Independent jeans and denim shop

Local shoppers of all ages looking for a good fit, plus people wanting a brand or style the big chains do not stock.

You buy stock at wholesale prices and sell at retail prices. Alterations such as hemming add a small extra fee and encourage repeat visits.

• Knowing denim fits and brands
• Buying stock and managing cash flow
• Friendly, honest customer service

• Rent, business rates and lease terms, check what relief may apply for small premises
• Public liability and stock and contents insurance
• Money tied up in unsold stock, especially sizes that do not sell
• Seasonal slow periods and competition from online shops and large chains
• Check with your council whether any shopfront signage permissions apply

Startup costs are typically estimated at around £15,000 to £60,000, depending on the premises, the shop fit-out and how much stock you buy. Starting with a focused range of brands and sizes can help you control the money tied up in stock.

Monthly revenue is typically estimated at around £4,000 to £20,000, depending on your location, your range and how well your stock sells. This is revenue rather than profit, and seasonal slow periods and competition from online shops and large chains can affect it.

Check rent, business rates and lease terms, including what relief may apply for small premises. Look at public liability and stock and contents insurance, and check with your council whether any shopfront signage permissions apply. Also plan for unsold stock, especially sizes that do not sell.