Start a western wear shop on the high street

Local western riders, line dancers, country fans, farmers and ranch-style fashion lovers, plus people buying gifts or outfits for events.

Retail margin on stock sold in-store and online. Hat shaping, boot care products and gift items can add extra income.

• Buying and stock control
• Fitting footwear and hats
• Running a shop day to day
• Marketing to a niche community

• Lease terms, deposits and business rates, so get advice before signing
• Public liability and stock insurance, plus employer's liability once you hire
• Cash tied up in stock, especially in less common sizes
• Whether there are enough local customers to support a shop all year, as sales may be seasonal
• Planning permission or change of use if the unit was not previously a shop

Estimates suggest startup costs are typically around £15,000 to £50,000, depending on the premises, lease terms, shop fit-out and how much stock you buy. Stock in less common sizes can tie up a lot of cash, so plan your buying carefully.

Estimated monthly revenue is typically around £4,000 to £18,000, depending on your location, stock range and the time of year. Sales may be seasonal, and revenue is not profit, so weigh rent, stock and running costs against those figures.

Check lease terms, deposits and business rates, and get advice before signing. Also check public liability and stock insurance, employer's liability once you hire, and whether planning permission or change of use is needed if the unit was not previously a shop.