Maternity and nursing wear boutique

Expectant mothers, new mothers and gift buyers from the local area.

Shop sales at a markup on wholesale prices, with higher spend on fitted items such as bras. Many shops also sell online to reach beyond the local area.

• Buying and stock control
• Friendly, sensitive customer service
• Visual merchandising
• Managing costs and cash flow

• Commercial lease terms: take advice before signing and check break clauses
• Business rates: check whether small business rate relief could apply to you
• Shop insurance, including stock, public liability and employer's liability if you hire staff
• Slow-moving seasonal and size-specific stock can tie up cash
• Customers often compare prices online, so offer service and fitting help, not just products
• Check clothing labelling and product safety rules for the items you sell
• Register as self-employed or set up a limited company, and check VAT registration as turnover grows

Startup costs are typically around £8,000 to £40,000, depending on the premises, the shop fit-out and how much stock you buy. These are estimates, so allow for slow-moving seasonal and size-specific stock tying up cash.

Monthly revenue is typically around £4,000 to £18,000, depending on location, stock range and opening hours. This is an estimate of revenue rather than profit, so rent, stock and other running costs come out of it.

Check your commercial lease terms and break clauses, whether small business rate relief could apply, shop insurance, and clothing labelling and product safety rules. Also decide between self-employment and a limited company, and check VAT registration as turnover grows.