Australian foods and gifts shop

Australians and New Zealanders living nearby, travellers back from Australia, tourists, and gift buyers.

Retail mark-up on food, drinks and gifts, with higher-margin gift sets and seasonal lines such as Australia Day and Christmas.

• Buying and stock control
• Customer service
• Display and merchandising

• Food business registration with your local council before you trade, and possible inspections
• Rent, business rates and lease terms, check the full cost and any reliefs for small premises
• Allergen and labelling rules for imported food, plus date-checking and stock rotation
• If you want to sell alcohol, you will need a premises licence and a personal licence holder, check with your council
• Stock tied up in slow sellers, so start with a small range and reorder what sells
• Public liability, stock and contents insurance

Startup costs are typically around £10,000 to £40,000, depending on your premises, fit-out and opening stock. These are estimates. Starting with a small range and reordering what sells helps avoid money tied up in slow sellers.

Monthly revenue is typically estimated at around £4,000 to £18,000, depending on your location, range and footfall. Rent and business rates are ongoing costs, so check the full cost and any reliefs for small premises.

Check food business registration with your local council and possible inspections. Also check rent, business rates and lease terms, allergen and labelling rules for imported food, insurance, and if selling alcohol, the premises licence and personal licence holder requirements.