Local sportswear and running shop

Local runners, gym members, parents buying school and club kit, and teams who want to try before they buy.

You sell stock at a mark-up over the trade price. Footwear fitting, club orders and a small online shop can add to in-store sales.

• Product knowledge and fitting advice
• Stock buying and control
• Customer service
• Managing cash flow

• Rent, business rates and stock are big fixed costs, so check the full numbers before committing to a lease
• Check for any small business rates relief available from your council
• Some brands set minimum orders or approve stockists, so check terms
• Public liability and contents or stock insurance are worth checking
• Check planning use class and shop fit-out rules for the unit
• Competition from large chains and online sellers means you need a clear local reason to be chosen

Startup costs are typically around £15,000 to £60,000, depending on the unit, rent, shop fit-out and how much stock you buy. Check the full numbers for rent, business rates and stock before committing to a lease.

Monthly revenue is typically around £5,000 to £25,000, depending on location, stock range and how many local clubs and runners you attract. These are estimates of revenue, not profit, and rent, rates and stock are big fixed costs.

Check any small business rates relief from your council, the planning use class and fit-out rules for the unit, and whether brands set minimum orders or approve stockists. Public liability and stock insurance are also worth checking.