Costume jewellery and accessories shop

Local shoppers, gift buyers, teenagers and people shopping for an outfit or event.

You sell at a mark-up on wholesale stock. Rent, rates and staffing are the big costs, so you need steady footfall and regular repeat customers.

• Buying stock and spotting trends
• Shop display and merchandising
• Customer service and selling
• Basic bookkeeping and stock control

• Rent, business rates and lease terms, so check what small business rates relief you might qualify for
• Shop insurance, including public liability, stock and contents cover, and employer's liability if you hire staff
• Product safety rules for jewellery, including restricted substances such as nickel
• Check planning and shop-front rules with your council if you are changing premises or signage
• Quiet seasons and unsold stock can tie up cash

Startup costs are estimated at typically around £8,000 to £35,000, depending on your premises, fit-out and opening stock. Check rent, business rates and lease terms first, including any small business rates relief you might qualify for.

Monthly revenue is estimated at typically around £3,000 to £12,000, depending on location, stock and how well you build local and online trade. Quiet seasons and unsold stock can tie up cash, and these are estimates only.

Check shop insurance, including public liability, stock and contents cover, and employer's liability if you hire staff. Also check product safety rules for jewellery, including nickel, and planning and shop-front rules with your council.