Retail businesses are one of the most popular types of businesses in the world today. They are very profitable and offer a wide range of opportunities. If you want to start a retail business, then you should consider starting with a small store first. This is because it is easier to manage than a large chain. You can also use the profits from your small store to expand into larger stores.
You can choose to open up a shop in a mall, a shopping center, or even a street corner. There are many advantages to opening up a retail business. For example, you can get paid every month, you don’t need any special skills to run the business, and you can work from home.
However, before you decide to open up a retail business, you should think carefully about whether you really want to go into this type of business. It is a very competitive field and you will need to spend a lot of time promoting your business. Also, you will need to invest a lot of money to set up your store.
Retail Shop Business Ideas
The best part about running any type of business is that it doesn’t matter how big or small you begin as long as you’re willing to work hard at it. So whether you decide to become a successful entrepreneur or simply earn some extra money by working full time, I wish you success!
Here are some of the best retail business ideas for small towns:
1) Grocery Store
Grocery Stores have been around for hundreds of years. In fact, they were originally used by farmers as an easy way to sell their produce. Today, grocery stores still play an important role in our lives. We buy food at these places on a daily basis. Therefore, if you love eating good foods, then why not try running a grocery store? This is one of the best retail business ideas.
2) Pharmacy
If you enjoy helping people feel better, then working in a pharmacy might be perfect for you. A pharmacist’s job involves dispensing medications and advising patients on how to take them properly. The pay rate varies depending on where you live. However, the average salary is $50,000 per year.
3) Beauty Salon
Beauty salons are another great option if you like being pampered. These establishments provide massages, facials, manicures, pedicures, waxing services, etc. Depending on what kind of salon you own, you may charge anywhere between $30-$60 per hour. Many owners make more than six figures each year. Another best of the retail business ideas.
4) Coffee Shop
Coffee shops are everywhere nowadays. Most coffee shops serve drinks and pastries but there are also those that specialize in sandwiches and other light meals. Some coffee shops only allow customers to order through phone orders while others let anyone walk right inside.
5) Barber Shop
Barber shops are usually located near schools and universities. Students often visit barbershops when they need haircuts. Because students tend to come here regularly, you’ll always find someone who needs a haircut. And since barbershop owners know exactly which styles look good on different kinds of hair, they’re able to cut pretty much anything.
6) Pet Shops
Pet shops are becoming increasingly popular due to the increasing number of pets we keep as house hold members. People purchase pet supplies such as dog leashes, cat litter boxes, bird cages, fish tanks, aquariums, etc. Here again, location plays a big part in determining profit margins. Smaller towns typically see higher sales volumes simply because there aren’t too many competitors selling similar products. One of the best retail business ideas indeed!
7) Florist
Florists create beautiful bouquets out of flowers. They use various tools and techniques to arrange the flowers so that they appear natural. This industry has grown tremendously over the last few decades. You could start off small with just one storefront and grow it slowly until you reach several locations throughout your city.
8) Thrift Store
A thrift store buys used clothing at low prices and resells them at higher prices. It’s similar to secondhand shopping except it doesn’t involve going through any middlemen. Instead, customers come directly to the seller. In addition, some thrift stores provide free pickup service while others charge fees.
9) Liquor Store
Liquor stores sell alcoholic beverages such as liquor, wines, beers, spirits, ciders, ales, liquors, etc. They usually require large amounts of space so it would be best to find a location near residential neighborhoods. This means that there will be less competition since many residents prefer buying alcohol over drinking water. You could start small by selling one bottle of vodka or whiskey per week. Once you get enough sales, you can expand your product line.
10) Stationery and Bookstore
Stationers offer stationery items such as paper, pens, pencils, notebooks, planners, sticky notes, highlighters, memo pads, note cards, post-it notes, etc. Bookstores have books for sale including fiction, nonfiction, children’s books, cookbooks, self help guides, reference materials, textbooks, magazines, newspapers, comic books, etc. Both industries operate 24 hours a day 7 days a week. The key is finding an area where people spend time during their leisure time. For example, if you live close to a university then chances are that most students will stop by at some point. If you own a home theater room, then this might make a great place to set up shop.
11) Customized gift shops
Customized gift shops specialize in customizing gifts. These businesses take orders online or through phone calls. Customers provide information about themselves like name, age, gender, occupation, hobbies, interests, personality traits, likes/dislikes, etc. Then, based on all these details, the business creates a unique gift item that fits perfectly into each customer’s profile. Some examples include personalized jewelry, customized clothing, customized furniture, customized cars, customized houses, etc.
12) Jewelry Shop
Jewelry shops sell gold, silver, diamonds, pearls, gemstones, watches, necklaces, bracelets, rings, earrings, pendants, chains, brooches, cufflinks, tie clips, etc. Many jewelries come in sets which makes them perfect for wedding ceremonies. Other types of jewelry includes costume pieces, fashion accessories, sports equipment, etc.
13) Sports Shop
Sports shops sell sporting goods such as baseball bats, basketballs, football helmets, golf clubs, hockey sticks, soccer balls, tennis rackets, track suits, workout clothes, etc. Most customers purchase new gear while others repair old stuff. It doesn’t matter whether you’re looking to fix something or replace it because both options exist here.
14) Garments Store
Clothing stores sell men’s, women’s, kids’ apparel, shoes, handbags, wallets, purses, coats, jackets, shirts, shorts, dresses, skirts, pants, swimwear, socks, underwear, outer wear, etc. Clothes vary according to seasons, occasions, trends, fashions, styles, colors, textures, fabrics, sizes, brands, etc. A good idea is to look around your neighborhood first before deciding on a specific spot.
15) Furniture store
Furniture stores sell beds, couches, chairs, tables, desks, dressers, mirrors, lamps, rugs, wall art, window treatments, kitchen appliances, refrigerators, stoves, microwaves, washers, dryers, dishwashers, vacuum cleaners, air conditioners, heaters, fans, ceiling lights, flooring, bedding, mattresses, pillows, blankets, curtains, blinds, draperies, etc.
16) IT Hardware Store
An Information Technology hardware store sells computer parts and software products. This type of business requires technical knowledge and experience. You can start with small inventory but eventually expand to larger ones.
17) Cosmetic store
Cosmetic Stores sell makeup, skin care, hair care, nail polish, perfumes, colognes, deodorants, shaving creams etc. The most important thing when starting this kind of business is finding out what people want. For example, if there are many beauty salons nearby then maybe they need more variety. If not, then perhaps they just have too much competition.
18) Mobile Phone Store
Mobile phones stores sell mobile phones. They also offer repairs services. There are two ways to go about setting up one: either buy an existing shop or open a standalone location. Either way, you’ll be selling cell phones. However, buying an established shop will give you access to their clients who may refer potential buyers to you. On the other hand, opening a stand-alone location means having to build clientele from scratch.
19) Bakery
Bakery businesses include bakeries that make bread, pastries, cakes, pies, cookies, muffins, donuts, croissants, bagels, pizza, sandwiches etc. These types of establishments usually require high capital investment for equipment and supplies. But once set up, these businesses generate steady income streams.
20) Print Shop
Print shops print books, magazines, newspapers, brochures, flyers, catalogues, postcards, greeting cards etc. Some print shops specialize in printing only certain items like wedding invitations, graduation announcements, birthday party invites, holiday greetings, etc. Others do all kinds of printing.
Conclusion
Retail shop businesses are one of the most popular types of businesses in the world today. They are very easy to start and they are usually low risk. There are many different types of retail shops out there but the two main types are clothing stores and food stores.
