Wicker and woven homeware shop

Local households, people furnishing conservatories and gardens, gift shoppers and interior buyers.

Retail mark-up on furniture and accessories. Larger furniture pieces bring higher sales, while baskets and gifts bring steady smaller purchases.

• Buying and stock control
• Retail display
• Customer service and selling

• Rent, business rates and lease terms, which can be a big fixed cost, so check small business rates relief
• Public liability insurance and contents cover for your stock
• Furniture fire safety rules: check what labelling applies to upholstered or cushioned items
• Slow-selling stock tying up cash, especially large pieces
• Seasonal demand, with garden furniture busiest in spring and summer

Startup costs are typically around £8,000 to £30,000, depending on your unit, shop fit-out, opening stock and insurance. Rent, business rates and lease terms can be a big fixed cost, so check small business rates relief.

Monthly revenue is typically around £3,000 to £12,000, depending on your location, range and stock levels. Demand can be seasonal, with garden furniture busiest in spring and summer, and slow-selling large pieces can tie up cash.

Check what furniture fire safety labelling applies to any upholstered or cushioned items. Also check public liability insurance and contents cover for your stock, plus rent, business rates and lease terms before you sign for a unit.