Eastern european grocery shop

Eastern European families and migrants, plus curious home cooks and food lovers who want authentic ingredients.

You buy from importers and wholesalers and sell at a mark-up. Fresh deli items and gift boxes at festive times can lift your margins.

• Knowing the products and what customers ask for
• Stock ordering and cash flow control
• Customer service, ideally with a second language

• Food business registration and inspections with your local council, and your state's food safety rules (such as a food safety supervisor, where required)
• Imported food must meet Australian labelling and import rules, so check with your suppliers and the relevant federal agencies
• Selling alcohol needs a liquor licence from your state or territory, so check before stocking any
• Shelf life and stock waste on dairy, smallgoods and fresh items
• Lease terms, shop fit-out costs and public liability insurance
• GST registration once turnover reaches the threshold

Startup costs are typically around $40,000 to $150,000, depending on shop size, fit-out, lease terms and how much stock you buy. Check shelf life and waste on dairy, smallgoods and fresh items when planning your budget.

Monthly revenue is typically around $15,000 to $60,000, depending on your location, product range and customer base. The estimate assumes from about 40 hours a week. These are estimates only, not guarantees.

Check food business registration and inspections with your local council, and your state's food safety rules. Also check Australian labelling and import rules for imported food, and the liquor licence needed from your state or territory before stocking alcohol.