62 Best Retail Business Ideas To Start In 2024 [Profitable]
Are you looking for the best retail business to start?
There are plenty of retail store ideas that you can start on a budget and build a successful line of business.
We put together a list of the 50 most profitable retail business ideas you can start today.
Here they are:
1. Start a stationery business
A stationery business sells stationery products such as paper goods, notebooks, greeting cards, and envelopes.
The best part about starting a stationery business is that it's relatively easy and inexpensive to get started.
Since there are so many different types of products available in this industry, there are endless opportunities for creativity, customization, and expansion.
You could even start out small by selling your products on Etsy or eBay before opening up an actual storefront.
How much you can make: $200 — $1,000,000/month
How much does it cost to start: $1,250 (?)
How long does it take to build: 52 days (?)
Chasing Planner Peace is a planner company that has expanded from selling planner inserts on Etsy, to offering a one-stop shop customizable planner experience with over 300 inserts, a planner line, and various other related products, gaining a monthly revenue of around $25,000 at its busiest time of year.
2. Start an eye masks store
The eye mask is a simple accessory that blocks out light and improves sleep. The global mask market is expected to reach USD 18.6 Million in the next few years.
If you love to help people sleep better, then starting an eye masks business might be the perfect business opportunity for you.
An eye masks business is a relatively low barrier to entry business that doesn't require much of an up-front investment. You can start by making your own eye masks or buying them from wholesalers in bulk, then sell them to customers through social media platforms such as Facebook or Instagram.
How much you can make: $800,000/month
How long does it take to build: 730 days (?)
3. Start an auto parts shop
If you want to start a retail business in the automobile industry, consider an auto parts business.
The auto parts business is one of the most successful businesses in the world. There are many Auto Parts Businesses in the United States, Canada, and the UK, where most are part-time.
Listed are the steps on how to start an auto parts shop business.
- Pick a location
- Do your market research
- Secure all permits and licenses
- Open a bank account for business transactions
How much you can make: $45,000 — $600,000/month
This case study follows an inspiring 22-year-old entrepreneur who started an eCommerce store for aftermarket vehicle accessories, making 5x the amount of money he used to make per month, and generated over $90,000 in sales last year.
4. Start a personalized gift business
Personalized gifts are great for celebrating important dates, joyous occasions, and memorable moments. The personalized gifts include photo frames, key chains, to group gifts.
A personalized gifts business is a low-capital idea since you do not need a physical storefront or office space to start the business. Besides, you can put as much time into the business as possible, which means you can run the business as a side hustle.
Check out our guide on how to start a personalized gift business
How much you can make: $1,000 — $416,000/month
How long does it take to build: 135 days (?)
Bestowe Gifting quadrupled their sales during the pandemic by shifting to online sales and offering unique, locally sourced gifts, resulting in a successful eCommerce side hustle that allowed the founder to pay themselves and expand their custom business.
5. Start a pet store
Pet stores are retail businesses that sell animals and pet supplies. They are a leading industry category with sales of approximately $4.5B U.S dollars and positive sales growth of 2.7%.
You can set up a pet store in many places, like supermarkets, malls, or pet supply stores.
The first thing to do is to find a location for your store. A good place would be an area with many residential buildings, schools, and colleges as this will give you access to many customers. It would help if you also looked for a location near public transport as it will make it easier for people to come and visit your store.
How much you can make: $20,000 — $1,833,333/month
How long does it take to build: 356 days (?)
Mechanical engineer and avid bike rider Mike Leon turned his hobby of creating a safe bike-to-leash attachment for his service dog into a 6-figure business, shipping from hundreds to thousands of 1-Running-Dog Bike Tow Leashes per year to dog owners, military and law enforcement, and search and rescue teams.
6. Start a perfume business
A fragrance or perfume business creates and sells products made from various ingredients, such as oils and extracts, which are mixed together to produce a pleasant smell.
And perfumes are no small business: the industry is expected to reach over $40B in the next few years.
There are a few ways to get started with creating your own perfume. You can start by choosing which ingredients you would like to use and then find recipes that will work for those ingredients. Or, you could start with a fragrance that you already love and try to recreate it as closely as possible with natural ingredients.
How much you can make: $19,000/month
How much does it cost to start: $2,000 (?)
How long does it take to build: 90 days (?)
Founder Rafael Hernandez launched Alfred Lane, a line of handcrafted personal and home fragrances, generating $19k in monthly revenue with 50% attributed to online and wholesale sales, while expanding to 65 stores across 6 countries and expanding to Europe and South America.
