Japanese grocery shop

Local households, students, Japanese and wider East Asian communities, and nearby restaurants and cafes.

Retail margin on products sold in the shop, plus larger wholesale-style orders from local restaurants. Regular customers, gift sets and seasonal items can help steady sales.

• Knowledge of Japanese food products
• Buying and stock control
• Customer service
• Basic bookkeeping

• Food business registration with your local council is normally required at least 28 days before you start trading; expect a food hygiene inspection. Check the exact requirements with your council
• If you sell chilled or frozen goods, check you have the right fridges and temperature monitoring
• Check lease terms, business rates relief and whether the premises has the right planning use
• Check labelling and allergen rules for imported products, including requirements for the name and address of a UK or Northern Ireland business on the label
• If you want to sell alcohol such as sake, you will need a premises licence with a designated premises supervisor who holds a personal licence (check with your council's licensing team) before selling any
• Public liability insurance and stock insurance
• Rent and unsold stock are the main risks, so start with a tight range

Estimates suggest startup costs typically around £15,000 to £60,000, depending on the premises, shop fit-out, fridges and how much stock you buy. Starting with a tight range can help limit the risk of unsold stock.

Monthly revenue is typically estimated at around £8,000 to £30,000, depending on your location, range and whether you supply local restaurants. That is revenue before rent and stock costs. Estimates assume at least 40 hours a week.

Check food business registration with your council, normally at least 28 days before trading, and expect an inspection. Also check labelling and allergen rules for imports, and that selling alcohol such as sake needs a premises licence.