Costume hire and sales unit
Run a small unit or shop hiring and selling costumes to theatres, schools, film crews and performers.
- £8k-40k
- Full-time
- Own premises
Estimates for a small start in the UK, not guarantees.
Official data
1,108 UK companies in this field, 41% registered in the last 2 years
SIC 77299 “Renting and leasing of other personal and household goods”. Source: Companies House, November 2026.
What it is
A larger costume business from a rented unit or small shop with racks, fitting space and a workroom. You hire and sell costumes to theatres, schools and productions, and can offer fittings, alterations and made-to-order pieces.
Your first three steps
- Price up local units and compare rent with likely hire income, checking footfall and parking for customers
- Build relationships with drama teachers, theatre groups and local film or TV production contacts before you commit to a lease
- Buy or make a starter stock aimed at your busiest seasons, and set up a booking system with deposits and a hire agreement
Who pays
Theatre companies, schools, colleges, film and TV productions, dance schools, performers and the general public for events and fancy dress.
How it makes money
Hire fees, costume sales, alteration and making charges, and longer hires to productions. Seasonal peaks such as pantomime, Halloween and school show season bring in the most.
Skills that help
- Costume making and alterations
- Stock buying and period knowledge
- Business and cash flow management
- Building relationships with productions and schools
Watch out for
- Commercial lease terms, business rates and any rent deposit, so check these carefully before signing
- Public liability insurance and stock and contents cover, plus employer's liability insurance if you hire staff
- Fire safety rules for premises where the public visit and where lots of fabric is stored, so check with your local fire service or council
- Strong seasonal swings in income, so plan your cash flow for quiet months
- Possible VAT registration once your turnover passes the threshold
Deep research report · UK
Everything you need to start: costume hire and sales unit
Researched with live web search for United Kingdom: real startup prices, the licences and rules, what others charge, a break-even example, how to find your first customers and a 30-day launch plan. With sources.
- Startup costs with real prices
- Licences, registration and rules
- Pricing: what others charge
- Break-even example
- Finding your first customers
- 30-day launch plan
- Risks and how to reduce them
Questions people ask
How much does it cost to start a costume hire business?
Startup costs are typically around £8,000 to £40,000, depending on the size of the unit, the stock you buy and how you fit out racks, fitting space and a workroom. Lease deposits and insurance also affect the total.
How much can a costume hire business earn?
Monthly revenue is typically estimated at around £2,000 to £10,000, depending on your customer mix and location. Income swings strongly by season, so it is worth planning your cash flow for the quiet months.
What should I check before opening a costume hire unit?
Check commercial lease terms, business rates and any rent deposit, plus public liability and stock and contents insurance. Also check fire safety rules with your local fire service or council, and possible VAT registration once turnover passes the threshold.
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