7. Start an electronics store
An electronics store sells any electronics from smartphones to televisions, laptops, refrigerators and other home appliances. With the technological advancements in the past decade, the electronics sector is expected to grow by 5.6 percent over the next five years.
To start an electronics store, research and find the right location for your store, then register your company at the state level to get the tax ID number.
Then, research your competition, which includes online stores and the local electronics store in your area. You should examine what they sell and focus on the products you can provide at a better price than the competition.
How much you can make: $4,000 — $1,175,000/month
How much does it cost to start: $5,000 (?)
How long does it take to build: 90 days (?)
Founder Kyle Capel started Hand Held Legend, a DIY upgrade shop for vintage handheld consoles, which generates an average revenue of $27,000 a month and grew 30% in Q1 of 2020, offering an array of modern LCD upgrades for various consoles and serving an audience of mostly male customers aged between 13 and 45, 40% of which are international.
8. Start a food truck
Food trucks are a highly profitable business that offers customers a variety of meal options out of a mobile truck. This basically operates inside a large vehicle equipped with kitchen and food products. Starting a food truck is a dream for many people, but it's more challenging than it looks. To make it work, you need the ideal location and menu.
To start a food truck business in a particular city, it is mandatory to check what kind of food trucks are already operating, identify a gap, and bring in some new experiences. Then, with the right plan and the right approach, you can be on your way to starting your own food truck empire.
How much you can make: $29,166 — $61,650,000/month
How long does it take to build: 75 days (?)
Time commitment per week: Min. 5 hours/week
Food Fleet grew over 160% in just one year and managed over 20 million in sales for its clients, securing multiple contracts with the likes of Sodexo, Levy Restaurants and more, due to its understanding of catering client needs and its advanced turnkey and design services.
9. Start a cycling gear store
The global cycling gear and wearables market is growing, as more people are opting for cycling as a form of leisure.
How much you can make: $55,000/month
Mastermind Bicycle Studio has consistently grown sales revenue at a rate of around 55% to 65% YoY since its launch in 2015, and with a strategy of constantly reinventing itself and remaining patient with consumer feedback, it plans to expand its online presence and continue expanding its retail footprint across India.
10. Start a furniture business
The furniture industry involves designing, manufacturing, and selling various types of furniture for household and commercial purposes. With the increase in flexible workspaces and the real estate industry’s growth, the furniture business’s demand is boosted.
The furniture business is easy to start and does not require high investments. However, it is first essential to know your niche, for example, office, domestic, home furniture, and luxury items.
The furniture business needs a lot of preparation and prior knowledge. Taking business classes, learning about your local market, and making a solid business plan is advisable. In general, if your products are unique and one of a kind, consumers will be willing to pay a higher, including the shipping cost.
How much you can make: $1,700 — $999,999/month
How long does it take to build: 120 days (?)
Sasha Weekes, owner of Timber Grove Studios, turned her fine arts and cabinetmaking education into a successful home-based woodworking business that grew from a side project to netting 20-50% profits month-to-month and up to $10,000 in sales during peak periods through Etsy, with her company's growth continuing to increase through other social media outlets.
11. Start a grocery store
A grocery store sells a wide variety of food products, fresh or packaged, and other household & personal care items. The grocery store industry is the largest retail channel that makes $682 billion in the United States.
To start a basic grocery store, you can expect to spend a minimum of $50,000. Ideally, the bigger expense would be the rent, equipment, labor cost, cash registers/POS systems, and software. Some of these are recurring monthly fees. However, the location, size of the store, competitors, and local customers will significantly impact the business. A new grocer should sell more items for a lower price to make a more significant profit.
A new grocer can also save costs by buying the items from local distributors. The distributor is the middleman between the manufacturer and the grocery store selling it. Once the store cost and location are decided, the next step is to obtain a seller license. In most states, a grocer's license is required to run a grocery store.
Thus an average grocery store has a profit margin of 3% to 5%. The profit rates depend on the store's location, size, and popularity. On average, a small to medium grocery store can make a profit of up to $300,000 annually if all the profit factors are considered.
Another way to make your business more profitable is to diversify your store and add amenities like a coffee shop or stocking up the front of the store with magazines, batteries, etc., as these items can cross a margin of up to 70%. As a rule of thumb, offering lower prices on higher purchases will ultimately win more customers and increase profitability.
12. Start a subscription box business
Subscription box businesses offer customers a niche set of products on a monthly basis.
They're in high demand as they add value to customer service, offer exclusive products and can be highly profitable.
To start a subscription box business, understand your niche market, provide quality products, perfect your box design, build a good relationship with fulfillment companies, and market your service.
How much you can make: $400 — $16,666,667/month
How much does it cost to start: $210 (?)
