Start a plus size clothing store
Open a small shop with a welcoming fitting room and a full range of larger-size clothing.
- $25k-100k
- Full-time
- Own premises
- Licence or permit needed
Estimates for a small start in the US, not guarantees.
Official data
26,279 US businesses with employees in this field, +1.5% in a year
NAICS 448120 “Women's clothing stores”. Source: U.S. Census Bureau, County Business Patterns 2023.
What it is
A small retail store stocking everyday clothing, workwear and occasion wear in extended sizes, with helpful staff and comfortable fitting rooms.
Your first three steps
- Research your area's demand and competitors, and visit trade shows or wholesale suppliers to plan a first range
- Form an LLC or other structure, get an EIN, and check lease terms, zoning and local business license requirements with your city or county
- Price out fixtures, stock and the first three months of rent, then plan a launch event with local groups and social media
Who pays
Local shoppers wanting to try on clothes in person, including customers buying for work, weddings, proms and special events.
How it makes money
Retail margin on clothing bought wholesale, plus extras such as alterations referrals, accessories and seasonal sales.
Skills that help
- Buying and merchandising
- Customer service and styling advice
- Managing stock and cash flow
- Local marketing
Watch out for
- Check your state's seller's permit, sales tax and local business license rules
- Lease commitments, rent and deposits are the biggest risk, so negotiate terms carefully
- Seasonal stock, sizing mistakes and markdowns can tie up cash
- General liability, property and contents insurance, and workers' compensation once you hire
- Check zoning and signage rules for your location
Deep research report · US
Everything you need to start: plus size clothing store
Researched with live web search for United States: real startup prices, the licences and rules, what others charge, a break-even example, how to find your first customers and a 30-day launch plan. With sources.
- Startup costs with real prices
- Licences, registration and rules
- Pricing: what others charge
- Break-even example
- Finding your first customers
- 30-day launch plan
- Risks and how to reduce them
Questions people ask
How much does it cost to open a plus size clothing store?
Startup costs are typically around $25,000 to $100,000, depending on your location, lease deposit, stock and fitting rooms. Lease commitments, rent and deposits are the biggest risk, so negotiate terms carefully.
How much can a plus size clothing store make?
Monthly revenue is typically estimated around $6,000 to $30,000, depending on your location, stock range and buying choices. That is revenue before rent and other costs. A shop typically needs about 35 hours a week or more.
What licenses and insurance should I check before opening a clothing store?
Check your state's seller's permit, sales tax and local business license rules. Also check zoning and signage rules for your location, and insurance such as general liability, property and contents, and workers' compensation once you hire.
Other ways to run this business
Online plus size clothing boutique
Sell a curated range of larger-size clothing through your own website or social channels.
- $1.5k-7k
- Side hustle
- Online
Plus size pop-up and trunk shows
Bring a rack of larger-size clothing to markets, events and home parties where shoppers can try before they buy.
- $2k-8k
- Side hustle
- Out and about
Similar retail ideas
Maternity clothing boutique storefront
Open a small local shop where expectant mothers can try on maternity and nursing clothes with friendly fitting advice.
- $25k-100k
- Full-time
- Own premises
Car accessories storefront
Open a small local shop selling mats, covers, lights and cleaning products to drivers and garages.
- $25k-100k
- Full-time
- Own premises
Local trading card shop with play space
Open a small store selling cards and supplies, with tables for game nights and tournaments.
- $25k-100k
- Full-time
- Own premises
Cane and rattan furniture showroom
Open a small showroom where people can see and sit on cane, wicker and rattan furniture before buying.
- $25k-100k
- Full-time
- Own premises
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
Local telescope and binocular shop
Open a small shop where people try telescopes, get advice and buy stargazing gear.
- $25k-100k
- Full-time
- Own premises