In this comprehensive guide, we’ve curated a list of 50 top small shop ideas, complete with insights and practical advice for launching successful retail ventures. For many aspiring entrepreneurs, choosing the right type of store to open is a crucial decision that can define their business journey.

This article not only presents a selection of the most viable and profitable store concepts but also ranks them based on their potential profitability and maximum earnings, as per our expert analysis. Whether you’re embarking on your first retail venture or looking to expand your business portfolio, our carefully compiled list is designed to inspire and inform your entrepreneurial path.

MOST PROFITABLE SMALL SHOP IDEAS

1. SMARTPHONE, COMPUTER & ELECTRONICS STORE
The sale of valuable goods such as expensive electronics, smartphones, laptops, tablets or smartwatches is an effective way to earn big money even in a small store. However, the key condition for this is attracting the right number of customers. An example of this type of store is Apple Store selling Apple devices and accessories which is one of the most profitable store chains in the USA. Anyone can set up a similar store selling the highest quality electronics. Good design, selection of the best-selling and most profitable products, and good marketing will allow such a store to generate a really high income.

2. JEWELRY SHOP
A jewelry store is another very profitable business. Jewelry is characterized by a large profit margin, but it requires to have contact with good metalsmiths who will prepare and sell good quality jewelry to us. It is also profitable to buy in bulk cheap jewelry online (e.g. from Aliexpress) and then resell it with a huge margin (nice necklaces in China can be bought even for less than $ 1 per piece, and then can be sold 10 times more expensive).

3. BOUTIQUE
A good boutique selling good quality clothes is one of the best ideas for a business. People are willing to spend really big money to buy nice clothes, which is why the profit margin in this industry can be really high.
Read also: Best Things to Sell in a Boutique – 50 Best Selling Items

4. SPORT AND YOGA APPAREL STORE
Stores selling sportswear are a good idea especially in large cities and in places where many people do sports, go to the gym and do yoga. Important for sportswear stores is also the fact that in recent years the fashion for athleisure has been increasing, which is wearing sportswear and clothing typical for athletic activity as a normal day outfit.

5. SHOP WITH VIDEO GAMES AND GAMING CONSOLES
An ideal place to set up such a store is near every large school. In addition to games and consoles, you can also sell mice, keyboards, speakers, smartwatches, tablets, and various other gadgets with electronic accessories in such a store.

6. ORGANIC FOOD STORE
The popularity of organic food, especially in large cities, is increasing significantly and it is believed that they will be one of the most profitable businesses of the future. As you know, people are able to pay a lot of money for health. Meanwhile, organic food is equated with healthy food, while cheap food from supermarkets is considered unhealthy. This creates huge potential for organic food stores.

7. GUN SHOP
Gun store is an interesting and profitable business, especially if there is no such store in your area and local people are interested in possessing a gun. To open a gun shop you must understand state and federal laws and meet their requirements.

8. HOME APPLIANCES & HOUSEHOLD GOODS STORE
In every apartment or office you need basic equipment such as a kettle, fridge or coffee maker, and often a TV. For this reason, a store like this is needed in every city, even in a small town.

9. FEMALE HANDBAGS STORE
Women’s fashion is one of the most profitable industries in business. Handbags, backpacks, purses, laptop bags or wallets are the most important examples of what can be sold in such a store. Example of high quality handbags store is suarezny.com in New York.

10. SHOP WITH MEN’S CLOTHES
Men’s clothing is another important and large niche in business, without which a lot of people can’t live. It is important to give such a store friendly and attractive design and to make it have its own style.

11. LIQUOR STORE
People buy and drink alcohol, wine and various spirits in almost every place around the world. The sale of alcohol is one of the easiest small shop ideas and is generally a very profitable business, especially if the store is located in a busy area.

12. COSMETICS AND MAKE UP SHOP
Most women, especially young ones, like to buy make-up accessories and things that allow them to look prettier, such as lipsticks, eye shadows, powders, and various new popular accessories, such as the popular beauty blender sponges that you can buy on Amazon and sell with high markup.

13. BEAUTY & BODY CARE PRODUCTS STORE
Everyone needs things like shampoos, creams, toothpaste, deodorants, shower gels and more. Women especially like creams and conditioners and hair and skin masks. Small shop ideas like this are needed and profitable, provided they have no competition in the area and the products they sell are attractive to many nearby customers.

14. KIDS’ ACCESSORIES STORE
Families with children need many necessary accessories. The most important of them are baby prams, bottles, teats, pampers, baby carriers and many other accessories.

15. GIFT SHOP
Among many other small shop ideas gift shop is a very interesting type of store, where there should be something good and attractive for everyone. Usually small gifts, figurines, gadgets, decorations and useful and useful items are sold there.
Read more: Best Things to Sell in a Gift Shop – 30 TOP Selling Items

16. SHOE SHOP
All people need shoes, that’s why a business like this is universal and has great potential. You can sell luxury shoes, sports shoes, children’s shoes and, above all, shoes for men and women. In such a store you can also sell shoelaces, shoe insoles, umbrellas, wallets, belts, sunglasses and much more.

