Doll and collectibles shop

Parents, grandparents and gift buyers, tourists in busy areas, and adult collectors who want to see items in person.

Retail mark-up on stock bought from wholesalers and distributors, plus accessories, gift wrap and special orders. Many shops also sell online to reach beyond their town.

• Choosing stock that sells
• Customer service and gift advice
• Shop display
• Managing stock, cash flow and rent

• Rent, business rates and utilities are fixed costs, so check the full cost of the premises and any small business rates relief
• Toy safety rules and UKCA or CE marking apply to dolls, so check with Trading Standards
• Public liability and shop contents insurance
• Check planning permission or change of use for the unit with your council
• Sales often peak around Christmas and birthdays, so plan cash flow for quiet months

Startup costs are estimated at typically around £8,000 to £40,000, depending on the premises, shop fit-out and how much stock you buy. Rent, business rates and utilities are fixed costs, so check the full cost of the unit and any small business rates relief.

Monthly revenue is estimated at typically around £3,000 to £15,000, depending on location, stock range and the time of year. Sales often peak around Christmas and birthdays, so it helps to plan your cash flow for the quieter months.

Check toy safety rules and UKCA or CE marking for dolls with Trading Standards. Also check public liability and shop contents insurance, and ask your council whether the unit needs planning permission or a change of use.