Neighborhood gift shop storefront

Local shoppers, tourists and visitors buying presents for friends and family, plus people buying last-minute cards and small gifts.

You buy stock at wholesale and sell at retail, earning the markup on each sale. Local products and gift wrapping can add margin, and the holiday season often matters most.

• Choosing and buying stock
• Customer service
• Visual merchandising
• Managing inventory and budgets

• Check your city or county for a business license, a certificate of occupancy and signage rules
• Register for a state sales tax permit before selling
• Lease terms can be a big commitment, so check personal guarantees and exit clauses
• Get general liability and property insurance, and check workers' compensation rules before hiring
• Unsold stock ties up cash, so buy cautiously and plan for slow months
• Rent and staffing costs can be high compared with sales, so test demand before signing

Startup costs are typically around $20,000 to $90,000, depending on your premises, fit-out and opening stock. These are estimates, so get quotes for your own location, and test demand before signing a lease.

Monthly revenue is typically around $6,000 to $30,000, depending on your location, foot traffic and range. These are estimates only. Rent and staffing can be high compared with sales, so plan for slow months.

Check your city or county for a business license, a certificate of occupancy and signage rules, and register for a state sales tax permit before selling. Review lease terms, such as personal guarantees and exit clauses, and check insurance and workers' compensation rules before hiring.