How long does it take to build: 180 days (?)
Vowed Box Co. is a line of curated, quirky gift boxes with non-traditional brides in mind, offering four different products that have helped the business become profitable most months since its launch in 2018, with a monthly income of roughly $600.
13. Start an ecommerce store
An eCommerce business is a company that sells products or services online. Ecommerce businesses have many advantages over brick-and-mortar businesses, including lower overhead costs, increased flexibility and reach, and the ability to reach a wider audience.
eCommerce is booming right now because of the convenience and efficiency it offers consumers. Consumers can buy products from their favorite brands on a platform that makes the whole process easier than ever. They don't have to leave their homes or go out in public, they can just sit down at their computer, tablet or smartphone and browse through all of the options available to them.
To start an ecommerce business, you'll need to set up a website where customers can browse your inventory and purchase items, as well as payment processing software that allows you to accept credit card payments. You'll also need to choose a shopping cart software and manage inventory tracking software.
How much you can make: $450 — $62,500,000/month
How long does it take to build: 120 days (?)
Time commitment per week: Min. 5 hours/week
Southern Elegance Candle Company, founded by D'Shawn Russell, started as a side hustle making around $200 per weekend at a local Farmers Market, but now averages approximately $20,000 per month in sales across their retail site, wholesale site, and Faire.
14. Start a cosmetic store
The cosmetic industry is growing rapidly. Starting a cosmetic shop can be highly profitable, but only if you stock trendy, skin-friendly products.
If you are passionate about the beauty industry, consider starting a cosmetics brick-and-mortar shop.
Cosmetic shops sell products ranging from anti-aging, aromatherapy, lotions, beauty spa, cosmetic store, and even make-up.
To start a cosmetic store, research the market and source products from well-known brands in the beauty industry.
How much you can make: $8,500 — $490,000/month
How much does it cost to start: $800 (?)
How long does it take to build: 60 days (?)
A former felon's passion for makeup and skincare led her to launch FBI Cosmetics, which has grossed over $62,000 in sales since July 2020, through social media marketing, brand partnerships, and online sales at Walmart.com.
15. Start a sewing and alteration business
Do you have sewing skills and looking for an entrepreneurship opportunity? You can start your sewing and alteration business.
A sewing and alteration business offers customers clothing repair, custom tailoring, button replacement, and other alterations. You can start a sewing and alteration business at home or set up a retail location.
To start a sewing and alteration business, you will need a commercial-grade sewing machine and a marketing strategy, so target customers learn about your business.
How much you can make: $1,000/month
ALTRD is a clothing alteration service launched by two socially oriented entrepreneurs that connects customers with skilled immigrant women tailors in New York who work from home and has already built an impressive team of 25 experts while making an effort to offer convenient and quality tailoring solutions as well as opportunities for women in need of work.
16. Start an antique business
Owning an antique and vintage business can be fulfilling and profitable for those targeting the elite.
Antique businesses focus on procuring items at a low price and restoring them, then selling them at a profit. The items can include old toys, cars, bikes, household items, crafts, vintage jewelry, etc.
Opening an antique item store may seem somewhat daunting. However, once you have researched the items available and acquired the necessary skills and expertise, you will be ready to kick off.
For some, a storefront with enough storage for antique items might fit the bill. For others, an online store will work pretty well. Regardless of your approach, the secret is applying your entrepreneurship strategies to an overall framework for success.
How much you can make: $15,000/month
How a former educator built a successful antique restoration business from scratch, growing from a 2-car garage to a 2200 sq. ft. space over seven years, thanks to communication skills, dedication to organization, regular website updates, and utilization of Google My Business and Maps.
17. Start a bakery
Everyone loves baked goods, be it sweet items like cakes, muffins, and cookies or savory baked food like pizzas, buns, bread, and puff pastry. Baking takes a lot of effort and patience, which is why many people buy baked items from stores or restaurants instead of baking them at home.
Starting a bakery can be a rewarding business opportunity if you have a passion for baking. If you plan to start a bakery, consider that happy customers often become repeat customers. Therefore, always focus on quality and work on customer satisfaction.
To start a bakery , pick an ideal format. Some options include:
- Counter-style bakery
- A hybrid bakery with a cafe,
- Food truck with a bakery
- Home bakery.
Write a suitable business plan and choose the correct location.
How much you can make: $2,500 — $25,000/month
How much does it cost to start: $2,000 (?)
How long does it take to build: 60 days (?)
French chef and founder of online bakery Pastreez, Anthony Rosemond, shares keys to success including validating ideas with the market, focusing on SEO and organic growth, building customer relationships through email and SMS, never offering discounts but offering freebies, and diversifying the business with new products and content on social media.
