How to start a swimwear market stall or pop-up

Holiday-makers, locals heading to pools and beaches, and shoppers who want to try or see items before buying.

Direct sales at a markup on wholesale cost. Footfall and weather drive takings, and good stock display helps conversion.

• Selling face to face
• Merchandising and display
• Stock and size planning
• Handling cash and card payments

• Street trading or market pitch permission, check with the organiser and your local council
• Public liability insurance, which many markets ask for
• Weather and seasonal takings that can vary a lot week to week
• Somewhere dry to store and transport stock
• Rules on trying on swimwear and returns, check what you can offer for hygiene reasons

Startup costs are estimated at typically around £1,000 to £5,000, depending on how much stock you buy, your stall and display equipment, and fees for pitches and insurance.

Monthly revenue is estimated at typically around £600 to £3,000, depending on the pitches you trade at, the season and the weather. Takings can vary a lot from week to week, so it helps to plan for quieter spells.

Check street trading or market pitch permission with the organiser and your local council. Also check public liability insurance, which many markets ask for, and what try-on and returns rules you can offer for hygiene reasons.