Independent lingerie boutique
Open a small shop selling bras, underwear and nightwear with friendly, personal fitting advice.
- £15k-60k
- Full-time
- Own premises
Estimates for a small start in the UK, not guarantees.
What it is
A small high street or local parade shop stocking bras, knickers, nightwear and loungewear, with a private fitting area and help choosing the right size and style.
Your first three steps
- Research local competition and shortlist brands, then ask them about trade accounts and minimum orders
- Get a bra fitting course or training from a supplier, and work out your stock budget and shop rent
- Find a small unit, check the lease terms and business rates with the council, and plan a fitting room that gives privacy
Who pays
Women and gift buyers looking for well-fitting everyday underwear, special occasion pieces, maternity and post-surgery wear, or nightwear.
How it makes money
You buy stock from brands or wholesalers and sell at a mark-up. Good fitting advice brings repeat customers and higher spend per visit.
Skills that help
- Sensitive, friendly customer service
- Learning bra fitting
- Buying stock and managing cash flow
- Visual merchandising
Watch out for
- Commercial lease terms, deposits and business rates, so check them before signing
- Public liability and stock/contents insurance, plus employers' liability once you hire
- Unsold stock tied up in sizes and seasonal ranges, so order carefully
- Consumer returns rules, particularly for hygiene items, so check what you can and cannot accept back
- Competition from large chains and online retailers
Deep research report · UK
Everything you need to start: independent lingerie boutique
Researched with live web search for United Kingdom: real startup prices, the licences and rules, what others charge, a break-even example, how to find your first customers and a 30-day launch plan. With sources.
- Startup costs with real prices
- Licences, registration and rules
- Pricing: what others charge
- Break-even example
- Finding your first customers
- 30-day launch plan
- Risks and how to reduce them
Questions people ask
How much does it cost to open a lingerie shop?
Startup costs are typically around £15,000 to £60,000, depending on the unit, stock, fit-out and insurance. Unsold stock can tie up cash in sizes and seasonal ranges, so order carefully.
What should I check before opening a lingerie boutique?
Things to check: commercial lease terms, deposits and business rates; public liability and stock or contents insurance, plus employers' liability once you hire; and consumer returns rules, particularly for hygiene items.
How much can a small lingerie shop bring in?
Monthly revenue is typically estimated at around £4,000 to £20,000, depending on location, stock range and fitting services. The estimate assumes at least about 35 hours of work a week, and competition from chains and online retailers is worth considering.
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