How to Start an Asian Grocery Store

An Asian grocery store offers customers groceries that are typically used in creating traditional and authentic Asian dishes. This includes canned goods, sauces, produce, spices, and meats.

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Start an Asian grocery store by following these 10 steps:

  1. Plan your Asian Grocery Store
  2. Form your Asian Grocery Store into a Legal Entity
  3. Register your Asian Grocery Store for Taxes
  4. Open a Business Bank Account & Credit Card
  5. Set up Accounting for your Asian Grocery Store
  6. Get the Necessary Permits & Licenses for your Asian Grocery Store
  7. Get Asian Grocery Store Insurance
  8. Define your Asian Grocery Store Brand
  9. Create your Asian Grocery Store Website
  10. Set up your Business Phone System

We have put together this simple guide to starting your Asian grocery store. These steps will ensure that your new business is well planned out, registered properly and legally compliant.

Exploring your options? Check out other small business ideas.

STEP 1: Plan your business

A clear plan is essential for success as an entrepreneur. It will help you map out the specifics of your business and discover some unknowns. A few important topics to consider are:

Luckily we have done a lot of this research for you.

What will you name your business?

Choosing the right name is important and challenging. If you don’t already have a name in mind, visit our How to Name a Business guide or get help brainstorming a name with our Asian Grocery Store Name Generator

If you operate a sole proprietorship, you might want to operate under a business name other than your own name. Visit our DBA guide to learn more.

When registering a business name, we recommend researching your business name by checking:

  • Your state’s business records
  • Federal and state trademark records
  • Social media platforms
  • Web domain availability

It’s very important to secure your domain name before someone else does.

What are the costs involved in opening an Asian grocery store?

Initial costs vary, depending upon location, size of the building, and the products you plan to sell. When shopping for the right location, make sure it is in a well-traveled area and has ample parking. Once you have signed a lease or purchased your building, take the time to design a floor plan that flows and allows customers to move around with ease. Renovations and updates may be required. If possible, allow yourself ample time to shop for your brick and mortar location. Investing in a space that is already set up as you need it will save both time and money. If you do take this approach, however, inquire with the previous owner to determine why the business closed or moved.

Once you have your location ready, there are a few other investments you will need to make:

  • Inventory and accounting software
  • Coolers, refrigerators, and shelves
  • Insurance – Consult with an educated professional to ensure you purchase the proper business insurance. Many new business owners fail to realize they are underinsured until they experience a loss. The results are often devastating.
  • Commercial trash service
  • Materials for advertising, including a well-branded sign that is visible from the road

Successful business owners report an investment of $135,000 to $205,000. While it can be done for less, this will ensure your shelves are stocked with the necessities and that your store is set up for success from the get-go.

What are the ongoing expenses for an Asian grocery store?

In addition to the standard costs that come with keeping a facility running, you will face several ongoing expenses. The bulk of your budget will go to re-stocking your shelves and payroll. Maintaining proper insurance can get expensive, but is important for ensuring your business stays afloat after a loss. When determining your budget, be sure to factor in marketing costs, including fees for booths at events and your local farmer’s market.

Who is the target market?

Primarily, you will be targeting Asian chefs and families. With the right location and marketing strategy, however, many business owners have found success catering to the needs of other local consumers. More and more consumers are beginning to realize the benefits that come with shopping in niche grocery stores. Targeting them in your advertising efforts will help increase your store’s annual sales and profits.

How does an Asian grocery store make money?

Your grocery will generate revenue through product sales. Prior to opening your business, it’s important to understand market needs. Over-saturation in a community will negatively impact your business, as well as the competition’s.

How much can you charge customers?

Prices will vary from item to item. Items should be priced for maximum profits, while remaining competitive with other speciality grocers in the area.

How much profit can an Asian grocery store make?