18. Start a kids store
The kid's store business is a large market attracting millions of annual global sales and steady growth. If you plan to start a kids store business, you can specialize in clothing, toys, and accessories or sell all of these in one store.
Research the local market to discover what is appealing, and find the best suppliers. Define a business model and apply for applicable licensing. For kids apparel stores, a physical storefront acts as an anchor and helps build a local customer base. An online store will help you reach a wider market as you supply to those outside your locality.
How long does it take to build: 200 days (?)
19. Start a coffee cart
A coffee cart is a small outdoor structure that serves coffee and other beverages at retail prices. A coffee cart business is a low startup cost business.
All you need to set up a coffee cart business is a professional coffee machine and coffee cups.
To maximize your profits all year round, choose a strategic location and ensure you are readily available to serve your customers whenever they need coffee.
How much you can make: $15,000/month
How much does it cost to start: $5,000 (?)
How long does it take to build: 180 days (?)
This case study follows the co-founder of Camper Cafe, a mobile coffee van business which started as a hobby and now has 6 units that supply the UK's biggest sporting events, commercial and film shoots, generating around £150k from working only 70 days of the year.
20. Start a retail pharmacy
Starting your retail pharmacy can be a rewarding venture that offers you independence and the opportunity to define your work schedule. If you are considering starting a pharmacy, understand the licensing requirements and comply with the National Council For Prescription Drug Program.
Then, define the business model. You may opt to start an online retail pharmacy or a brick & mortar establishment. For a brick-and-mortar establishment, rent a physical location and take care of staffing costs and inventory keeping.
How much you can make: $515/month
How long does it take to build: 1 days (?)
Medical Bag Tags, LLC creates customizable medical and allergy awareness bag tags for personal items while raising awareness of medical and allergy conditions, all while overcoming personal tragedy and balancing being a single mom of 8 children, and is now in talks with a possible pharmaceutical investor to expand and grow the business.
21. Start a restaurant
If you love cooking and are passionate about entrepreneurship, starting a restaurant can be a fun and lucrative business.
To get started, choose a great location, and hire an excellent support team. You will need a chef to inspect the food and line cooks, waiters, and waitresses to serve the customers. No matter the restaurant type, you need great culinary and business skills to make your dream come true.
If you plan to open a restaurant , gain insight from consumer preferences and focus on serving modern consumers what they need.
How much you can make: $48,333 — $61,650,000/month
How long does it take to build: 120 days (?)
One Life Meals is a Toronto-based healthy meal delivery service that made 14,500 meals per month and generated $130k in monthly sales in 2018 through their one-on-one consultation, lean protein and seasonal veggies-based meals, and their focus on the client experience.
22. Start a flower shop
Do you enjoy designing floral arrangements for special events like weddings or holidays? If so, owning a flower shop can be exciting and rewarding.
However, setting up the business for success can be overwhelming.
As a florist, your role is to touch people’s emotions with the flowers. The career requires creativity and design skills to appeal to your target customers. You need to love and enjoy working with flowers and have some patience.
How much you can make: $9,600 — $120,000/month
How long does it take to build: 60 days (?)
Green Fresh Florals + Plants owner and creative director Carlos Franco explains how he built a unique, authentic, and profitable modern flower and plant shop in San Diego's Hillcrest neighborhood, growing from one employee to a $120k per month business through customer service, a focus on design, and a deep love for his craft.
23. Start a fashion accessories business
If you love fashion and clothing design, you may want to start a fashion accessories business. As a fashion accessories consultant, you help clients develop and adapt personal and professional styles.
Fashion accessories are decorative items that supplement one’s outfit. They include jewelry, gloves, belts, scarves, watches, sunglasses, bow ties, leggings, suspenders, and tights. To work as a professional stylist, collaborate with clients to understand their needs, and tailor styles and aesthetics to each individual’s preferences.
How much you can make: $1,985 — $40,480,000/month
How much does it cost to start: $550 (?)
How long does it take to build: 60 days (?)
Woodies, a wood sunglasses brand founded by Cory Stout, reached over $3.5M in revenue in 2018, despite starting with only $15K from a failed business and has succeeded through Amazon sales, spending $50K monthly on PPC and keeping ACOS at 30%.
24. Start a kitchenware and home essentials shop
Kitchenware and home essentials supplies remain a traditional retail business globally. Even in this era of the internet, people prefer purchasing kitchenware and home essentials from brick and mortar stores.
Therefore, if you plan to start a kitchen supplies business, you may consider opening a physical store.
