Local discount shop on the high street

Price-conscious local shoppers, families, older people, students and anyone topping up on household basics.

You buy stock at wholesale or job-lot prices and sell at a margin, often at fixed price points. Profit comes from fast-moving lines, good buying and keeping waste and unsold stock low.

• Good at spotting bargains and negotiating with suppliers
• Stock control and basic bookkeeping
• Friendly customer service
• Comfortable with long shop hours

• Commercial lease terms, deposits and business rates: get a solicitor to read the lease before signing
• Public liability insurance and stock and contents cover
• Product safety rules for toys, electricals and cosmetics: check Trading Standards guidance and buy only from reputable suppliers
• If you sell any food or drink, check whether you need to register with your local council
• Thin margins and cash tied up in stock, so start with a modest range
• Check planning and shop-front rules with your council if you want to change signage

Startup costs are typically around £15,000 to £60,000, depending on the premises, the lease and deposit, how much stock you buy and your shop fit-out. These are estimates, not guarantees.

Monthly revenue is typically around £8,000 to £30,000, depending on your location, your range and footfall. Margins are thin and cash is tied up in stock, so costs matter. This is an estimate of revenue, not profit.

Check commercial lease terms, deposits and business rates, ideally with a solicitor. Also check product safety rules for toys, electricals and cosmetics with Trading Standards, whether you need to register with your council to sell food or drink, and insurance.