The strength of your marketing strategy, the customer service you offer, and the size of your grocery store are all factors that determine your annual profit. Store owners realizing the greatest success continuously work to ensure their shop is unique, offering items customers cannot find anywhere else. Store owners report an annual profit of $56,000 to $75,000.

How can you make your business more profitable?

While your business may be geared towards food, there are a number of non-perishable items you could stock your shelves with. Music, hats, t-shirts, and kitchen supplies are great additions to any niche market. If your space is set up for it, consider opening a small restaurant. This is an effective way to serve the locals and get the word out about your establishment. Diners will often walk off their meal in the store; this is a great time to catch them, as their recent meal is fresh on their minds and may inspire them for their next home-cooked meal.

Want a more guided approach? Access TRUiC’s free Small Business Startup Guide – a step-by-step course for turning your business idea into reality. Get started today!

STEP 2: Form a legal entity

One crucial aspect that cannot be overlooked when starting your Asian grocery store is the importance of establishing a solid business foundation. While sole proprietorships and partnerships are the most common entity types for small businesses, they’re a far less stable and advantageous option than LLCs.

This is because unincorporated business structures (i.e., sole proprietorships and partnerships) expose you as an owner to personal liability for your business’s debts and legal actions, while LLCs protect you by keeping your personal assets separate from your business’s liabilities.

In practice, this means that if your Asian grocery store were to face a lawsuit or incur any debts, your savings, home, and other personal assets could not be used to cover these costs. On top of this, forming your business as an LLC also helps it to appear more legitimate and trustworthy.

Ready to Turn Your Business Idea Into a Reality?

Tailor Brands is our top recommendation because it guides you through every step of the formation process with hands-on support — from paperwork and compliance to devising a detailed plan to help you achieve your business goals.

FORM YOUR LLC

Note: If you’re interested in more information before getting started, we recommend having a look at our How to Start a Business guide (DIY) or our in-depth Best Business Formation Services review (for those opting for a professional service).

STEP 3: Register for taxes

You will need to register for a variety of state and federal taxes before you can open for business.

In order to register for taxes you will need to apply for an EIN. It’s really easy and free!

You can acquire your EIN through the IRS website. If you would like to learn more about EINs, read our article, What is an EIN?

There are specific state taxes that might apply to your business. Learn more about state sales tax and franchise taxes in our state sales tax guides.

STEP 4: Open a business bank account & credit card

Using dedicated business banking and credit accounts is essential for personal asset protection.

When your personal and business accounts are mixed, your personal assets (your home, car, and other valuables) are at risk in the event your business is sued. In business law, this is referred to as piercing your corporate veil.

Open a business bank account

Besides being a requirement when applying for business loans, opening a business bank account:

  • Separates your personal assets from your company’s assets, which is necessary for personal asset protection.
  • Makes accounting and tax filing easier.

Recommended: Read our Best Banks for Small Business review to find the best national bank or credit union.

Get a business credit card

Getting a business credit card helps you:

Recommended: Apply for an easy approval business credit card from BILL and build your business credit quickly.

STEP 5: Set up business accounting

Recording your various expenses and sources of income is critical to understanding the financial performance of your business. Keeping accurate and detailed accounts also greatly simplifies your annual tax filing.

Make LLC accounting easy with our LLC Expenses Cheat Sheet.

STEP 6: Obtain necessary permits and licenses

Failure to acquire necessary permits and licenses can result in hefty fines, or even cause your business to be shut down.

Federal Business Licensing Requirements

There are federal regulations regarding what can and cannot be added to, sold as, and processed with food. Attached is a resource from the Food and Drug Administration detailing the process of starting a food business: How to Start a Food Business

State & Local Business Licensing Requirements

Certain state permits and licenses may be needed to operate an Asian grocery store business. Learn more about licensing requirements in your state by visiting SBA’s reference to state licenses and permits.

Most businesses are required to collect sales tax on the goods or services they provide. To learn more about how sales tax will affect your business, read our article, Sales Tax for Small Businesses.

