Starting a Gift Shop Business

This article briefly discusses the gift shop business. Find out some of the things you need to know in order to start your own gift shop business.

What are you waiting for? Pursue your dream of starting your own gift shop for it will surely bring much fulfillment and excitement to your life.

gift shop business

Nothing beats making a living by doing something that you love. If you have your heart set out on owning a gift shop then it is up to you to turn your heart's desire into reality.

If you are hesitant because you fear your business might fail, think about this, gift-giving has become a tradition in our society. Every milestone in our lives calls for a gift; be it our birthday, graduation, job promotion, engagement, wedding, housewarming, and so on and so forth. Just imagine the number of people out there, each of which has its own set of milestones.

There are several things to consider when starting a gift shop. First, you need to develop a concept. Do you want to go with the traditional and run a gift shop selling traditional items like candles and display figurines? Alternatively, do you prefer a gift shop that is more theme-specific? What do you want your gift shop to specialize in? What do you want your gift shop to be known for? Focus on a theme that you are fond of. If you are partial to novelty items then make novelty items the specialty of your store. If you are into vintage toys, then vintage toys it is, et cetera.

Look for possible sources for your inventory. This is the fun part. You can join trade fairs or get in touch with the manufactures to see what they’re offering. The internet is also a good venue since a lot of small manufacturers display their items on the web.

Be careful in choosing what range of goods to sell for this is the most vital aspect of any gift shop. To be effective, your products must be rare and special that customers will be hard-pressed to find elsewhere. This will keep you from having to deal with competition.

Another thing to consider is location. You must choose a place that complements the type of inventory you have. Ask yourself this, do you want a freestanding structure, mall space, kiosk, or a booth within a larger store? Remember to select only what your funds can manage.

You must look for a storefront space that is highly visible and is easily accessible. Ensure that the location has a high amount of foot traffic. Also, see to it that the economy in the area is stable, if not flourishing. As a rule, people tend to be more generous when they have extra money to spare.

When you get down to the setting up of the store part, make sure that the design of your storefront is catchy and enticing without being crass.

Finally, the most important aspect of any business is the customers for without them there won’t be any business at all. Find ways to attract customers and don’t hesitate to spend on advertising. This is a necessary expense in any business. Once you have your customers, make sure you keep them. For the main, the range of your goods will be a big factor. Listen to what your customers prefer and do your best to meet their preferences.

