How to Start an Outdoor Store

Americans across the country are realizing the benefits of spending time outdoors. It’s a time to escape from everyday life, clear the mind, and get a little exercise in the process. Like many hobbies, most outdoor activities require special clothing and/or gear. As part of a new consciousness, many consumers are choosing to spend their money at small, locally owned businesses, as opposed to the larger retail chains.

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.

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Start an outdoor store by following these 10 steps:

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

We have put together this simple guide to starting your outdoor 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 Outdoor 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 outdoor store?

Your first task is to decide on a location. Try to pick an affordable space with ample foot traffic and parking. The business’ short and long-term goals should play a factor, as should the condition and setup of the space. Balance is key – you want something you can grow into, but your space should not feel empty while you’re building your inventory. While rent and deposit costs vary by region, plan on budgeting for $4,000 – $5,000 to secure a location.

Once you’ve found a place to call “home,” you can start designing and filling the space. Include these items in your budget:

  • Construction costs for customizing the store – $3,000 to $8,000
  • Fixtures – purchase racks, shelves, mannequins, counter/checkout area, and lighting. This will account for approximately $3,500. Many of these items can be purchased used, reducing your overall budget.
  • Clothing hangers – up to $1,000
  • Inventory – this number varies depending upon the specifics of your store and the retailers you choose to work with.
  • Computer, accessories, internet, and phone system – $1,000
  • POS software, customized to fit the needs of your retail business – $1,000 – $3,500
  • Website – $1,500 – $3,500, depending upon your specific needs
  • Marketing materials – exterior and interior signs, logo design, business cards, coupon design/printing – store owners have reported spending close to $9,000 on these materials.
  • Grand opening event – this is a great way to introduce the business to your community. $1,500
  • Insurance – cost will vary depending upon the specifics of your business

The Outdoor Industry Association and American Outdoors Association both offer industry insight and advice to help start your business and market for long-term growth.

What are the ongoing expenses for an outdoor store?

There are a number of factors that will influence your ongoing expenses. The size of the space you occupy, how much inventory you order each month, and the number of employees will all factor into your monthly budget. Retail shop owners advise budgeting for between $6,000 and $21,000 per month.

Who is the target market?

Your customer base will individuals ranging from the novice outdoorsmen, eager to learn everything about their new hobby, to experienced individuals. You have a unique opportunity to build a relationship with each of these classes of people. It is also important to converse with and listen to your customers, as you will be able to gain a better understand of activities that you are not as knowledgeable about, and you will also be able to survey the needs and wants of your customers.

How does an outdoor store make money?

A retail business generates money from the sale of each item. Many outdoor stores offer additional services, such as equipment rentals, which serve as an additional source of revenue and an effective marketing tool.

How much can you charge customers?

Pricing varies from product to product. Items are purchased at cost and marked up to ensure a reasonable return on your investment. If you’re inexperienced in pricing merchandise, ask your manufacturer for assistance.

How much profit can an outdoor store make?

Owners typically report earning little to no profit the first one to three years (standard for most startup businesses). With the right business plan in place, however, several have reported a profit of up to $64,000 going into their third year. To ensure profitability, keep up with the latest outdoor trends and invest in inventory with a higher profit margin whenever possible.

How can you make your business more profitable?

To increase your shop’s annual profit, consider implementing some of these strategies:

  • Research any special events that are held in your area targeting specific activities/hobbies.
  • Approach event coordinators and offer to volunteer, sponsor, or vend at the events.
  • Host classes geared towards various activities such as how to tie fishing flies or how to properly use cutting edge hunting calls. Make sure you make yourself available to every skill level.
  • Host “field trips.” Such trips can include hiking, fishing, or hunting trips. These can be educational and social events, offering customers a chance to bond with people of similar interest. Approach your retailers to see if they’d be willing to send a representative to the event.

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 outdoor 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 outdoor 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 state-specific How to Start an LLC guide (DIY) or our in-depth Best LLC 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.

