Open a saree and traditional wear shop

Local families, brides and wedding parties, and shoppers buying for festivals such as Diwali and Eid.

Retail margin on stock, with higher sales in wedding and festival seasons. Alterations, blouse stitching and bridal orders can add steady extra income.

• Buying stock and judging what will sell
• Customer service and styling advice
• Managing cash flow, rent and staff

• Lease terms, deposits and business rates, so get advice before signing
• Shop insurance covering stock, public liability and employer's liability once you hire
• Planning use class and any shop fit-out or signage permissions, so check with the council
• Seasonal sales and heavy up-front stock costs can squeeze cash flow

Startup costs are typically around £12,000 to £50,000, depending on the unit, deposits, fit-out and how much stock you buy. Heavy up-front stock costs are a common pressure on cash flow.

Check the lease terms, deposits and business rates, and get advice before signing. Also check the planning use class and any fit-out or signage permissions with the council, plus shop insurance covering stock, public liability and employer's liability once you hire.

Monthly revenue is typically estimated at around £3,000 to £15,000, depending on location, stock and season. Sales can be seasonal, and heavy up-front stock costs can squeeze cash flow, so plan your finances carefully.