Local vitamin and supplement shop

Local shoppers, gym-goers, older customers and people following specific diets who prefer to ask questions in person.

Retail margin on products sold in store, often with an online shop and loyalty offers to bring people back.

• Friendly customer service
• Product knowledge and willingness to keep learning
• Stock control and basic bookkeeping

• Health claims are tightly controlled, so train staff to avoid giving medical advice
• Check with your local council about food business registration and any planning use class for the unit
• Business rates, rent and lease terms, ask about reliefs for small businesses
• Public liability, product liability and stock insurance
• Competition from supermarkets and online sellers, so keep a clear reason for people to visit you

Startup costs are typically around £10,000 to £40,000, depending on the premises, fit-out and opening stock. These are estimates only. Check rent, lease terms and business rates, and ask about any reliefs for small businesses.

Monthly revenue is typically around £3,000 to £15,000, depending on location, range and how many regular customers you build. These are estimates, not guarantees, and revenue is not profit after rent, stock and running costs.

Check how health claims are controlled and train staff to avoid giving medical advice. Also check food business registration and any planning use class for the unit with your local council, plus public liability, product liability and stock insurance.