Independent gift shop on the high street

Local shoppers, people buying last-minute presents and visitors looking for souvenirs or something special.

You sell stock at a mark-up over wholesale prices. Cards, small gifts and seasonal lines bring regular footfall, while higher-value items and personalisation lift the average sale.

• Choosing and buying stock
• Merchandising and window displays
• Customer service
• Managing stock, cash flow and rent

• Lease terms, deposits and business rates, so get advice before signing and check for small business rate relief
• Public liability insurance, plus buildings or contents cover as needed
• Employer's liability insurance if you hire staff
• Product safety rules for the goods you sell
• Heavy reliance on Christmas trade and tight cash flow in quieter months
• Check any planning or signage rules for your shop front with your council

Estimates suggest startup costs typically around £10,000 to £50,000, depending on the unit, fit-out and opening stock. Get advice on lease terms, deposits and business rates before signing, and check for small business rate relief.

Estimated monthly revenue is typically around £3,000 to £15,000, depending on location, range and footfall. Heavy reliance on Christmas trade and tight cash flow in quieter months are worth planning for.

Check lease terms, business rates and any planning or signage rules for your shop front with your council. Also check product safety rules for goods you sell, and public liability, contents and employer's liability insurance if you hire.