Retail business ideas you can start in the UK

942 ideas

Retail is a broad sector, and these 942 ideas cover shops, stalls, kiosks, online stores and wholesale. Some suit people who want to sell from home, such as an online party supplies shop or a private wig fitting studio.

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Under 1k1k to 5k5k to 20kOver 20kFrom homeOut and aboutOwn premisesOnline
Installer fitting a frameless glass shower door in a bathroom.

Shower door showroom and fitting service

Run a small showroom selling shower doors and enclosures, with a fitting team for homeowners and builders.

  • £10k-50k
  • Full-time
  • Own premises
7,568 UK companies in this field, 19% registered in the last 2 years
Jars of dried herbs and teas on shelves in a traditional remedy shop.

East Asian herbs and teas shop

Open a small shop selling herbs, teas and wellness products from East Asian traditions to walk-in customers.

  • £10k-40k
  • Full-time
  • Own premises
2,916 UK companies in this field, 25% registered in the last 2 years

Online East Asian herbs and teas store

Sell teas, herbs and wellness products from East Asian traditions through your own website, run from home.

  • £1.5k-7k
  • Side hustle
  • Online
2,916 UK companies in this field, 25% registered in the last 2 years
Shelves of power tools and construction equipment in a trade supply store.

Online power tool and trade supplies shop

Sell power tools, accessories and site kit to tradespeople online, without needing a shop.

  • £800-4k
  • Side hustle
  • Online
905 UK companies in this field, 27% registered in the last 2 years

Mobile trade tools and supplies van

Drive a stocked van to building sites and trade yards selling tools, fixings and consumables.

  • £8k-30k
  • Part-time
  • Out and about
905 UK companies in this field, 27% registered in the last 2 years

Local tool and equipment hire shop

Run a small unit hiring and selling power tools and site equipment to trades and homeowners.

  • £25k-100k
  • Full-time
  • Own premises
905 UK companies in this field, 27% registered in the last 2 years
Shelves of colourful fabric bolts in a shop for dressmakers.

Online fabric and haberdashery shop

Sell curated fabrics, trims and sewing supplies to UK makers through your own website or marketplaces.

  • £1k-5k
  • Side hustle
  • Online
4,072 UK companies in this field, 29% registered in the last 2 years
Bonsai trees displayed on benches in a nursery greenhouse.

Home bonsai nursery selling online

Grow and train bonsai at home, then sell trees, pots and tools to hobbyists and gift buyers online.

  • £500-3k
  • Side hustle
  • From home
858 UK companies in this field, 21% registered in the last 2 years
Shelves of motorcycle parts, helmets and gear in a shop.

Online motorcycle parts and kit shop

Sell parts, accessories and riding gear to riders online, from a spare room or garage.

  • £1k-8k
  • Side hustle
  • Online
3,631 UK companies in this field, 28% registered in the last 2 years

Motorcycle parts and gear shop

Open a small local shop selling parts, accessories and riding gear to riders and workshops.

  • £15k-60k
  • Full-time
  • Own premises
3,631 UK companies in this field, 28% registered in the last 2 years
Tailcoats and evening gowns displayed on a rack in a formal wear rental shop.

Dress and formalwear hire from home

Hire out gowns, prom dresses and formal outfits by appointment from a spare room, with a small, carefully chosen collection.

  • £1.5k-7k
  • Side hustle
  • From home
1,108 UK companies in this field, 41% registered in the last 2 years
Built-in kitchen units and wardrobes being fitted in a modern home interior.

Fitted wardrobe and kitchen design-and-supply service

Design and sell fitted wardrobes, kitchens and storage from home, using trade suppliers and local fitters.

  • £1.5k-6k
  • Side hustle
  • Out and about
3,382 UK companies in this field, 34% registered in the last 2 years
Trays of drawer handles, hinges and fittings in a supplier warehouse.

Online furniture fittings and handles shop

Sell handles, hinges, legs and fittings online to DIYers, kitchen fitters and small makers.

  • £500-5k
  • Side hustle
  • Online
3,382 UK companies in this field, 34% registered in the last 2 years

Trade supplier of furniture hardware

Stock fittings and hardware from a small unit and supply local makers, fitters and shops.

