any original ideas for a tiny shop - are there any entrepreners out there who can me decide what to do?.?

Question

I have got the smallest gift shop in Surrey in a quiet village but because the rent and rates are quite high I have to sell alot of gifts before I can see much of the takings. I am thinking of changing it to something else. Has anyone got any unusual money making ideas for a small shop. Something original or wacky -any ideas will be considered.Suggestions so far - Icecream parlour - Sweets - sandwich shop - dating agency - chocolate making - but I would have to sell alot of these to cover my costs . I am trying to think of something that brings in more money than these small items because there arent that many people around . I know this is probably the answer that most shop owners would like to know but i would like some inspiration . will appreciate any suggestions

Answer 1

Could you sell via the Internet? Your revenue would increase greatly, as your customer base would expand considerable. It really isn't that hard to set up an Internet shop, and as you already have experience as a retailer you would be one step ahead of the game.

I think a gift shop is still a great idea, especially unusual gifts. People are always looking for something different, almost unique, to give to their loved ones and friends. Could you personalise gifts?

If you are restricted to just the customers you can get from your village, then maybe transform your shop into an eating place, or a shop that sells foods that aren't available in the village.

Good luck and I hope you can find a great idea.

PS
Just a thought, could you sell other peoples' creations? You could be the outlet for many smaller enterprises.

Answer 2

Have you considered coffee/tea? Adding a little "cafe corner" would be a nice touch and bring in some revenue. You could even provide some table books and turn part of the gift shop into a social corner. Do you have a patio type setup outside the shop? Maybe have some tables outside to keep indoor space available for the original business.
Another idea would be to hold contests that people would pay to enter. The drawback to this is that you would need some sort of prize for the winner, but if you have enough entrants then you could offset that cost without much work. Types of contests could be things like drawing, photography, battleof the bands, anything you can come up with really. Good Luck!

Answer 3

a fudge shop may be a good idea, assuming you can produce the fudge, and good fudge at that so that you build a good reputation.
a sandwich shop may make you more profit, especially if you deliver to nearby workplaces.
these are a few ideas but to be honest i think you should stick to something you know about or have skills in. if you just rent the shop then what's stopping you from moving shops - or if you own it consider selling it and using the money to start a new venture.
whatever you decide to do next you must have passion for it if you want to do well.

Answer 4

Small towns and small shops seem to go hand in hand. Without the niche item/service will your business survive? I think whatever it is you are selling needs to be complimented by something. If you are related to tourism then ideas related to what's in the area, maps/books/brochures might come in handy. I would think that a relatively non-expensive item could be coffee or snack foods - organics work but may add to your monthly bill. And maybe you could combine your niche with other things going on in your community - you know buy a loaf of bread get a coupon for a free movie.... that kind of thing. I don't believe bigger conglomerates (you know which ones) would be willing to partner up with small companies, so if you decide to go this route, you might want to hook up with other stores/companies/service providers who are in similar situation (local, and family owned.

Best of luck!

Answer 5

the only problem is that you live in a small town so you want something that isnt too costly. i make handmade jewelry where almost every piece is one of a kind. and i sell it at farmers markets and such in the summer time but with a shop that size it would be a considerable investment, you dont need to add a kitchen and all that for baking. with the jewelry the prices range from $15 and up so there is something for everyone. and you will get repeat customers is what you want in a small town but that also depends on what your competitions is.

Answer 6

Rather than find an idea in someone's head across the globe, consider asking your current customers.

"What's missing around here? What would you like to see added to our little shop? What can I do to get more of your business"

Go out and ask these questions of those people who DON'T shop in your store as well. Then go into the shops which seem to YOU to be making money better than you and see what they are selling. Hang around (carefully, no one wants a spy in their midst) and see what's being purchased.

THIS is how you expand your business to meet the demands of the customer base.

Answer 7

a shop has opened in my town that allows people to sell things on ebay through them. it is for people that don't have computers, you charge a commission on everything that sells. you would be responsible for the postage of the items but you could arrange a deal with a courrier firm for big items. not really sure of the rest of the details but you can research it if you like it, the upside is you don't pay for any stock, just the wrapping , people will travel to your shop to bring things or you could offer a collection service. good luck

Answer 8

it is not a undesirable plot, yet i think of you need to flesh it out somewhat. i'm assuming that the watch the protagonist unearths cute is the comparable one that provides you "the main power contained in the international". What precisely is this power? Ruler of the international? large employer acumen? something magical? How does the girl become in touch contained in the race for the watch? Did she purchase the watch or did the shopkeeper supply it to her? possibly she by risk caught it in her pocket? Why did no longer the evil guy in simple terms purchase it for himself? Did the shopkeeper recognize with regards to the watches power? Why did no longer he use it for himself? like numerous suggestions, yours has the ability to be a large tale. you in ordinary terms ought to jot down it and re-write it till you have something that feels large. in case you like it then likelihood is that different individuals will too.

Answer 9

Equestrian supplies? Groceries or go mail order on ebay or amazon.