Independent baby clothes shop

Local parents and grandparents, plus gift buyers looking for something more personal than a big chain.

You sell stock at retail prices. Profit depends on your margins, footfall, rent and how well you manage stock across seasons and sizes.

• Buying and stock control
• Customer service and gift advice
• Managing a budget and rent costs

• Lease terms, business rates and deposits. Get advice before signing, and check whether small business rate relief applies
• Shop insurance, including stock, contents and public liability
• Children's clothing safety and labelling rules. Check with Trading Standards
• Seasonal sales and unsold stock tying up cash
• Employer's liability insurance if you hire staff

Estimates suggest typically around £8,000 to £40,000, depending on the premises, deposits, fit-out and how much stock you buy. Check lease terms and whether small business rate relief applies before signing.

Monthly revenue is typically estimated at around £3,000 to £12,000, depending on location, brands and season. Seasonal sales and unsold stock can tie up cash, so plan your buying carefully.

Check lease terms, business rates and deposits, and whether small business rate relief applies. Also check shop insurance, children's clothing safety and labelling rules with Trading Standards, and employer's liability insurance if you hire staff.