How to start a sweetshop
by Startacus Admin
How to start a sweetshop...
First off we should say that starting a sweetshop is something we would never be able to do given our fundamental lack of willpower when it comes to food of the sugary variety. If, like us, you would be in danger of consuming any profits which came in the door you may wish to consider some of the following alternative articles; how to start a bookshop, how to start a b&b or how to start a florist.
If however you are one those of lucky folk who is a little more in control of their sweet tooth then starting a sweetshop might just be a great way for you
to become self employed.
There has been a real upsurge in the number of sweet shops on high streets around the UK in recent years - perhaps with all the economic doom and gloom, people have been hankering for a taste of their childhood? But the days of sweetshops only selling the most familiar sweets from jars are gone. In a modern sweetshop you can expect to find treats from all over the world with those from the US gaining a muvh more didicated following here in the UK over the past few years.
Whatever the reason, it’s been many a moon since sweet shops have been as popular as they are today so we decided to put together this quick guide to help you navigate your way through the brandy balls, strawberry bon-bons and dolly mixtures… enjoy!
Market Research
This will help you to get a better idea if there is the need /desire for a sweetshop in your area and exactly what kind of sweet shop would be most welcomed. You should be thinking about things like:
-
What kind of sweetshop would you like to open? You could consider a number of different variations such as; old fashioned, American, chocolate, cheap and cheerful, classy and high-end and so forth. Once you have decided this you will be in a much better position to get your project moving.
-
Is there a market for this kind of sweet shop in your area?
-
Where will your sweetshop be located? Does the vicinity have good footfall? You will want to visit the area on several different days at different times to gauge how much passing trade you will be able to get.
-
Are there already any sweet shops which will present competition? If not is there a reason for this?
-
Who will your competitors be? What do they sell and how much do they charge for it? You need to start thinking about what you can offer to your customer that they cannot.
-
Will you deal exclusively in sweets or will you branch out into other related products such as ice cream, milkshakes, smoothies, cakes or cookies? These can be a great way of diversifying your business so it is not exclusivly reliant on he sale of sweets and chocolate!
-
Do you plan to trade only from your shop or will you offer the option to order online? If so, which websites will you use and how much business can you expect?
-
Are there any grants or startup business loans available in your area which might be able to help you with getting the business up and running?
-
Do you plan to be a completely independent business or would you like to work as part of a larger franchise? What are the benefits and limitations of this? You may find our article on the pros and cons of buying into a franchise useful.
-
Is the business likely to suffer from seasonality? If so what will you do to ensure the business stays ticking over during the quieter times of the year?
Published on: 15th January 2014
continued on page 2...
Our Latest Features
Prolifiko - the pocket writing coach
The startup that is on a mission to helps writers improve their productivity...
Belron announce £50k investment in video engagement platform providers, Blitzz
Blitzz join Locpin and ThriveMap who have already received investment as part of this year’s Drive with Belron accelerator programme.
How Building A Remote Team Could Help Your Startup
Here are some of the key reasons why building a remote team could help your startup...
Cashback app GreenJinn raises £600k via Crowdcube to ‘Get Britain Saving Again’
GreenJinn has just launched its crowdfunding campaign on Crowdcube. They’re raising £600,000 to add new brands, shops & take their technology to the next level.
Jobbio HIGHER set to take the traditional careers event UP a level
Talent take note. At Jobbio HIGHER, you'll be able to network & connect with some of the UK’s best tech companies & high-growth startups...
EmptyChair builds marketplace to book and host workshops and classes
EmptyChair are building an online marketplace, but not for rooms, cars or beauty treatments, but instead to change the way people discover, book and host workshops & classes in London.
Arsenal Innovation Lab scouts top startups for new ten-week programme
Applications are open for the Arsenal Innovation Lab, a fab looking 10-week programme for startups to test & demonstrate their products or services with one of the leading clubs in world football.
Minority Report style billboard Startup raises £1.5m for new under wraps innovation
OfferMoments, the Minority Report style billboard creators, aim to disrupt the growing £1billion OOH advertising market, after a £1.5m cash injection to fund a brand new project.
As UK inflation rises to 2.9% in August, what impact might this have on UK business?
The rate of inflation in the UK in August hit a 4 year high at 2.9% after being in decline for the previous 2 months. What impact might this have on UK business?
Factmata takes on fake news and wins bigly
The innovative startup with fact checking at its very core...
If you would like to enable commenting via your Startacus account, please enable Disqus functionality in your Account Settings.
- Belron announce £50k investment in video engagement platform providers, Blitzz 18th Sep 2017 Blitzz join Locpin and ThriveMap who have already received investment as part of this year’s Drive with Belron accelerator programme.
- Arsenal Innovation Lab scouts top startups for new ten-week programme 14th Sep 2017 Applications are open for the Arsenal Innovation Lab, a fab looking 10-week programme for startups to test & demonstrate their products or services with one of the leading clubs in world football.
- Minority Report style billboard Startup raises £1.5m for new under wraps innovation 13th Sep 2017 OfferMoments, the Minority Report style billboard creators, aim to disrupt the growing £1billion OOH advertising market, after a £1.5m cash injection to fund a brand new project.
- As UK inflation rises to 2.9% in August, what impact might this have on UK business? 13th Sep 2017 The rate of inflation in the UK in August hit a 4 year high at 2.9% after being in decline for the previous 2 months. What impact might this have on UK business?