79 Comments

  • Ronah said on November 9, 2008
    I love the article; it has made me feel like I already own a gift shop. It's easy, isn't it?
  • Belinda chopdekar said on November 27, 2008
    I want to start a gift shop in kisumu town in Kenya, and I'm looking for ideas.
  • TSHEPO NTSHABELLE said on January 20, 2009
    Hi! I need to establish a gift shop, but I need the necessary steps to do that. Should I go the business plan way?
  • monique said on January 23, 2009
    I want to start a gift shop early next year. I am looking for places I can buy gift shop items. Any help would be greatly appreciated.
  • Brittany said on March 11, 2009
    I'm thinking of opening up a gift shop in the future... right now for me its just saving up money, and taking some courses such as bookkeeping and such... any advice for a gift shop in a small-ish town?
  • millie said on April 16, 2009
    I went to an novelty/accessories convention in Las Vegas a while back and fell in love with the idea of owning a gift shop. Not to mention how inexpensive it is to stock a gift shop! It can definitely be done!
  • cheryl perry said on May 4, 2009
    Good Evening Just about to relocate to wilson, nc and am already somewhat a small business owner out of home have connections to a wholesale warehouse in california can put the business to use at will selling to next door neighbors, church member. Can sell basically to any local retailers to have items put on store shelves started out showing catalogs and taking personal orders. Started off well but started a family and kinda put the business to the side. Now ready to relocate and perhaps put the products to use in perhaps my own life long dream of a small gift shop for all occasions.. thank you for your suggestions
  • Kesha Smith said on July 28, 2009
    I was thinking of starting gift shops in various hospitals or nursing homes. How do you get your foot in the door?
  • Tshering Tenzing said on September 29, 2009
    how can I start a small effective gift shop.
  • Aleesha Reddy said on October 15, 2009
    i absolutely love this article. it has helped me big time in my assignment. My assignment is about owning a gift shop. THANK YOU. P.S im in year 5
  • Mercy said on November 29, 2009
    New haven county like: branford, guilford, madison, clinton, orange, milford, CT, USA. I need some ideas?? I'm thinking like a gift personalized shop??
  • Barbrah said on December 29, 2009
    The article is good. i want to start up a gift shop next year in Uganda. Where can i buy the items. i need more ideas about the gift shop biz
  • Ashish Kumar said on December 29, 2009
    The article is good. i want to start up a gift shop next year in India at Himachal Pradesh. Where can i buy the items. i need more ideas about the gift shop biz. also, i need some rough ideas about the future and margin in this business.
  • Daisy Designs said on January 11, 2010
    This article is realistic. I have my jewelry eshop www.daisydesigns.us and also planning to expand it with the gift shop.
  • lijo joseph said on February 2, 2010
    hi i would like to start a gift and toys shop in my town i would like to know the details like how much i have to deposit for the purchase of gift and toys and what where we will get that kerala, cochin, thodupuzha. i have a space 800 sqft
  • Stephanie said on February 15, 2010
    I am looking to start my gift shop business. I would like more information. I'm looking to start somewhere
  • Kathie Christie said on April 18, 2010
    I am willing to relocate to open a gift shop - am looking for the best location to do so
  • huong Nguyen said on May 24, 2010
    I am going to immigrate to the USA in July 2010. I am looking for a co-operation in gift shop business. My idea is that the products will be vietnamese hand-made items. Pls write to me if you are interested in.
  • issamawad said on August 10, 2010
    i need to change my store decor my business is gift and music shop
  • Iphie said on December 13, 2010
    i want to start a small gift shop in awka , nigeria, how do i go about it..... organization, sourcing, financing etc.
  • Ijeoma Ekwoaba said on December 24, 2010
    Please advise me on where to source for souvenir, and corporate gifts.
  • sharma said on January 5, 2011
    i want to start assorted gift shop in secunderabad in andhra pradesh so please let me know where to procure gift articles in india/aborad with low cost
  • justus ndambuki said on January 14, 2011
    hi, i would like to start a gift shop in Nairobi Kenya, specializing on christian gifts.where can i get the gifts,and how much will it cost me for my first stock. thank you. Justus.
  • Cheryl Coetie said on January 28, 2011
    It is a dream for more than 5years to be the owner of a gift shop. I just applied to Trade & Industry to register my name. So far I am successful. The name is "Cheryl's Gift Shop". Now, what further. I need more information where to procure gift articles especially in South Africa and Namibia with low cost for my very first stock. I need stock like souvenirs, handcraft, gartoon gifts. If there is any other ideas. Please help me. Thanks for this page, it really helps you.
  • carol williams said on January 28, 2011
    I WANT TO START A GIFT SHOP IN PITTSBURGH, PA. BUT I WANT MY SHOP TO BE UNIQUE, I AM A CRAFTER AND I DO A LOT OF VENDOR SHOWS, I HAVE A LOT OF CRafter friends that make beautiful and unique items also, i want a gift shop to sell all of their unique items on consignment but i need to know how to write a contract with them
  • Ola said on February 16, 2011
    I want to start my own gift shop business in Nigeria, Lagos state, where do i start from because i want to specialize in different kind of gift items to me customers needs. thanks
  • Myrna McMullen said on February 17, 2011
    I am opening a gift shop in May in Nova Scotia, Canada. I am doing great at finding stock but I have one question. Most of my stock will be on consignment and will consist of local handmade articles. I am not sure how to figure out how to work the consignment thing. Do I take a percentage of sale? Do I ask the vendor how much they want for the item and mark it up accordingly? Any input would be appreciated.
  • Michelle said on March 9, 2011
    I would love to open a gift shop in Nairobi,Kenya.I would love it if you gave me an idea of how much I would spend when starting.Plus a financial plan.
  • James expert adviser said on March 9, 2011
    @Michelle, to start a gift store you need nice store location to make your business successful over the time. Price varies with place to place so i am living the store location upto you. You will need 30,000-60,000 USD to start a gift store in Kenya. This will be around 2,400,000-4,800,000 KSH.

