online to expectant mums across Australia, run from home.

  • A$2k-10k
  • Side hustle
  • Online

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
Wheelchairs and walking frames stocked in a medical equipment supply warehouse.

Online mobility aids and home care shop

Sell walking aids, bathroom safety gear and daily living aids online to families and carers, run from home.

  • A$2k-10k
  • Side hustle
  • Online
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

Home-based online jeweller

Sell jewellery online and at markets, with custom orders, repairs and engraving by appointment from home.

  • A$2k-10k
  • Side hustle
  • From home
Embroidered regional folk costumes hanging on racks in a boutique.

Online folk costume and regional dress shop

Sell folk costumes, accessories and regional dress online to dance groups, community clubs and collectors across Australia.

  • A$3k-12k
  • Side hustle
  • Online

Folk costume stall at festivals and markets

Take a stall of traditional dress and accessories to multicultural festivals, community events and markets.

  • A$2.5k-10k
  • Side hustle
  • Out and about
Model trains, track and scenery accessories displayed in a railway hobby shop.

Online model railway shop

Sell model trains, track and scenery supplies to hobbyists Australia-wide from a home-based online store.

  • A$3k-15k
  • Side hustle
  • Online

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

Farmers' market cheese and dairy stall

Sell cheese, eggs, butter and milk from local producers at weekend markets.

  • A$5k-20k
  • Side hustle
  • Out and about
Shelves of motorcycle parts, helmets and gear in a shop.

Online motorcycle parts and gear store

Sell motorcycle parts, accessories and riding gear online to riders, starting with a model or niche you know well.

  • A$3k-15k
  • Side hustle
  • Online

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.

Online bangle store

Sell bangle sets and matching jewellery online for weddings, festivals and gifts.

  • A$1k-5k
  • Side hustle
  • Online

Bangle stall at markets and festivals

Sell bangles from a stall at weekend markets, cultural festivals and wedding expos.

  • A$1.5k-6k
  • Side hustle
  • Out and about

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.

Online gift wrap and packaging store

Sell wrapping paper, ribbons and gift bags online to shoppers and small businesses that pack orders.

  • A$2k-8k
  • Side hustle
  • Online

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

Online hydroponics and grow supplies store

Sell hydroponic kits, lights and nutrients to home growers across Australia from a simple online shop.

  • A$4k-20k
  • Side hustle
  • Online
A shop assistant weighs gold jewellery on digital scales at a counter.

Mobile gold and jewellery buyer

Test, weigh and buy unwanted gold, silver and jewellery at people's homes or local pop-up events.

  • A$5k-20k
  • Side hustle
  • Out and about

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

Online mail-in gold buyer

Buy gold and silver by post: customers send items, you test, weigh, offer and pay by bank transfer.

  • A$3k-15k
  • Side hustle
  • From home

About these ideas

They suit people who like dealing with customers, spotting what a niche wants and managing stock. Before you pick one, think about how much money you can tie up in inventory, whether you want to trade online or in person, and where your products will be stored. Check supplier terms, product safety rules, and any council or market permits that might apply. Starting with a narrow range you know well is usually easier than trying to stock everything.

More ideas

Questions

How much money do I need to start a retail business in Australia?

It varies widely. A market stall or small online store needs far less than a shopfront with a lease and fit-out. Work out stock, fees, insurance and a cash buffer, then compare against what you can afford to risk.

Do I need a licence or registration to sell products?

Often you will need an ABN and may need GST registration depending on turnover. Some products, such as knives, fuel or food items, may have extra rules. Check with the ATO, your state regulator and your local council.

Should I start online or with a physical shop?

Online shops usually have lower setup costs and a wider reach, while physical shops and stalls offer face-to-face sales. Consider rent, your time, shipping costs and where your customers shop, and test demand cheaply before committing to a lease.