Asian homeware, food and gift shop

Local residents, students, people from Asian communities, gift buyers and tourists.

Retail mark-up on a wide range of products. Everyday groceries bring repeat visits, while gifts and homeware give higher margins.

• Retail and stock management
• Buying from wholesalers and importers
• Merchandising and display
• Managing costs and cash flow

• Register with your local council if you sell food, and check labelling and allergen rules
• Check shop lease terms, deposits, business rates and any change-of-use needs
• Product safety rules for tableware, electricals and other goods
• Public liability and stock and contents insurance
• Slow early months: make sure you can cover rent and stock costs
• Check VAT registration once turnover grows

Startup costs are typically around £15,000 to £60,000, depending on the lease, deposit, fit-out and how much stock you buy. These are estimates, so check rent, business rates and any change-of-use needs for your premises.

Monthly revenue is typically around £4,000 to £20,000, depending on location, range and footfall. These are estimates, not guarantees, and revenue is before costs. Early months can be slow, so make sure you can cover rent and stock.

If you sell food, register with your local council and check labelling and allergen rules. Also check lease terms, deposits, business rates, product safety rules for tableware and electricals, insurance, and VAT registration once turnover grows.