Start a seasonal christmas pop-up shop

Local families, holiday decorators and gift shoppers looking for something more festive than a big-box store.

You buy stock wholesale and sell at retail prices. Most sales happen in a few busy weeks, so good displays and gift bundles help raise the average sale.

• Retail merchandising and display
• Buying and stock planning
• Customer service
• Basic bookkeeping

• Short-term lease terms, deposits and what happens if sales are slow
• Unsold stock after December is a real risk, so order cautiously and plan for clearance sales
• Check state sales tax registration and any local business license requirements
• Check general liability insurance and landlord insurance requirements
• Check that electric lights and decorations meet safety standards, and ask your city or county about fire code rules for the space

Startup costs are typically around $8,000 to $40,000, depending on the rent and deposit for the space, how much stock you buy, and how you fit out the store. Check short-term lease terms and deposits early.

Monthly revenue is typically around $5,000 to $25,000, depending on location, stock choices and foot traffic. That is revenue, not profit. Unsold stock after December is a real risk, so order cautiously and plan clearance sales.

Things to check include state sales tax registration, any local business license requirements, general liability insurance and the landlord's insurance requirements. Also check that electric lights and decorations meet safety standards, and ask your city or county about fire code rules for the space.