Retail business ideas costing over $20,000 to start

444 ideas

A bigger budget opens up retail ideas that need a storefront, stock on shelves or specialist equipment. This page lists 447 of them, including a local electric bike shop, an independent mattress and bed showroom and a shed sales lot with display buildings.

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1k to 5k5k to 20kFrom homeOut and aboutOwn premisesOnline
Florist arranging colourful cut flowers into a bouquet at a shop counter.

Neighborhood flower shop

Open a small storefront selling fresh flowers, bouquets and gifts to walk-in customers and local orders.

  • $15k-60k
  • Full-time
  • Own premises
11,834 US businesses with employees in this field, -1.4% in a year
Shelves of model kits, craft supplies and board games in a family-friendly hobby shop.

Local hobby shop with game and craft space

Open a small store selling kits, craft supplies and games, with a table for local events.

  • $20k-80k
  • Full-time
  • Own premises
8,803 US businesses with employees in this field, +3.9% in a year
Customers browsing carpet samples and rugs displayed on rolls in a showroom.

Carpet and flooring showroom

Open a small local shop selling carpet, rugs and floor coverings, with installation arranged through trusted fitters.

  • $15k-75k
  • Full-time
  • Own premises
9,723 US businesses with employees in this field, -1.6% in a year
Perfume bottles lined up on a shop counter with a customer sampling scents.

Perfume boutique with scent advice

Open a small fragrance shop where customers can smell, compare and get personal advice on scents.

  • $25k-100k
  • Full-time
  • Own premises
17,328 US businesses with employees in this field, -1.1% in a year
Loose cut diamonds spread on a dealer's velvet tray under light.

Online loose diamond dealer

Source certified loose diamonds and sell them to jewelers and private buyers online and by appointment.

  • $5k-25k
  • Part-time
  • Online
6,949 US businesses with employees in this field, -0.2% in a year
Table and floor lamps displayed in a bright high-street lighting shop.

Neighborhood lighting store

Open a small shop selling lamps, bulbs and fixtures, with friendly advice big-box stores can't match.

  • $30k-120k
  • Full-time
  • Own premises
11,046 US businesses with employees in this field, -1.6% in a year
Shelves of power tools and construction equipment in a trade supply store.

Job-site tool and supply delivery

Sell and deliver power tools, blades, fasteners and rentals straight to contractors on their job sites.

  • $8k-40k
  • Part-time
  • Out and about
4,701 US businesses with employees in this field, -3.1% in a year

Local equipment rental and supply yard

Open a small yard or unit renting and selling construction tools and equipment to contractors and homeowners.

  • $250k-750k
  • Full-time
  • Own premises
4,701 US businesses with employees in this field, -3.1% in a year
Shelves of tools and fixings inside a local hardware shop.

Neighborhood hardware store

Open a small local store selling tools, fasteners and DIY supplies to homeowners and tradespeople nearby.

  • $75k-350k
  • Full-time
  • Own premises
15,694 US businesses with employees in this field, +4.5% in a year
Rows of electric motors and spare parts on shelves in a trade supply store.

Local electric motor and parts counter shop

Open a small shop stocking motors and spares for local trades, workshops and farms that need parts the same day.

  • $20k-100k
  • Full-time
  • Own premises
13,379 US businesses with employees in this field, -0.6% in a year
Hardware shop shelves stocked with iron fittings, hinges and tools.

Neighborhood hardware and metal goods store

Open a small shop selling fasteners, cast iron and general hardware to contractors and homeowners nearby.

  • $50k-200k
  • Full-time
  • Own premises
15,694 US businesses with employees in this field, +4.5% in a year
Shelves of replacement car parts in a motor spares shop.

Neighborhood car parts store

Open a small local store selling parts and accessories to drivers and nearby repair shops, with same-day supply.

  • $25k-100k
  • Full-time
  • Own premises
38,567 US businesses with employees in this field, -0.5% in a year
Hands arranging dried flowers in vases inside a bright, tidy flower shop.

Dried and preserved flower shop

Open a small storefront selling dried flowers, arrangements and gifts, with workshops on the side.

  • $8k-40k
  • Full-time
  • Own premises
11,834 US businesses with employees in this field, -1.4% in a year
Parent and child choosing toys from colourful shelves in a toy shop.

Independent neighborhood toy store

Open a small shop of toys, games and craft kits for local families, gift buyers and teachers.