    Jestin James
    Startup Biz Hub - Senior Advisor (Staff)

  • Victoria Bernice said on June 29, 2011
    l would like u 2 help me with requirements of starting a gift shop in Harare Zimbabwe. please help me with ideas.
  • stella said on July 4, 2011
    I would love to open a gift shop in Uyo, Akwa Ibom State Nigeria. I would love to know where to shop for beautiful gifts, cards and gift bags. I would also love it, if you can give me an idea of how much i would spend plus a financial plan.
  • Aghiad said on July 15, 2011
    it is very nice article. I have a gift store in Syria my goods are watches and accessories for men and women but I don't know what advertising plan should I use to be known in my area PLEASE HELP ME !!!!
  • uthpal das said on July 23, 2011
    its a nice article. i am starting a gift store by the end of this year near a college can you help me by advising what type of gifts should be there in the shop and what amt should i invest initially in this business
  • yogesh said on August 7, 2011
    I want to start a gift shop in Ahmednagar, Maharashtra state,India So, can you help me about gifts n articles,gift manufacturers or for a franchises.
  • danielle said on August 10, 2011
    i want to open a small gift shop in pa. my main concern is the name of my shop, how do i do that legally and whats steps do i take...
  • Danyelle Davis said on August 19, 2011
    I am wanting to open a tanning bed and gift store in Albany, GA. I have no clue where to even begin.
  • Peggy said on August 26, 2011
    Right now I have a small business selling teapots and homemade teapot lamps. I rent a space inside another store. I have been doing this for a year and love it. I am looking for a location to open a small gift store. I would like to branch out in other tea items and also other giftables. My problem is finding wholesalers. I know some people don't give there wholesaler info out to others, but if anyone would be so kind as to tell me a few companies they like to work with and the companies email address's, I would so appreciate any help. Trade shows are never close to where I live, but I know I will start going to them soon. Just need an idea of where to start so I can do a business plan. Thanks!
  • Rameshwar A Mahalkar said on August 30, 2011
    i am post graduate student in M.Sc. i want to start my own gift gallery shop in Aurangabad, Maharashtra, India. so please give me the guidance for this. Can i start the business with gift gallery franchise, give me the details about the franchise and there procedure for start the own gift gallery shop in Aurangabad.
  • imelda said on August 30, 2011
    hi i'm thinking on opening a gift store in el salvador central america and i need some ideas on what to sell can someone please help me?
  • Puran said on September 4, 2011
    I am Puran from India and we have confectionery shop in India, Ghaziabad but earning is not handsome as expected, so we are also planing to place gift items inside shop. Could you please suggest if this would be good and what kind of gift items would be preferable to place with in confectionery shop. What would be the investment cost and profit out of them.
  • Rebecca said on September 13, 2011
    Gift Shop, Western NY. Can I buy merchandise from local stores, clearance items and such, to use as filler in my store, or are there regulations against that?
  • Karen Wise said on September 14, 2011
    I'm interested in opening a gift shop and don't know where to get started and how much it will cost me to get started. Please Help
  • kristy nkwanyuo said on October 7, 2011
    i have learned a lot from this write up.thanks i want to open a gift shop in limbe, cameroon. i need some ideas on how to start n some important gift items i should have.
  • chinelo azi said on November 3, 2011
    i want to open a variety gift shop in abuja nigeria, how do i source for importers or wholesalers, how do i choose a location and how can i go about opening my accounting books. any advice will be highly appreciated.
  • Mara nacho said on November 24, 2011
    I want to learn how to write a contract or proposal to corporate n individual concerning souvenir in Kano Nigeria. help need ur advice .
  • Temitope said on December 27, 2011
    I want to start a gift and card shop in Lagos Nigeria.I have rented a shop already but I have not started.I want to know how much I would need to start small initially. I would also like to know where I can source for my cards and gifts in Nigeria for a start. Pls,I need your advice.
