The retail shop business has to be the most common in Kenya. It employs thousands of Kenya every year. This article will discuss how to start a retail shop business in Kenya and things you should consider before starting your retail shop.
A retail shop also known as a general shop sells general household items such as cooking oil, flour, rice, sugar, salts, snacks, soap, etc. You can find this type of business in urban centers and rural areas. Here is how you can start your retail shop business in Kenya.
Starting a Retail Shop Business in Kenya
- Develop a good business plan for your business. A business plan will help you in determining business location, capital, revenue projection, risks involved, weaknesses, and strengths of the business.
- Find a suitable location for your business. You need to set up your business in a high-traffic area for example, around residential areas, shopping, and market centers.
- Secure business permits and licenses. A single business permit cost Ksh 5,000 every year. Trading permits, fire clearance licenses, and food hygiene certifications, which cost Ksh 600 every six months, are also required.
- Identify products to sell. Retail shop products mostly consist of household items. However, the items and services you will sell in your retail business will be heavily influenced by market demands. As a result, learn what your customers want.
- Startup Capital. The money you’ll need to open a retail store will depend on the goods you’ll be selling and the location of your business. With less than Ksh.50,000 in starting capital, it’s possible to open a small shop. Rent is the most costly aspect of running a retail shop. If you can find a lower-cost area to rent, you may drastically cut your beginning costs.
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Profit
A shop in Kenya might make you a lot of money if you choose the right location. Your shop’s sales are sufficient to cover retail expenditures and provide you with a 40% profit. Obtaining lower-cost suppliers can allow you to optimize revenues. When establishing pricing for your items, be sure they are not more than those of your rivals.
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What makes a retail shop business successful?
- Consistency. Customers may leave if there are no constant operation hours. They dislike it when they go to a store only to discover that it is closed.
- Have multiple services to increase your earnings. Selling only fast-moving items may not provide enough money. As your business grows you can offer other services and products like mobile money and cereals.
- Good customer service. To create effective customer connections, you must: greet customers and address them in a natural and situation-appropriate manner. Demonstrate to customers that you know their needs. Accept that some individuals will not want your products and focus on building rapport with those that will.
- Always have the basic commodities. A shop should not lack basic items like bread, sugar, milk, sanitary pads, sweets, toiletries, and dry foods. Be a one-stop shop.