  • $25k-100k
  • Full-time
  • Own premises
8,803 US businesses with employees in this field, +3.9% in a year
Framed paintings hanging on the walls of a small art shop for buyers.

Small local art gallery and paintings shop

Rent a small storefront and sell local artists' paintings and prints, keeping a commission on each sale.

  • $15k-60k
  • Full-time
  • Own premises
4,729 US businesses with employees in this field, -0.9% in a year
Jars of colourful sweets and chocolates displayed in a traditional sweet shop.

Neighborhood candy and chocolate shop

Open a small shop selling bulk candy, chocolates and gift boxes to locals, families and tourists.

  • $25k-100k
  • Full-time
  • Own premises
3,409 US businesses with employees in this field, +0.3% in a year
Stacked sawn timber boards and sheet materials in an outdoor merchant's yard.

Specialty hardwood lumber yard

Stock and sell quality hardwood boards and slabs to woodworkers and builders from a small warehouse or yard.

  • $15k-70k
  • Full-time
  • Own premises
7,048 US businesses with employees in this field, +0.8% in a year
Guitars, keyboards and sheet music displayed in a musical instrument store.

Neighborhood music instrument shop

Open a small shop selling guitars, band instruments, accessories and sheet music to local players, students and parents.

  • $60k-250k
  • Full-time
  • Own premises
3,230 US businesses with employees in this field, -2.7% in a year
Flooring showroom displaying carpet, laminate and tile samples for customers to browse.

Neighborhood flooring showroom

Open a small showroom selling carpet, tile, laminate and vinyl plank to homeowners, landlords and local contractors.

  • $40k-150k
  • Full-time
  • Own premises
9,723 US businesses with employees in this field, -1.6% in a year
Shelves of colourful buttons, threads and zips in a haberdashery shop.

Local sewing notions and trims store

Open a small neighborhood shop for notions, trims and supplies, with classes to bring people in.

  • $25k-100k
  • Full-time
  • Own premises
3,602 US businesses with employees in this field, -0.4% in a year
Customer trying on sunglasses while an assistant shows frames in a boutique shop.

Sunglasses and fashion eyewear shop

Open a small store selling sunglasses with style advice and quick repairs like screw fixes and nose pad swaps.

  • $15k-60k
  • Full-time
  • Own premises
11,719 US businesses with employees in this field, +0.5% in a year
Shelves of essential oil bottles and carrier oils in a shop.

Aromatherapy shop with a small storefront

Open a small local shop selling oils and supplies, with a blending bar and workshops.

  • $15k-60k
  • Full-time
  • Own premises
10,170 US businesses with employees in this field, -1.8% in a year
Rows of suitcases and travel bags displayed in a retail shop.

Neighborhood luggage and travel bag shop

Open a small store selling suitcases, backpacks and travel bags to local shoppers.

  • $30k-120k
  • Full-time
  • Own premises
801 US businesses with employees in this field, +1.9% in a year
Fine fountain pens and ink bottles displayed in a stationery shop.

Fine pen shop with a storefront

Open a small shop where people can try pens, sample inks and buy gifts in person.

  • $20k-90k
  • Full-time
  • Own premises
4,210 US businesses with employees in this field, -1.0% in a year

About these ideas

They suit people who can fund inventory, fixtures and a lease, and who are ready to spend long days dealing with customers face to face. Before you choose, work out what you would need to carry in stock and how long it might take to sell through it. Look closely at rent, location and foot traffic, and check what licenses, permits or sales tax registration your city and state may require. Compare the ideas by how much you would tie up in inventory versus equipment.

More ideas

Questions

How should I budget for a retail business that costs over $20,000?

Break the total into inventory, build-out or fixtures, deposits, licenses, insurance and a cash cushion for slow months. Ask suppliers about minimum orders and payment terms, and get a few quotes before deciding how much you need to raise.

Do I need a storefront for these retail ideas?

Not always. Some ideas, like a propane cylinder delivery service, rely on vehicles and storage rather than a shop. Others depend on a visible location. Check local zoning rules, lease terms and whether your area allows the type of premises you want.

What licenses or permits might a retail business need in the US?

Requirements vary by state, county and city. Things to check include a business license, a seller's permit for collecting sales tax, zoning approval and any product-specific rules, such as for alcohol or propane. Your local government offices can confirm what applies.