Gift basket shop on the high street

Local shoppers buying last-minute gifts, people ordering for occasions, and businesses wanting regular corporate gifts.

Retail sales of baskets and add-on gifts, plus larger bespoke and corporate orders. Seasonal peaks bring the highest sales.

• Retail and customer service
• Merchandising and display
• Stock control and buying
• Managing costs and cash flow

• Lease terms, business rates and any small business relief you may qualify for, so check with your local council
• Shop insurance, including public liability and stock cover
• If you sell food, check with your council about food business registration and hygiene rules
• Selling alcohol needs a premises licence and a personal licence holder, so check requirements first
• Quiet months outside the gifting seasons, so keep fixed costs low
• Employer's liability insurance if you hire staff

Estimates suggest startup costs are typically around £8,000 to £35,000, depending on the premises, lease terms, fit-out and opening stock. Check lease terms and business rates before committing.

Estimated monthly revenue is typically around £2,500 to £12,000, depending on location, footfall, prices and how well you do in gifting seasons. Quiet months outside those seasons are likely, so keep fixed costs low.

Things to check: lease terms, business rates and any small business relief with your local council, plus shop insurance. If you sell food, ask about food business registration and hygiene rules. Alcohol needs a premises licence and a personal licence holder.