Certificate of Occupancy

An Asian grocery store business is generally run out of a storefront or standalone building. Businesses operating out of a physical location typically require a Certificate of Occupancy (CO).  A CO confirms that all building codes, zoning laws and government regulations have been met.

  • If you plan to lease a location:
    • It is generally the landlord’s responsibility to obtain a CO.
    • Before leasing, confirm that your landlord has or can obtain a valid CO that is applicable to an Asian grocery store business.
    • After a major renovation, a new CO often needs to be issued. If your place of business will be renovated before opening, it is recommended to include language in your lease agreement stating that lease payments will not commence until a valid CO is issued.
  • If you plan to purchase or build a location:
    • You will be responsible for obtaining a valid CO from a local government authority.
    • Review all building codes and zoning requirements for your business’ location to ensure your Asian grocery store business will be in compliance and able to obtain a CO.

Food Regulations

When selling food, you will need licensing from a local health department; all establishments serving food are required to pass a health inspection. Tips for faring well on a health inspections

STEP 7: Get business insurance

Just as with licenses and permits, your business needs insurance in order to operate safely and lawfully. Business Insurance protects your company’s financial wellbeing in the event of a covered loss.

There are several types of insurance policies created for different types of businesses with different risks. If you’re unsure of the types of risks that your business may face, begin with General Liability Insurance. This is the most common coverage that small businesses need, so it’s a great place to start for your business.

Another notable insurance policy that many businesses need is Workers’ Compensation Insurance. If your business will have employees, it’s a good chance that your state will require you to carry Workers’ Compensation Coverage.

Find out what types of insurance your Asian Grocery Store needs and how much it will cost you by reading our guide Business Insurance for Asian Grocery Store.

STEP 8: Define your brand

Your brand is what your company stands for, as well as how your business is perceived by the public. A strong brand will help your business stand out from competitors.

If you already have a logo, you can also add it to a QR code with our Free QR Code Generator. Choose from 13 QR code types to create a code for your business cards and publications, or to help spread awareness for your new website.

How to promote & market an Asian grocery store

As a niche business, it’s important that you identify your target market and gear your marketing campaign towards them. Seek out opportunities to cater to the Asian community through cultural and culinary events. In doing so, you connect with them on a deeper level. You gain an understanding of their needs and, in the process, prove that you care about them.

While your primary efforts should be geared towards the Asian community, you should seize every opportunity to get the word out to others who may be unaware of their existence. Many store owners have found success attending farmer’s markets, festivals, and arts and crafts fairs. Small billboards, community newspapers, and social media should also be an integral part of your marketing strategy.

How to keep customers coming back

As mentioned, providing clients with stellar customer service is critical to your success. When customers have access to quality products at an affordable price, they will be more apt to return. Taking the time to offer personal service will help your staff develop relationships and prove to the community that you care about their needs. Word of mouth can take you a long way in building a profitable business.

STEP 9: Create your business website

After defining your brand and creating your logo the next step is to create a website for your business.

While creating a website is an essential step, some may fear that it’s out of their reach because they don’t have any website-building experience. While this may have been a reasonable fear back in 2015, web technology has seen huge advancements in the past few years that makes the lives of small business owners much simpler.

Here are the main reasons why you shouldn’t delay building your website:

  • All legitimate businesses have websites – full stop. The size or industry of your business does not matter when it comes to getting your business online.
  • Social media accounts like Facebook pages or LinkedIn business profiles are not a replacement for a business website that you own.
  • Website builder tools like the GoDaddy Website Builder have made creating a basic website extremely simple. You don’t need to hire a web developer or designer to create a website that you can be proud of.

Recommended: Get started today using our recommended website builder or check out our review of the Best Website Builders.

Other popular website builders are: WordPressWIXWeeblySquarespace, and Shopify.

STEP 10: Set up your business phone system

Getting a phone set up for your business is one of the best ways to help keep your personal life and business life separate and private. That’s not the only benefit; it also helps you make your business more automated, gives your business legitimacy, and makes it easier for potential customers to find and contact you.

