Independent outdoor gear shop

Walkers, campers, climbers, families planning trips, and visitors buying kit for a holiday or event.

You buy stock from brands and wholesalers and sell at a margin. Extras like boot fitting, repairs, waterproofing and gift vouchers can add to takings.

• Knowing outdoor kit and how it is used
• Customer service and fitting advice
• Stock buying and cash flow control

• Lease terms and business rates, check these carefully before signing anything
• Stock is a big upfront cost and sales can be seasonal, so plan your cash flow
• Shop and stock insurance, plus public liability insurance
• If you sell safety-related kit such as climbing equipment, check your responsibilities for product safety and giving correct advice
• VAT registration once your turnover reaches the threshold

Startup costs are typically estimated at around £25,000 to £80,000, depending on your premises, fit-out and how much stock you buy. Stock is a big upfront cost and sales can be seasonal, so plan your cash flow carefully.

Monthly revenue is typically estimated at around £6,000 to £30,000, depending on location, range and the time of year. Sales can be seasonal, so these are estimates and it helps to plan cash flow for quieter periods.

Check lease terms and business rates carefully before signing anything. Also look at shop, stock and public liability insurance, VAT registration once turnover reaches the threshold, and your responsibilities for product safety and correct advice if you sell items such as climbing equipment.