Do you want to start a kitchenware and home essentials store? You can purchase a struggling store or start from scratch. Remember, location is a significant factor in the approach, so focus on the high-traffic areas like near residential locations.
How much you can make: $78,000/month
How long does it take to build: 180 days (?)
PDD Falcon is a family-owned brand that manufactures premium stainless steel storage and drinkware, serving over 5 million customers across 18,000 pin codes in India with a projected revenue of Rs 12 cr and valuation of Rs 25 cr for FY 2022-23, achieved through a network of 40 distributors and various major online portals.
25. Start a bags store
How much you can make: $833,333 — $2,000,000/month
Linjer, a sustainable jewelry, luggage and watch brand, founded by Jennifer Chong & Roman Khan, generated $10 million in revenue in just three years and has plans to expand via influencer marketing, pop-ups, new product markets & wholesale partners.
26. Start an organic food store
Organic food stores stock fresh or processed food produced through organic farming methods. Healthy food restaurants and health-conscious individuals are some target customers regarding healthy organic food.
If you plan to start an organic food store, focus on providing the customers freshest, organically grown produce. Starting an organic food store is a great way to make money while helping the environment. Organic food stores are becoming increasingly popular, especially with people who want to eat healthily but don't have time to cook. If you're looking for a business idea that will allow you to make money and help people simultaneously, starting an organic food store could be the perfect fit for you!
Organic food stores are so popular because they offer fresh produce that has not been treated with chemicals or pesticides, which means they're much safer than the produce found at your local grocery store.
How much you can make: $4,000/month
Denver-based founder Andrea Slinde built her own organic food start-up, Golden Root, which sells trendy Turmeric Latte Mix online and now in 50 coffee shops nationwide, with an average monthly revenue of $4K, a long term objective of expanding into traditional grocery sales, and uses Shopify, Recharge, Mailchimp, Shipstation, and QuickBooks to manage e-commerce and finances.
27. Start an aquarium house business
The aquarium business stocks a variety of home aquariums and supplies, along with a varied stock of freshwater and saltwater fish. Also, an aquarium business offers system startup and maintenance.
Starting an aquarium is a very profitable retail business. Luckily, starting an aquarium business in metropolitan cities is very easy. To start an aquarium business, write a plan and find an ideal commercial space for the company.
Before launching the ornamental fish business, you should know how big the market is, conduct a competition analysis to determine who you are against, and craft a competitive strategy.
How much you can make: $5,800/month
How much does it cost to start: $1 (?)
How long does it take to build: 365 days (?)
Aquarium maintenance business owner, Larry McGee, generates $100,000 annually servicing 60+ aquariums in central Arkansas-area businesses, while also offering offline and online marketing courses; his repeat customer base is key to his 25-year success.
28. Start an apparel boutique
An apparel boutique is a small shop dealing in fashionable clothing or accessories. An apparel boutique is low investment but potentially very profitable idea. However, starting a successful apparel boutique requires creativity and financial stability to help the brand achieve its objective.
How much you can make: $3,000 — $660,000/month
How much does it cost to start: $1,000 (?)
How long does it take to build: 120 days (?)
Bravery Co. is a company that empowers women with cancer through designer headwear for cancer warriors, earning an average of 3-5K profit a month and celebrating numerous PR coverage and awards.
29. Start a footwear store
How much you can make: $102,000/month
This case study showcases an entrepreneur who created a thriving boutique store for both men's and women's clothing, footwear, and accessories, with renowned brands such as Nike, Billionaire Boys Club, and Herschel available under one roof.
30. Start a health food store
How much you can make: $41,700 — $4,170,000/month
How long does it take to build: 60 days (?)
How a 17-year-old founded a successful snacks eCommerce, with over 400% YoY growth for the past four years, reinventing the traditional 'pick and mix' for health-conscious consumers and offering an unrivaled choice of quality brands at the best prices when mixing and matching.
31. Start a sports wear store
If you’re a fitness enthusiast looking to start your own business, why not consider opening a sportswear store? This unique venture offers many opportunities to cater to athletes’ and fitness enthusiasts’ needs.
From trendy workout gear to high-performance athletic shoes, your store will be a veritable cornucopia of fitness gear.
Not only will you have the chance to help people find the perfect gear for their workouts, but you’ll also be able to provide expert advice and guidance on the latest trends and technologies in the sportswear industry.
Plus, with the rise of athleisure fashion, your store will appeal to a wide range of customers, from professional athletes to fashion-conscious fitness enthusiasts.
Consider offering personalized services such as custom fittings and specialized gear for specific sports or activities to stand out from the competition.
You could also host events and workshops to engage with your community and build a loyal customer base. A sportswear store can be a lucrative and fulfilling business venture with the proper marketing and customer service strategy.