17. SHOP WITH ELECTRONIC ACCESSORIES AND GADGETS
In today’s world, we all use smartphones, computers and we like technologies. Many people need cables to charge their phones, wireless earbuds to listen to music, as well as phone cases, protective glasses, and other accessories such as phone finger holders and phone card holders available on Amazon.

18. STORE WITH SCULPTURES, PAINTINGS AND ART
A small shop can be a great place for a mini art shop where you can sell paintings, sculptures, handmade ceramics and other small works of art.

19. SHOP WITH COFFEE BEANS AND ACCESSORIES
Coffee is an important ingredient in the lives of many people. In such a store, you can sell coffee makers, coffee mugs and thermoses, coffee grinders, and you can also sell coffee itself.

20. STATIONERY SHOP
Stationery is a store especially needed in city centers, near office spaces, universities and large companies. The basis is offering printing, photocopying and scanning services,

21. CANDY SHOP
In such a store you can sell chocolates, pralines, small cookies, hot chocolate and cocoa. This is one of the better small shop ideas near busy places, parks, schools or churches.

22. VAPE SHOP
Vape shops are becoming more and more popular all over the world. This is because the latest technologies and new versions of episodes are of better quality and find more and more fans.

23. SHOP WITH CLOTHES FOR CHILDREN
Children grow up quickly and need new clothes all the time. Such stores, provided that they have good marketing and good location, can be very profitable. In addition to children’s clothes, you can also sell children’s shoes, toys and school accessories.

24. PET SHOP
Many people who have pets need to buy accessories or food for them. In the pet shop you can also sell pets such as fish, insects, parrots, rodents and many more. Pet stores are becoming one of the most profitable small shop ideas in recent years, especially in large cities.

25. HERBALIST SHOP
In recent years, herbal medicine and the popularity of using herbs and natural medicines have been increasing. In such a store you can sell products such as herb remedies, organic herbal product and cosmetics, organic teas or essential oils.

26. ANTIQUE SHOP
An antique store is a fairly simple business that can be one of the most profitable small shop ideas.
In addition, in such a store you can also run an antique buying point, a bit like in pawn shops.

27. SCENTED CANDLES, SOAP AND PERFUME SHOP
Fragrances improve well-being and have a relaxing effect, which is why they attract many customers. In such a store, you can sell items such as scented candles, decorative, scented and natural soaps, as well as various perfumes, as well as home interior perfumes.

28. TOY STORE
Toy sales are a really important and profitable business niche. Popular toys currently sell best in the toy store, especially lego blocks, various dolls and doll accessories, stuffed animals, as well as electronic game consoles, video games and various small gadgets.

29. SOUVENIR SHOP
If there are many tourists in a place where you consider opening a store, you should think about creating a souvenir shop. In such a store, you mainly sell souvenirs related to the most characteristic elements of the city or country in which the store is located. Fridge magnets, atlases, maps, figurines, postcards are the basic things to sell in such a store.

30. SHOP WITH HOME ACCESSORIES
To make every home look nice and friendly to live in, some accessories and accessories are needed. The most important of them are home perfumes, home decorations, blankets, tablecloths and photo frames.

31. SHOP WITH TOOLS AND EQUIPMENT
Many people renovate their homes, fix their wardrobe, or want to paint the walls. To make this possible, you must first buy accessories. In such a store it is best to sell various tools, brushes, paint, light bulbs, drills, glues and all the things that are most necessary for repairs.

32. FURNITURE STORE
It may seem that in a small shop you can’t sell furniture because they take up too much space. However, if we want, it is possible if we sell small furniture. Things like chairs, stools, shelves, small tables and cabinets or wine racks do not take up so much space and can easily be sold.

33. ART SUPPLY STORE
In every small and large city you need a store where you can buy accessories and objects for painting, carving and artistic drawing. The most important things to sell in such a store are professional oil, acrylic and water paints, canvases, brushes, various types of pencils, crayons, chisels, clay for ribs and many other necessary artistic things.

34. CLEANING SUPPLIES STORE
To maintain cleanliness in every home and building, it is necessary to buy washing and cleaning agents. This store sells primarily washing powders, floor cleaning liquids, washing dishes, soaps, wood polishing products, and many other accessories necessary for cleanliness, such as floor mops, air fresheners and paper towels.

35. PREPPERS SHOP
More and more people are interested in survival and preppering. Many people want to be prepared for the upcoming disaster, power supply problems, climate change or social unrest. People coming to such stores most often need to buy multitool, tinder, pepper spray, mini camping stove, or camping pot, and other things most necessary for survival.

36. STORE WITH BACKPACKS
People need backpacks in almost every city in the world. Children need them for school, adults for travel or work. The best location for small shop ideas such as this one will be near the larger schools and next to clothing stores and in busy places.

37. KIOSK
One of the best small shop ideas is a kiosk. It’s a good idea especially in busy places such as city centers, around metro and train stations. Above all, they sell the most-needed things that hurrying people may need. Chocolate bars, chewing gum, tissues, candies, cigarettes, newspapers, sandwiches and snacks, drinks, energy drinks and other necessary items.

