Start an independent children's clothes shop

Local parents, grandparents and gift buyers who want to see, feel and try on clothes before buying.

You sell stock at a mark-up on what you paid. Revenue depends on footfall, a good range for each season and clearing old stock with sales.

• Buying and range planning
• Sales and customer service
• Visual merchandising
• Managing stock and cash flow

• Rent, business rates and a lease commitment, so check the full costs and any small business rates relief
• Children's clothing safety and labelling rules, so check Trading Standards guidance
• Public liability and stock or contents insurance
• Seasonal stock and slow months, so keep a cash buffer
• Employer's liability insurance if you hire staff

Startup costs are typically estimated at around £8,000 to £40,000, depending on the size and location of your premises, how much stock you buy and how you fit out the shop. Check rent, business rates and lease terms before committing.

Monthly revenue is typically estimated at around £3,000 to £15,000, depending on your location, range and opening hours. The estimate assumes at least about 35 hours a week. Revenue is not profit, as rent, stock and other costs come out of it.

Check the full costs of rent, business rates and your lease, including any small business rates relief. Check Trading Standards guidance on children's clothing safety and labelling, plus public liability and stock insurance, and employer's liability insurance if you hire staff.