Retail business ideas you can start in the US

975 ideas

Retail means selling products to customers, and these 975 ideas cover every route to do it. You might run a market stall like a belt booth at markets and fairs, open an online store such as an online used guitar and amp seller, or take a storefront with a local camping and outdoor gear shop.

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

Home-based florist for gifts and small events

Design bouquets and arrangements at home for birthdays, gifts and small events, sold online and by local delivery.

  • $800-4k
  • Side hustle
  • From home
11,834 US businesses with employees in this field, -1.4% in a year

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.

Online hobby and model kit store

Sell model kits, paints and hobby supplies to enthusiasts online from a spare room or garage.

  • $1.5k-7k
  • Side hustle
  • Online
8,803 US businesses with employees in this field, +3.9% in a year

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

Hobby pop-up at markets and conventions

Sell kits, craft supplies and games from a table at weekend markets, fairs and local conventions.

  • $1k-5k
  • Side hustle
  • Out and about
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

Mobile carpet and flooring sales

Bring flooring samples to customers' homes, measure up, quote and arrange installation without paying for a shop.

  • $1.5k-7.5k
  • Side hustle
  • Out and about
9,723 US businesses with employees in this field, -1.6% in a year
Workers stacking solar panels and inverter boxes in an equipment warehouse.

Online solar kit and parts reseller

Sell solar panels, inverters and mounting kits online to DIY homeowners, cabin owners and small installers.

  • $2k-10k
  • Side hustle
  • Online
13,379 US businesses with employees in this field, -0.6% in a year
Perfume bottles lined up on a shop counter with a customer sampling scents.

Online perfume shop with samples

Sell fragrances online, with small sample sizes so customers can try a scent before buying a full bottle.

  • $2k-10k
  • Side hustle
  • Online
17,328 US businesses with employees in this field, -1.1% in a year

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

Estate and pre-owned diamond buyer

Buy diamonds and diamond jewelry from private sellers by appointment, then resell the stones to jewelers and buyers.

  • $3k-15k
  • Side hustle
  • Out and about
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

Online lighting store

Sell lamps, fixtures and bulbs online from home, focused on a niche like vintage or smart lighting.

  • $1.5k-10k
  • Side hustle
  • Online
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.

Small tool rental from home

Rent out power tools and small equipment to local tradespeople and DIYers from a garage or storage unit.

  • $3k-15k
  • Side hustle
  • From home
4,701 US businesses with employees in this field, -3.1% in a year

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

Online specialty hardware shop

Sell a focused range of fasteners, tools or fittings online from home, without paying for a storefront.

  • $2k-10k
  • Side hustle
  • Online
15,694 US businesses with employees in this field, +4.5% in a year
Decorative glass blocks being stacked into a partition wall by a builder.

Online glass block shop

Sell decorative glass blocks, mortar kits and accessories online, shipped direct from suppliers to homeowners and installers.

  • $1.5k-6k
  • Side hustle
  • Online
3,756 US businesses with employees in this field, +0.5% in a year
Rows of electric motors and spare parts on shelves in a trade supply store.

Online electric motor and parts shop

Sell electric motors, belts, capacitors and other parts online to repair shops, farms and hobbyists.

  • $2k-10k
  • Side hustle
  • Online
13,379 US businesses with employees in this field, -0.6% in a year

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

Online specialty hardware and cast iron shop

Sell decorative and hard-to-find hardware, like cast iron fittings, hinges and handles, through your own online store.

  • $2k-10k
  • Side hustle
  • Online
15,694 US businesses with employees in this field, +4.5% in a year

About these ideas

They suit people who enjoy a particular product category, like dealing with customers and can manage stock. Before choosing, think about where you will sell, how much inventory you need to buy upfront, where you will store it, and whether you can source it at a price that leaves a fair margin. Start small, test demand with a limited range, and then decide whether to scale up.

More ideas

Questions

How much money do I need to start a retail business in the US?

It varies widely. Online shops and market stalls usually need less than a storefront, which adds rent and fit-out. Check your inventory costs, any equipment, website or booth fees, and a cash cushion for slow early months.

Do I need a license to sell products in the US?

Requirements often depend on your state, city and what you sell. Things to check include a business license, a seller's permit or sales tax registration, and any special rules for products like food, cosmetics or children's items.

Should I start with an online store or a physical shop?

Consider your budget, local competition and how much time you can commit. Online stores often cost less to launch but need marketing and shipping. Physical shops can build local loyalty but carry rent, staffing and opening-hour commitments.