  • Abimbola said on January 29, 2012
    i want to open gifts, party souvenirs, children party packs ,household and kitchen wares shop in Lagos Nigeria, how do i source for importers or wholesalers in Nigeria, how do i choose a location and how can i go about opening my accounting books. I would appreciate if you could link me up with large scale importers in Nigeria. Abimbola, Lagos, Nigeria
  • Anna said on February 26, 2012
    I live in melbourne australia. I wish i could open up a small shop either selling chinese goods like a 2$ up shop or a gift store the one u mentioned above..Kindly advice how i should go about it. thank you
  • Titi said on April 25, 2012
    I would want to own a gift shop in Lagos, Nigeria but want to know if combining an adult gift shop with kids is advisable. Many thanks.
  • Alettah Tsotetsi said on May 14, 2012
    I live in Witbank, South Africa i would like to open a small gift shop in my guesthouse, selling books and souvenirs. Kindly advise how i should go about
  • yolande said on May 25, 2012
    i would like to open gift and party accessories shop i am based in Pretoria west South Africa, i will be opening the shop in my house and will be rum weekends only, i have already bought some stock like gift boxes, bags, wraps, note books, bodywashes, lotions etc, my next step is to start marketing and advertising cos i'm already running a kids party business so some of my customer who wants kids parties are also aware of the gift i'm selling just sales are very slow as i depend on word of mouth. What else can i do to get customers to know about my services. Regards, Yolande
  • Nehal said on May 30, 2012
    I am an aspiring gift shop owner from Mumbai,, :D ... inspired by your article, I want to make as well as sell gifts. will surely do that in the future :D
  • abimbola said on May 31, 2012
    i want to start a small gift shop for all occasion in a student environment in ijebu ode pls link me up with wholesalers around lagos and i need an idea on what to stock
  • anna said on June 21, 2012
    Hi,i want to open my own gift and souvenir shop next year but I dont know the cost and good place. i'm staying in kuching, sarawak, malaysia
  • jocline jacobs said on July 17, 2012
    hi, i would like to open my own gift shop as well but i dnt know where to get the stock, i'm currently in SA and wouldn't mind getting the stock oversees if possible, someone plz respond, where can i order stock that is cheaper
  • brendalyn luncio said on July 18, 2012
    The article is so informative and helpful for me. It inspires me to turn my heart's desire into reality next year. Don't you mind to give me idea on how much the ideal starting capital i need to start putting up a gift shop?
  • helen said on October 18, 2012
    i want to start up a gift, party souvenirs, children party packs shop in nigeria i need idea of amount in which i can start with also where to get wholesale in lagos nigeria. thanks
  • Raj Kumar said on November 9, 2012
    My friend and I are planning to start a gift and novelties store in hyderabad, Andhra Pradesh, India. Looking for a genuine wholesaler or a manufacturer , where we can get our goods for a reasonable price which would help us to sell the goods at competent prices. Hope you would help us. rajkumar_own@yahoo.co.in
  • oluwaseyi abe said on November 12, 2012
    I wish to start a wholesale business in party souvenirs, children party packs ,household wears in kaduna Nigeria, how do i source for importers or distributor in Nigeria,and also looking for manufacturers.
  • Pradeep said on December 17, 2012
    Hi, i am planing start my Gift shop business and i dont have any plan and exp on this. I am planing start this business in Hubli state; Karantaka Country; india. Please help me to get idea how to start and how to get good handicraft items and other things.
  • maureen said on January 26, 2013
    hi am looking for business partner who has a gift shop to supply with africa made crafts. please contact me.if interested.
  • Julie said on January 28, 2013
    Thnx 4 d article, plz i want to open a gift, card, party pack etc shop in ogun state,nigeria.plz hw do i get wholesaler or importers based in lagos,@least for a start.. Thnx
  • Susan said on March 20, 2013