38. STORE WITH CAR ACCESSORIES
Many drivers sometimes need to buy a new car battery, new interior accessories, a tire pump as well as many other accessories.

39. HUNTING SHOP
Such a store pays to open primarily in places where hunting is popular, and in large cities, or in cities where there is no such store yet. To attract more customers, such a store can sell, in addition to hunting equipment and accessories, such things as camo clothing, survival items, and accessories for scouts and preppers.

40. FISHING SHOP
Such a store is a good idea especially near rivers, lakes and near the sea. Things that people primarily want to buy in such stores are rods, hooks, lures, fishing lines and landing nets. In such stores you can also sell knives, penknives and multitooles as well as survival and preppers accessories.

41. BUTCHER SHOP
Good quality meat and meat products will always find a lot of people willing to buy them. You can sell various popular types of meat, as well as meat delicacies from Italian, Spanish and Mexican cuisines (e.g. Italian prosciutto, or Polish kielbasa). A nice way to attract more customers may be the sale and appropriate advertising of organic meat. In such a store you can also sell good cheeses and accessories for meat and food.

42. MUSIC SHOP
Music stores that sell instruments and accessories for musicians have the potential to generate substantial revenue. In such stores, a wide range of items can be sold, from affordable, basic classical guitars to high-end electric guitars and pianos.

43. PASTRY SHOP
Sweets, cakes and chocolate products will always find many fans. It is also good to publicize them properly so that customers see what delicious they can buy in such a store while passing by.

44. BAKERY SHOP
Bakery shop is one of the most necessary stores in every big and small city. As everyone knows, bread, rolls, cakes, pastries, croissants and muffins are primarily sold in this store. Pizza slices and fresh sandwiches as well as coffee, drinks and freshly squeezed fruit juice are also very profitable for sale there.

Read more: TOP 20 Bakery Types to Open in 2023

45. BOOKSTORE 
Bookstores are still profitable despite the growing popularity of ebooks. It might be a good idea to create a themed bookstore, for example a law bookstore for law students next to the university, or a medical bookstore next to the hospital.

46. SKATE SHOP
The best places for a skate shop are city centers, and around schools, high schools, and skate parks. The most profitable goods for sale in such a place are streetwear clothes, skateboards, skateboard accessories, shoes, hats, and sunglasses.

47. GARDEN SHOP
Garden shops make a lot of sense in the area of villas and places where people with gardens live. The most profitable items for sale in such a store are flowers, garden trimmings, gardening soil, pots, watering cans, garden hoses, shovels, as well as mowers, and compost containers.

48. GROCERY STORE
We put the grocery store at the end of this list, but it should be emphasized that it is one of the most needed stores in every place in the world. Grocery store can be very profitable, provided that there is no large supermarket nearby, and there are not many other competing grocery stores.

Read also: List of 100 Top Selling Grocery Items 2023 & Tips

49. TOBACCO SHOP
Tobacco stores are profitable provided that local residents smoke, chew or smoke tobacco. If there is a demand for such a store, it is worth selling primarily various types of tobacco, cigarettes, pipe tobacco, pipes, shishas and shishas, as well as cigars and cigarillos, snuff, chewing tobacco and tobacco accessories.

50. GREENGROCER
In recent years, many greengrocers have collapsed and closed their stores, and their places have been taken by grocery stores and supermarkets. Unfortunately, over time many people began to complain about the poor quality of food bought in supermarkets and its unknown origin. For this reason, many people, especially in large cities, are looking for stores with healthy and natural food, produced without excess chemicals and without pesticides. Greengrocer can be a great way to meet the needs of residents of large cities. The condition is, however, the sale of truly natural products, and the ability to tell customers about it using marketing and advertising.

The attractive and professional appearance of the store gives the impression that valuable and high-quality goods are also sold inside.

The basis for attracting customers is an attractive store appearance interesting signboard, and an inviting look.

An important element of small stores is the appropriate use of small space. Depending on the type of store, you need to balance it to make the most of the small space, and to give the store a pleasant look and good design.

To attract more customers, you can combine the sale of several types of products.

HOW TO KNOW WHAT SHOP TO CHOOSE IN THE AREA?

Before choosing what shop to start:

• The first step must be to analyze what stores are in your area. Preferably within a 2 mile radius of your place.
• See what store is missing from the list above, or what other store is missing in this area.
• Think about whether people around your store will need the goods being sold in it (e.g. selling fishing or hunting items away from waters and forests may not make sense).
• Examine the needs of people, talk to them, see what they buy and what they need. If possible try to subtly encourage people to say what small shop ideas would be most needed in their opinion. Some people may have really good ideas.
• Check if and how you can arrange supplies for your store and how much it will cost.
• Make a business plan and try to estimate the balance of costs and profits.
• Learn as much as possible about the specifics of running this type of store. Read all forums on the Internet, look into books, write emails to owners of similar stores in other cities, call them or arrange a meeting to learn as much as possible from them.

Read also: 40 Most Important Types of Retail Stores

And do you know any other good small shop business ideas? Share your knowledge with us in the comments below.