  • £8k-40k
  • Full-time
  • Own premises
3,382 UK companies in this field, 34% registered in the last 2 years
Perfume bottles lined up on a shop counter with a customer sampling scents.

Online perfume shop with sample sets

Sell fragrances and discovery sample sets online, with friendly scent advice to help people choose.

  • £1k-5k
  • Side hustle
  • Online
10,030 UK companies in this field, 47% registered in the last 2 years
Bidders raising paddles in an auction house room during a sale.

Online auction house for a niche

Sell collectables, vintage or other specialist items for owners through online auctions, and keep a commission on each sale.

  • £1k-5k
  • Side hustle
  • Online
20,012 UK companies in this field, 40% registered in the last 2 years

Local saleroom with live and online sales

Run a small saleroom selling house clearances, antiques and general goods for local sellers, with bidding in the room and online.

  • £15k-60k
  • Full-time
  • Own premises
20,012 UK companies in this field, 40% registered in the last 2 years
Bundles of human hair extensions arranged on a display table.

Online hair extensions shop

Sell clip-in, weft and tape-in hair extensions to customers across the UK through your own website or marketplace shop.

  • £500-3k
  • Side hustle
  • Online
8,575 UK companies in this field, 46% registered in the last 2 years

Hair extensions supplier to salons

Supply hairdressers and extension specialists with bulk hair, bonds and tools, delivered or sold on visits.

  • £2k-8k
  • Part-time
  • Out and about
8,575 UK companies in this field, 46% registered in the last 2 years
Shelves of loose-leaf and packaged teas displayed in a cosy tea shop.

Independent loose-leaf tea shop

Open a small shop selling loose-leaf tea, gifts and teaware to locals and visitors.

  • £10k-40k
  • Full-time
  • Own premises
5,349 UK companies in this field, 33% registered in the last 2 years
Woven tatami mats covering the floor of a traditional Japanese-style room.

Online tatami and Japanese flooring shop

Sell tatami mats and matching flooring online to homeowners, yoga fans and Japanese-style interior projects.

  • £1.5k-7.5k
  • Side hustle
  • Online
5,253 UK companies in this field, 21% registered in the last 2 years

Tatami showroom with fitting service

Run a small shop where customers see and feel tatami before buying, with measuring and fitting offered.

  • £12k-50k
  • Full-time
  • Own premises
5,253 UK companies in this field, 21% registered in the last 2 years
Rack of colourful greeting cards and wrapping paper in a card shop.

Independent greeting card shop

Open a small high street or village shop selling cards, wrapping and gifts for every occasion.

  • £8k-35k
  • Full-time
  • Own premises
2,265 UK companies in this field, 25% registered in the last 2 years

Greeting card market stall

Sell cards and wrapping from a stall at local markets and fairs, with no shop lease to pay.

  • £500-3k
  • Side hustle
  • Out and about
2,265 UK companies in this field, 25% registered in the last 2 years

About these ideas

Others suit people happy to be out meeting customers, like a market stall selling and sharpening knives or a snack and drinks kiosk on a fixed pitch. Specialists might look at a bakery equipment reseller or a stamp dealer at collectors' markets. Before choosing, think about how much stock you can afford to hold, where your customers will find you, and whether you can buy at a price that leaves a fair margin. Check whether you need a pitch, premises or any permissions, and be realistic about how much time you can give it each week.

More ideas

Questions

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

It varies widely. An online shop or market stall may need far less than a unit with a trade counter. Work out your stock, equipment, website or pitch fees, insurance and a cash buffer, then compare that with what you can afford.

Do I need a licence or permission to sell goods in the UK?

It depends on what you sell and where. Street pitches, markets, food and drink, and some regulated products may need permission, registration or checks. Contact your local council and check relevant government guidance before you commit to stock or a pitch.

Should I start with an online shop or a physical one?

Consider your budget, product and customers. Online can reduce premises costs but needs marketing, delivery and returns handling. A stall, kiosk or shop gives direct contact but ties you to location and hours. Many people test one route first, then expand.