Local toiletries and personal care shop

Local residents, older customers who prefer to shop nearby, students, and visitors needing last-minute essentials.

You buy stock at wholesale prices and sell at a markup. Profit comes from steady repeat sales of everyday items, plus higher-margin gift sets and specialist brands.

• Customer service
• Stock control and ordering
• Basic bookkeeping
• Spotting products local people want

• Rent, business rates and lease terms; check if any small business rates relief applies to you
• Public liability insurance and stock/contents insurance
• Cosmetic products have product safety and labelling rules; check you only buy from reputable suppliers
• Supermarkets and online shops compete hard on price, so you need a clear reason for people to visit
• Check whether planning permission or a change of use is needed for your chosen unit

Estimates suggest startup costs are typically around £8,000 to £35,000, depending on the unit, fit-out and opening stock. Rent, business rates and lease terms are also worth checking, including whether any small business rates relief applies to you.

Monthly revenue is typically estimated at around £3,000 to £15,000, depending on your location, product range and footfall. Supermarkets and online shops compete hard on price, so you need a clear reason for people to visit your shop.

Check whether planning permission or a change of use is needed for your unit. Cosmetic products have product safety and labelling rules, so check you only buy from reputable suppliers. Also check public liability and stock or contents insurance.