Neighborhood shoe store with fitting help

Local families, school shoppers, older customers who want comfort and support, and people who prefer to try shoes on before buying.

You sell shoes at a markup over wholesale cost. Extra income comes from insoles, socks, laces, shoe care products and seasonal sales such as back to school.

• Customer service and fitting advice
• Buying and inventory management
• Basic bookkeeping
• Merchandising and display

• Inventory is a large cost, and unsold seasonal stock ties up cash
• Check your city or county business license, state sales tax registration and any signage rules
• General liability and property insurance, plus workers' compensation once you hire
• Retail lease terms and rent, which can make or break a small store
• Brands may set minimum orders or limit who can stock them

Startup costs are typically estimated at around $40,000 to $150,000, depending on how much inventory you buy and your lease terms. Inventory is a large cost, and unsold seasonal stock can tie up your cash.

Monthly revenue is typically estimated at around $8,000 to $40,000, depending on your location, stock and how many customers you attract. That is revenue before rent, stock and other costs, not profit.

Check your city or county business license, state sales tax registration and any signage rules. Also check insurance needs, including general liability, property and workers' compensation once you hire, plus retail lease terms and brand minimum orders.