Start a european grocery store

Immigrant and expat communities, their families, and local food lovers looking for authentic products.

You buy from importers and distributors at wholesale prices and sell at a markup. Many shops add income from a deli counter, gift boxes and holiday orders.

• Knowing the products and what your community wants
• Buying and stock control
• Customer service
• Basic bookkeeping

• Check with your county or state health department about food retail permits and inspections
• Imported foods generally need compliant English labeling, so check FDA labeling rules with your suppliers
• Alcohol and tobacco need separate licenses in most states, so check before stocking them
• Register for sales tax with your state and check which food items are taxable
• Spoilage and slow-moving stock can tie up cash, so start with a tight range
• General liability insurance and a lease you can afford

Startup costs are estimates, typically around $30,000 to $120,000, depending on the size of the space, how much stock you buy and whether you add a deli counter.

Monthly revenue is typically estimated at around $15,000 to $60,000, depending on location, product range and customer base. This is revenue before rent, stock and other costs, so take-home income will be lower.

Check with your county or state health department about food retail permits and inspections, and FDA labeling rules for imported foods. Alcohol and tobacco usually need separate licenses. Also check sales tax registration and which items are taxable.