Independent children's shop on the high street

Local parents, grandparents and carers, plus people buying gifts for birthdays and new babies.

Retail mark-up on stock sold in the shop. Gift wrapping, seasonal ranges and loyalty offers can help bring people back.

• Buying stock and managing cash flow
• Friendly customer service
• Merchandising and window displays
• Keeping track of stock

• Commercial lease terms, business rates and deposits, check them carefully and take advice before signing
• Toy and children's clothing safety and labelling rules, check what applies to the products you sell
• Shop insurance, including public liability and stock cover
• Slow seasons and unsold stock, keep a cash buffer
• Check whether VAT registration is needed as your turnover grows

Startup costs are typically around £10,000 to £50,000, depending on the premises, how much stock you buy and how you fit out the shop. These are estimates. Lease terms, business rates and deposits can affect your total, so check them carefully.

Monthly revenue is typically around £4,000 to £20,000, depending on your location, range and footfall. This is sales before costs, and the figures are estimates. A shop usually needs a commitment of at least around 35 hours a week.

Check your commercial lease terms, business rates and deposits, and take advice before signing. Also check toy and children's clothing safety and labelling rules for your products, shop insurance including public liability and stock cover, and when VAT registration is needed.