Local dress and occasion wear shop

Local women shopping for weddings, proms, races, parties and work, often with a friend or family member.

Sales of dresses and accessories at a markup on wholesale cost. Occasion wear often sells at higher prices, and you can earn more through repeat customers and add-ons.

• Styling and fitting advice
• Buying the right stock
• Customer service
• Managing cash flow and stock

• Rent, business rates and a lease are big commitments, so check small business rate relief and get advice on lease terms
• Stock bought early in a season may not sell, so plan sales and buy cautiously
• Shop insurance: public liability, stock and contents cover
• Check planning use class and any shopfront signage rules with your council
• Takings can be seasonal, with busy periods around wedding and prom seasons and Christmas
• Register with HMRC and check when VAT applies

Estimates suggest startup costs are typically around £10,000 to £40,000, depending on the premises, fit-out and opening stock. Rent, business rates and a lease are big commitments, so get advice on lease terms.

Estimates suggest monthly revenue is typically around £3,000 to £15,000, depending on location and range. Takings can be seasonal, with busy periods around wedding and prom seasons and Christmas, so plan cash flow.

Check small business rate relief and lease terms, the planning use class and any shopfront signage rules with your council, and shop insurance such as public liability, stock and contents cover. Also register with HMRC and check when VAT applies.