Convenience store with a symbol group

Local households and passers-by who want a trusted brand, a wider range and longer opening hours close to home.

You sell groceries, drinks and everyday goods at group-guided prices. Your margin comes from the difference between the group's trade prices and your shelf prices, minus rent, staff and fees.

• Managing staff and rotas
• Stock ordering and cash handling
• Customer service
• Working to a brand's standards

• Read the group agreement carefully, including fees, supply commitments and exit terms, and consider taking legal advice
• Most stores sell alcohol and tobacco, which need licences and strict age checks, so check the rules with your council
• Employer's liability insurance is needed once you hire staff, and you will have payroll duties
• Check lease length, rent reviews and business rates before signing
• Opening hours are often long, so plan cover for holidays and illness

Startup costs are typically estimated at around £40,000 to £150,000, depending on the store's size, the premises, the fit-out and the group's fees and stock requirements. Check the group's terms carefully before you commit.

Monthly revenue is typically estimated at around £30,000 to £120,000, depending on location, store size and opening hours. These are estimates of revenue, not profit, and you will have costs such as stock, rent, wages and group fees.

Read the group agreement carefully, including fees, supply commitments and exit terms, and consider legal advice. Also check alcohol and tobacco licensing and age checks with your council, employer's liability insurance, payroll duties, and lease length and business rates.