There are many services available to entrepreneurs who want to set up a business phone system. We’ve reviewed the top companies and rated them based on price, features, and ease of use. Check out our review of the Best Business Phone Systems 2024 to find the best phone service for your small business.

Recommended Business Phone Service: Phone.com

Phone.com is our top choice for small business phone numbers because of all the features it offers for small businesses and it’s fair pricing.

Is this Business Right For You?

If you are familiar with Asian dishes and have a passion for helping consumers create these authentic flavors, an Asian grocery store may be the perfect endeavor. Since interacting with the public will be critical to your business’ success, a passion for helping others would also prove beneficial.

Want to know if you are cut out to be an entrepreneur?

Take our Entrepreneurship Quiz to find out!

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What happens during a typical day at an Asian grocery store?

Your team’s primary duty is to provide quality customer service. As an independent food store, your interaction with customers and the service you provide will define the business’ long-term success. When a client has a question or concern, address these issues with speed and respect.

Additionally, you will need to;

  • Manage inventory, reordering supplies whenever necessary
  • Price products and stock shelves
  • Keep the establishment clean and orderly at all times
  • Advertise and network to ensure your business grows
  • Develop and nurture relationships with regular customers, as well as distributors
  • Remain abreast of new trends in Asian cuisine

Additionally, you or a member of your staff will need to closely track inventory, manage the business’ finances, and handle tasks associated with payroll.

What are some skills and experiences that will help you build a successful Asian grocery store?

Since the success of your business is heavily reliant on strong customer service, it is critical that you possess strong interpersonal skills. To lessen the language barrier gap, some specialty food stores have a staff member who is able to speak related languages. As part of your customer service strategy, maintain an open line of communication with your regular customers, asking for feedback and product requests.

Managing a grocery store is a very detail-oriented business. Previous experience in the retail and/or grocery industry would prove beneficial. This hands-on experience will provide insight into how inventory should be managed and priced and will help develop the skills necessary to build profitable relationships with distributors. While not required, experience in an Asian restaurant would prove advantageous. Knowledge regarding which flavors complement which foods will assist you in educating clients new to Asian fare.

What is the growth potential for an Asian grocery store?

As previously mentioned, market demand in your area will define your grocery’s success. With a well thought-out business plan, and investment in the right location, this niche business has the potential to thrive. Many Asian food store owners have realized such success that they were able to open multiple locations throughout the community.

Take the Next Step

Find a business mentor

One of the greatest resources an entrepreneur can have is quality mentorship. As you start planning your business, connect with a free business resource near you to get the help you need.

Having a support network in place to turn to during tough times is a major factor of success for new business owners.

Learn from other business owners

Want to learn more about starting a business from entrepreneurs themselves? Visit Startup Savant’s startup founder series to gain entrepreneurial insights, lessons, and advice from founders themselves.

Resources to Help Women in Business

There are many resources out there specifically for women entrepreneurs. We’ve gathered necessary and useful information to help you succeed both professionally and personally:

  • Funding
  • Events
  • Guides
  • Support

If you’re a woman looking for some guidance in entrepreneurship, check out this great new series Women in Business created by the women of our partner Startup Savant.

What are some insider tips for jump starting an Asian grocery store?

It’s important to remember why consumers shop at specialty stores. They are looking for unique food items and enjoy the variety that comes with shopping at a niche market. For the right price, many are willing to sacrifice and purchase a little lower quality.

How and when to build a team

While many are tempted to manage their startup business alone, this is not advisable. The first four to six months are a critical time. If you are too busy stocking shelves and answering the phone, other aspects of the business will suffer. When hiring staff members, carefully consider each applicant. They will be an integral part of your business’ success. Choose individuals that are knowledgeable and take pride in their work, as well as your business’ long-term success.

Useful Links

Real World Examples