Open a botanica shop on the high street

Local practitioners and followers of traditions, regular customers, gift buyers and people who like to ask for advice in person.

Shop sales at a mark-up on stock. Extras like refills, gift sets, workshops and an online shop can add to the shop's takings.

• Deep knowledge of the products and traditions
• Retail and stock management
• Managing rent, costs and cash flow

• Check the shop's planning use class and lease terms, including rent reviews and break clauses
• Business rates may apply, so check with the local council whether you qualify for any relief
• Public liability and contents insurance are essential, and employer's liability insurance once you hire
• Fire safety rules apply, especially with candles and incense, so check requirements and your insurer's conditions
• Do not make health claims about herbs. Check herbal product rules with Trading Standards
• Check that any herbs or materials you sell are legal to sell, including protected species

Estimates suggest startup costs are typically around £8,000 to £35,000, depending on the premises, shop fit-out, opening stock and the lease terms you agree. Rent, rates and insurance are ongoing costs to plan for.

Check the shop's planning use class and lease terms, and ask the council about business rates relief. Check fire safety requirements with candles and incense, insurance needs, herbal product rules with Trading Standards, and that all materials are legal to sell.

Estimates suggest monthly revenue of typically around £3,000 to £12,000, depending on your location, range and regular customers. The estimates assume at least around 35 hours a week of opening and running the shop.