Local variety shop on your high street

Local residents, older people who prefer to shop close to home, families looking for low-cost basics and people buying last-minute gifts or cards.

You buy stock in bulk from wholesalers and sell at a mark-up. Profit comes from steady footfall, a good mix of fast-selling items and keeping stock costs under control.

• Choosing stock that sells
• Basic bookkeeping and stock control
• Friendly customer service
• Negotiating with suppliers

• Lease terms, deposits and business rates, check what you would pay and whether small business rate relief may apply
• Public liability insurance and stock and contents cover
• Product safety rules for items such as toys, electricals and cosmetics, check trading standards guidance before selling them
• If you sell tobacco, vapes or alcohol, check the age checks and licences needed first
• Slow-moving stock can tie up cash, so start with a modest range
• Long opening hours can be tiring if you are working alone

Startup costs are typically around £8,000 to £40,000, depending on the unit, deposit, fit-out and how much stock you buy. These are estimates, so start with a modest range to avoid tying up cash.

Monthly revenue is typically around £4,000 to £20,000, depending on your location, opening hours and the range you stock. This is revenue before rent, rates, stock and other costs, so treat it as an estimate.

Check your lease terms, deposit and business rates, and whether small business rate relief may apply. Check trading standards guidance on product safety for toys, electricals and cosmetics, and the age checks and licences for tobacco, vapes or alcohol.