So, if you’re ready to start your entrepreneurial fitness journey, consider opening a sportswear store today!
How much you can make: $12,500 — $660,000/month
How long does it take to build: 4504 days (?)
The DIFFERENCE co-founder developed a patented heelless running shoe that eliminates heelstrikes, grossing an average of $12,500 per month within the last two months, primarily targeting runners and the medical community.
32. Start a mobile car detailing
Starting a mobile car detailing business is a great way to earn money. The mobile detail business draws customers from the surrounding areas and provides an opportunity to deal with all kinds of vehicles, including classic cars and 18-wheelers.
How much you can make: $20,000/month
How much does it cost to start: $500 (?)
How long does it take to build: 30 days (?)
Belk Mobile Detailing, a mobile automotive detailing business, generated an average of $8,000 over the past 12 months, detailing 60-80 vehicles per month and is set to break a record for their highest sales month yet, having done over $15k in sales for April, 2022.
33. Start a seed selling
How much you can make: $400,000/month
True Leaf Market, an independent seed company offering heirloom, non-GMO, and organic seeds, growing supplies, and starter kits, has grown to a profitable $400k/month business, with revenue diversified across their website, 3rd party online sellers, Amazon, eBay, brick and mortar health food stores, and fulfillment services, and plans to continue growth through acquisitions and onboarding 50 to 100 new SKUs monthly.
34. Start a furniture flipping business
Flipping furniture is a business idea that can make you money by working a few hours a week. From kitchen tables to dressers and armories, plus, you can turn old pieces of furniture into a masterpiece that someone would be interested in paying for.
If you have a few hours a week and you enjoy checking out wooden furniture, flipping household or office units can be a profitable business idea for you. Some furniture flippers earn a 6-figure profit per year, from furniture flipping.
How much you can make: $8,300 — $17,000/month
How much does it cost to start: $50 (?)
Case study: These founders are flipping used items for up to 10 times their original cost, with their first acquisition being purchased for $50 and sold for $450, and have set a target of making $250,000 in the upcoming 12 months through their eBay store specializing in professional car care supplies and electrical and tools.
35. Start a Garment Retail Store
While garment retail stores are getting a lot tougher because of huge discount department store chains, they are still a viable business idea for entrepreneurs who are willing to commit extra time and effort to make a sale.
If you are planning to start a garments retail store, develop a strong business strategy that clearly differentiates you and gives shoppers a reason to walk into your store. You will need capital for funding the inventory, paying rent, and some cash reserve to market your business.
36. Start a news stand business
How much you can make: $3,333,333/month
This case study shines a light on Daniella Pierson, the founder of The Newsette, who managed to grow her newsletter from 15,000 to over 500,000 subscribers and increase its revenue from one million dollars to 40 million dollars in only a few years, securing herself a spot as one of the richest women of color in the United States.
37. Start a mobile store
38. Start a butcher shop
Starting a butcher business involves sourcing and procuring high-quality meats from local farms or suppliers, preparing and processing them for sale, and selling them to customers in a retail storefront or through wholesale channels. To start and run a successful butcher business, you will need a deep understanding of the different cuts of meat and how to prepare them for sale, as well as excellent customer service skills and a strong business sense.
You will need to secure a location for your business, whether a physical storefront or a processing facility. You will also need to invest in equipment such as refrigerators, freezers, meat processing equipment, and tools like knives and cutting boards. You will need to obtain the necessary licenses and permits to operate your business. You may also need to seek insurance coverage to protect your business against potential liability.
Marketing your business is also crucial to success, whether through online channels, social media, or traditional marketing methods. Building relationships with local farms and suppliers can also be beneficial, as well as developing partnerships with restaurants and other food-based businesses.
Running a butcher business requires dedication, hard work, and a passion for quality meats. With the right planning and execution, however, it can be a rewarding and successful venture.
39. Start a plant nursery shop
Starting a plant nursery shop can be a rewarding and lucrative business opportunity for anyone passionate about plants and gardening. A plant nursery shop is a retail store that sells various plants, including annuals, perennials, trees, shrubs, and herbs.
To start a plant nursery shop, you’ll need a physical location to sell your plants. This can be a standalone store or a small corner of a larger retail space. You’ll also need to understand the different types of plants and how to care for them. This includes knowing which plants best suit various climates and how to properly water and fertilize them.
One of the key elements of running a successful plant nursery shop is having a diverse selection of plants that appeal to a wide range of customers. This might include popular annuals like petunias and marigolds and more unusual specimens like orchids and bromeliads. You should also have a good selection of pots and other gardening supplies to help customers take care of their plants once they get them home.
