Neighborhood lighting store

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

Table and floor lamps displayed in a bright high-street lighting shop.

Startup cost$30k to $120k

Monthly revenue$8k to $40k

Time needed35+ h/week

First incomeMonths

$30k-120k
Full-time
Own premises
Licence or permit needed

Estimates for a small start in the US, not guarantees.

Official data

11,046 US businesses with employees in this field, -1.6% in a year

NAICS 442299 “All other home furnishings stores”. Source: U.S. Census Bureau, County Business Patterns 2023.

What it is

A small retail store stocking table and floor lamps, ceiling and wall fixtures, bulbs and accessories. You help customers choose the right light for each room and special-order what you don't stock.

Your first three steps

Visit local lighting and home stores to see what's missing in your area, then pick a niche such as modern, vintage or energy-efficient
Request wholesale catalogs and account terms from several lighting suppliers and get a feel for margins and minimum orders
Look at small retail spaces and get a quote on rent, then talk to local electricians and designers about referrals

Who pays

Homeowners, renters, interior designers, small contractors and local businesses such as restaurants and offices.

How it makes money

Markup on products sold. Extra income can come from special orders, design advice, bulk bulb sales to businesses and referral deals with designers and electricians.

Skills that help

Customer service and product advice
Basic knowledge of bulbs, wattage and fixture types
Managing inventory and supplier orders

Watch out for

Check your city or county business license and your state's sales tax registration and resale certificate rules
General liability insurance and property insurance for stock
Check lease terms carefully, since rent is your biggest fixed cost
Stock only products with a recognized safety listing such as UL, and check supplier return terms
Installation may require a licensed electrician in your state, so check before offering it
Competition from big-box and online stores, so a clear niche or service edge matters

🔒 Full research report for US

Real cost breakdown with current prices, licences and registration checklist, local competition, pricing, break-even and a 30-day launch plan, with sources.

Coming soon

Questions people ask

How much does it cost to open a lighting store?

Startup costs are typically around $30,000 to $120,000, depending on stock, the storefront and your lease. These are estimates, and rent is usually your biggest fixed cost, so check lease terms carefully.

How much can a lighting store earn?

Monthly revenue is typically around $8,000 to $40,000, depending on your stock, location and how well you stand out from big-box and online stores. The estimate assumes at least about 35 hours a week.

What licenses and rules should I check to open a lighting store?

Check your city or county business license, state sales tax registration and resale certificate rules, general and property insurance, products with a recognized safety listing such as UL, and whether installation needs a licensed electrician in your state.