    I wish to do a souvenir business (such as keychain,charm,display things with my country people figures). I know if i can implement my dream i will be the pioneer for the market. The idea and some amount of capital are in my mind already, but i don't know how to find out the supplier. And i am worrying that other people copy my idea who already stand in same business. How should i do? Your valuable advise is most welcome.If u can supply the goods based on my idea, pls kindly contact me mum4hans@gmail.com.
  • Sharon Doofan said on March 28, 2013
    Thanks for your article, it's really helpful. I have been nursing this idea of owning a gift shop in Makurdi, Benue State, Nigeria. I want to know how and where i can purchase gift items like children toys, ceramics, and kitchen utensil. I will also want to partner with an honest person who is already into this business.
  • A.Altaf said on May 8, 2013
    Hi this is Altaf, am planing to start business in gifting, in city kakinada, Andhra Pradesh, India. can you please help to setup ma business, like what type or variety of gift should have in ma shop, where did i found out the dealers and what is the best way to procure items.
  • narender said on February 4, 2014
    I wana start showroom which is in himachal Pradesh. I have well occupied double story showroom. any one idea how I will get contact from gift item supplier to deal with better aspect. mine no is 08860141199
  • zally said on March 7, 2014
    Hi, wld lyk to start a gifts and packaging bizness on nigeroa, o wld like to know where i can i get gifts and packaging materials
  • Estelle Guerra said on March 21, 2014
    I am a nurse educator and would like to sell nursing specific gifts for student nurses or nurses in my immediate area. This is something I would like to do from home and don't want to worry about spending a lot of money on. Can you help?
  • Sophie said on April 1, 2014
    I have always wanted to do my own business doing flowers rather silk and unique gifts but was very timid about it, after reading your post I am very encouraged to move forward. Thanks a lot and please keep up the good work.
  • Sophie said on April 1, 2014
    is there anyone who can help me to start a gift shop in palm bay Florida 32907
  • laveena said on July 24, 2014
    i want to start a gift shop in kannur, kerala, india pls help to find the products in kerala.
  • Rahul said on August 24, 2014
    i want to start a gift shop in burhanpur, M.P. india pls help to find the products & more details in Madhya pradesh.
  • Swapna Dalvi said on August 31, 2014
    Hi. I want to either start gift shop in Thane-Maharashtra or want to start online gift shop. Guide me how do i start it n where do i get the product.
  • MAHESH SETHI said on December 20, 2014
    We are the Gifts and Greeting cards Manufacturer in India, We are Specialize in all occasion greeting cards and gifts such as Glass Plaques, Quotation Mugs, Water Globes, Photo Frames, Resin Crafts, Plush Toys and so on. We are Already exporting to GHANA Accra, USA and EUROPEAN countries, We are Looking for an importer,distributor and wholesaler,based in Nigeria,West African country.,We hope can have a good co-operation between our both party and serves you better here in our region. contact 91 9820121890
  • Kukuya Bais said on April 7, 2015
    Hi, I am planning to set up a gift shop in goroka, Eastern Highlands Province, Papua New Guinea. I am planning to get my stock mainly from Australia and New Zealand. Please assist me to locate where in Australia and New Zealand I can get order on discount. I would love it if you gave me an idea of how much I would spend when starting. Plus a financial plan
  • mahesh said on April 18, 2015
    hi i want to set up gift shop in nalasopara , but how much investment in this business and how to start
  • Bhaskar said on April 29, 2015
    i want to start a gift shop in hyderabad suchitra , telangana state. india pls help to find the products & more details in telangana state.
  • oge said on May 3, 2015
    I wish to start a gift shop in children party packs, party souvenirs, households and kitchen ware. link me with wholesalers or importers In Lagos. how much will it cost me to start? and I want to know what to stock? Oge,Lagos Nigeria
  • sachin bandekar said on June 17, 2017
    i want to open a gift dealership store. can you please help me?

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