Western wear boutique with a storefront

Local riders, ranchers and farm workers, rodeo and country music fans, and people buying for weddings, events or gifts.

Retail sales at a markup over wholesale, with extra income from hat shaping, accessories and events. Boots and hats are the main drivers of sales.

• Retail buying and stock control
• Boot and hat fitting knowledge
• Customer service and local marketing

• Stock is the biggest cost and slow sizes tie up cash
• Lease terms and rent, check these carefully before you sign
• Check your city or county for business license, signage and zoning rules
• Sales tax registration with your state is likely needed, check the rules
• Get general liability and property insurance, and workers' compensation once you hire
• Sales often peak around rodeo, holiday and wedding seasons, so plan for slower months

Startup costs are typically around $40,000 to $150,000, depending on your stock, lease and shop fit-out. Stock is the biggest cost, and slow-selling sizes can tie up cash, so plan your first order carefully.

Monthly revenue is typically around $8,000 to $40,000, depending on your location, range and services such as hat shaping or special orders. Sales often peak around rodeo, holiday and wedding seasons, so plan for slower months.

Check lease terms and rent carefully before signing. Ask your city or county about business license, signage and zoning rules, and your state about sales tax registration. Look into general liability and property insurance, plus workers' compensation once you hire.