Independent womenswear shop

Local women shopping for themselves, gifts or special occasions, plus returning regulars who value personal service and fitting advice.

You sell stock at a mark-up on what you paid. Sales are boosted by seasonal ranges, accessories, loyalty offers and styling events, and you use end-of-season sales to clear old stock.

• Buying and choosing ranges
• Customer service and styling advice
• Budgeting and stock control
• Visual merchandising

• Commercial lease terms, rent, deposits and business rates, so get advice before signing and check whether any rates relief applies
• Buildings and contents insurance, public liability and employer's liability once you hire staff
• Cash tied up in stock, with seasonal swings and unsold items
• Shop fit-out, signage and any planning or change of use permissions, which you should check with your council
• Consumer rules on refunds and returns, and VAT registration if your turnover passes the threshold

Startup costs are typically around £10,000 to £50,000, depending on the premises, fit-out, signage and opening stock. These are estimates, so get advice on lease terms, rent, deposits and business rates before you sign anything.

Monthly revenue is typically around £3,000 to £15,000, depending on location, range and footfall. That is revenue, not profit, and cash can be tied up in stock with seasonal swings and unsold items, so plan for quieter weeks.

Check commercial lease terms, rent, deposits and whether business rates relief applies. Arrange buildings and contents and public liability insurance, plus employer's liability if you hire staff. Check planning or change of use with your council, and refund rules.