To start a plant nursery shop, you’ll need to invest in essential equipment, such as pots, trays, and other supplies. You may also need to hire a small staff to help you manage the business’s day-to-day operations. This can include sales associates, gardeners, and other experts who can help customers find the right plants for their needs.
Running a plant nursery shop can be a rewarding and fulfilling business opportunity for anyone with a love of plants and gardening. With the right location, selection, and staff, you can create a thriving business that brings joy to your customers and profits to your bottom line.
40. Start an ice cream shop
Starting an ice cream shop can be a fun and rewarding business idea. Whether you're looking to open a small shop in your local neighborhood or a larger franchise, there are a few key things you'll need to consider when starting your ice cream shop.
First and foremost, you’ll need to decide on the type of ice cream you want to serve. There are many different flavors and styles, ranging from traditional vanilla and chocolate to more exotic flavors like mango and green tea. You’ll also need to consider whether you want to offer both soft, hard, or a combination.
Next, you’ll need to find a location for your shop. Look for a location with high foot traffic and good visibility, such as a busy street corner or a shopping mall. You’ll also want to consider factors such as parking availability and competition from other ice cream shops.
Once you’ve found a location, you’ll need to purchase or lease the necessary equipment, such as ice cream makers, freezers, and cash registers. You’ll also need to stock up on supplies such as cups, cones, spoons, and napkins.
To run your ice cream shop successfully, you'll need a strong marketing strategy. This can include advertising through social media, local newspapers, and flyers and offering special promotions and discounts to attract customers. You’ll also need to hire and train employees to serve customers and handle transactions.
Starting an ice cream shop can be a fun and rewarding business venture as long as you have a clear business plan and are prepared to put in the hard work and dedication required to make it a success.
41. Start a ladies garment shop
42. Start a fruits store
Starting a fruit store can be a rewarding and lucrative business idea for those who love working with fresh produce and helping customers lead healthier lives. As a fruit store owner, you will be responsible for sourcing and selling fresh fruits and vegetables to your customers.
To start a fruit store, you must secure a physical location with adequate space to store and display your products. This may be a standalone store or a kiosk within a larger retail space. You will also need to secure a reliable source of fresh produce to sell, which may involve working with local farmers or wholesalers.
In addition to sourcing and selling fruits and vegetables, you may also consider offering other related products, such as smoothies, juices, and prepared fruit salads. To run your fruit store successfully, you will need to have excellent customer service skills and be able to keep track of inventory and pricing.
Marketing and advertising your fruit store will also be crucial to attracting and retaining customers. This may involve creating social media profiles, running promotions, and participating in local events and farmer’s markets.
Starting a fruit store can be a challenging but rewarding business venture. With the proper planning and execution, you can build a successful fruit store that helps your customers lead healthier, happier lives.
How much you can make: $4,000/month
This case study highlights how a roadside produce stand can earn up to $3000 over the weekend by finding a busy location and paying a base rate of $25 per day for putting up the stand.
43. Start a pizza store
The global pizza market share is expected to reach $5138 Billion, and the market growth momentum will accelerate at a CAGR of 6.11%. One of the key factors driving growth in the pizza markets is the availability of innovative and exotic flavored pizzas, which drives are more prominent among the millennials.
Moreover, the growing desire for convenience foods and customization of food products will facilitate the pizza market growth. Therefore, starting a pizza store in 2024 can be a profitable business venture. To start, find an attractive location where your business will be visible to customers.
44. Start a toys store
Starting a toy store can be a fun and rewarding business opportunity for anyone looking to tap into the lucrative toy industry. The business involves sourcing and selling a wide range of toys and games for children of all ages. This could include everything from classic board games and dolls to the latest electronic gadgets and tech toys.
To start a toy store, you will need to do market research to identify what toys are prevalent in your area and what age groups you will target.
You will also need to secure a physical location for your store, whether a standalone shop or a space within a shopping mall. You will also need to stock your store with a wide range of products and decide on a pricing strategy to attract customers while allowing you to profit.
Running a toy store involves a lot of customer interaction, so excellent customer service skills are necessary. You will also need good business management skills to handle inventory, pricing, and sales.
Marketing your store through social media and local advertising can also help bring in customers and drive sales.
Starting a toy store can be a fun and rewarding business opportunity for anyone with a passion for toys and a desire to bring joy to children. With the proper planning and execution, you can turn your toy store into a thriving business.
45. Start a Xerox Store
Starting a Xerox store can be a lucrative and rewarding business opportunity for entrepreneurs looking to enter the printing and document solutions industry. This business provides various services, including printing, copying, scanning, and document management.
To start a Xerox store, you’ll need a good location that is easily accessible to your target customers. You’ll also need to invest in high-quality Xerox equipment, including printers, copiers, and scanners. In addition, you’ll need to have a strong marketing and sales strategy to attract new customers and retain existing ones. Running a successful Xerox store also involves providing excellent customer service and building client relationships.
You’ll need to be knowledgeable about the various products and services you offer and be able to troubleshoot any issues that may arise. It would help if you were proactive in staying up-to-date with industry trends and advancements to provide the best solutions to your customers.
Overall, starting a Xerox store requires a combination of business savvy, technical expertise, and excellent customer service skills. You can build a successful business in this exciting and growing industry with the right approach and dedication.
46. Start a departmental store
47. Start a crockery store
48. Start a hydroponic store
49. Start a fuel station business
50. Start a tyre store
51. Start a two-wheeler showroom
52. Start a fabric store
Starting a fabric store can be a rewarding and lucrative business idea for those passionate about fabrics, textiles, and creativity. The key to success in this industry is sourcing high-quality fabrics at competitive prices and offering a wide selection to your customers.
To start a fabric store, you must invest in inventory, including various fabrics in different colors, patterns, and materials. You will also need to rent or purchase a retail space and furnish it with tables, shelves, and display racks to showcase your products. You may also need to invest in a point-of-sale system and online platform to manage orders and transactions.
In addition to managing your inventory and sales, it is important to focus on customer service and building a loyal customer base. This can be achieved by offering personalized assistance to customers, hosting sewing workshops or classes, and staying up-to-date with the latest trends and techniques in the fabric industry.
A fabric store requires creativity, business acumen, and customer service skills. You can build a successful and fulfilling business in this vibrant and creative industry with the right approach and dedication.
53. Start a liquor shop
54. Start an used book store
Starting a used book store may seem quaint and outdated in today’s digital age, but it can be a thriving and lucrative business.
For bibliophiles and avid readers, a used book store offers a treasure trove of pre-loved books at affordable prices. Not only do customers get to add to their libraries, but they also get to support sustainable practices by giving these books a second life.
A used book store can also serve as a community hub, providing a space for book clubs, readings, and other literary events. So why not dust off the old business plan and open the doors to your used book emporium?
55. Start a gadget accessory store
56. Start a workwear retailer business
57. Start a mobile bar
A mobile bar business is a unique and flexible venture that brings the party to different locations.
Instead of being confined to a fixed location, a mobile bar can travel to events such as weddings, parties, and festivals, providing on-the-go beverage services.
This business typically involves converting a vehicle, like a truck or trailer, into a fully functional bar with taps, coolers, and serving areas.
Mobile bar owners can offer a variety of drinks, from cocktails to non-alcoholic beverages, making it a versatile and enjoyable option for any gathering.
It’s a fun and creative way to cater to people’s beverage needs at different celebrations while enjoying the freedom of mobility.
How much you can make: $30,000/month
Tap Truck, a mobile bar service that serves beer, wine, and cider from the side of classic trucks, has grown its family of locations from 3 to 45 in just four years, seeing year-on-year growth of double its San Diego sales, and is set to expand internationally.
58. Start a gardening tools hardware
How much you can make: $150,000/month
Founder of RinseKit shares how he designed a portable pressurized shower that generates over $1.5M in sales per year and achieved great success with Kickstarter and appearing on Shark Tank, while providing advice on designing, prototyping, and manufacturing your first product.
59. Start a corporate uniforms
60. Start a custom phone case
How much does it cost to start: $2,000 (?)
How long does it take to build: 30 days (?)
61. Start an automobile service station
How much you can make: $160,000/month
Overlander, a newly launched niche online retailer for truck parts and accessories, generated almost a million dollars in just six months and set an ambitious goal to become the go-to source for high-quality equipment within five months, using video content to their advantage.
62. Start a gaming parlour
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- 4,818 founder case studies
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- 8,628 business ideas
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- 4,818 founder case studies
- Access to our founder directory
- Live events, courses and recordings
- 8,628 business ideas
- $1M in software savings
- 4,818 founder case studies
- Access to our founder directory
- Live events, courses and recordings
- 8,628 business ideas
- $1M in software savings
- 4,818 founder case studies
- Access to our founder directory
- Live events, courses and recordings
- 8,628 business ideas
- $1M in software savings
- 4,818 founder case studies
- Access to our founder directory
- Live events, courses and recordings
- 8,628 business ideas
- $1M in software savings
- 4,818 founder case studies
- Access to our founder directory
- Live events, courses and recordings
- 8,628 business ideas
- $1M in software savings