State & Local Business Licensing Requirements

Certain state permits and licenses may be needed to operate an outdoor store. 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 outdoor store is usually run out of a storefront. 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 storefront:
    • 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 outdoor store.
    • 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 storefront:
    • You will be responsible for obtaining a valid CO from a local government authority.
    • Review all building codes and zoning requirements for you business’ location to ensure your outdoor store will be in compliance and able to obtain a CO.

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 Outdoor Store needs and how much it will cost you by reading our guide Business Insurance for Outdoor 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 outdoor store

Prior to devising a marketing strategy, research your target demographic. Get to know their outdoor needs and market specific products. Outdoor Retailer is a trade show specifically designed for outdoor specialty retailers. This is a unique opportunity to test out the latest products and to network with distributors and sales reps. These connections stand to offer valuable insight into who you should be marketing to, and how to do so.

How to keep customers coming back

Consumers have a number of larger retail stores to choose from, so it’s critical that you ensure your business stands out from the competition. Pricing and customer service are your two most powerful tools for retaining customers. Make sure you price competitively, without selling yourself short. Offer unique products and be as knowledgeable as possible on each outdoor activity you cater to. Make sure each customer has a memorable experience each time they visit.

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?

Consumers who have taken the time to visit your store are enthusiastic about their newfound hobby. They want to share this excitement and learn as much as they can. Therefore, entrepreneurs who share their passion for the outdoors are best suited for this business endeavor. While not expected to be an expert on every outdoor activity, outdoor store owners should have a basic understanding of them, as well as the gear associated with each.

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

Take our Entrepreneurship Quiz to find out!

Entrepreneurship Quiz

What happens during a typical day at an outdoor store?

In the retail business, there are a number of tasks that will keep you busy from one day to the next. Some of your duties include:

  • Keeping up with inventory and place orders for items you’re running low on
  • Rotating/rearranging in-store and window displays
  • Interacting with customers and assist them in identifying which items best suit their needs
  • Spending time with customers, offering advice and allowing them to share what they’ve learned and experienced thus far
  • Researching the latest trends, try out new products, and share your knowledge with customers
  • Attending local outdoor activities
  • Marketing

As with every business, there are a number of administrative duties you’ll be tasked with. As the store grows and you’re able to build a trusted team, many of these responsibilities can shift to the store manager.

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

Leaders in the retail industry agree that there are three critical skills you must possess to run a successful outdoor store. First, you must have strong interpersonal skills. Your days will be spent interacting with people, offering advice and, more often than not, learning from their experiences. This leads us to the next skill, which is that you must be modest enough to realize that there’s always more to learn. Lastly, it’s critical, particularly in this industry, that you be astute enough to surround yourself with people whose strengths are different from yours. This allows for an educational, give-and-take environment.

What is the growth potential for an outdoor store?

A recent study revealed that over 140 million U.S. citizens incorporate outdoor activities into their daily schedule, spending almost $646 billion annually. As consumers recognize the health and social benefits to outdoor recreation, it’s shifted from being a luxury to a “must have.” This offers entrepreneurs significant growth opportunity, particularly in regions with an abundance of outdoor activities to choose from.

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 outdoor store?

Entrepreneurs who’ve found success in this industry offer the following advice:

  • Consider your demographic when setting store hours. If part of your client base goes hunting at 4am during turkey season, make sure you’re open. You never know what last minute supplies they might need.
  • Make sure your staff is knowledgeable and friendly. If they don’t know the answer, they shouldn’t be afraid to say, “I’m not sure, but let me find out.”
  • Stock your inventory with a mixture of items that can be purchased at the larger retail chains and gear that can’t be purchased within a certain radius.
  • Your logo can make or break you in this industry. Hire a professional.
  • Unless you have a significant amount of experience, take a basic business course at your local college or utilize your county’s small business resources.

How and when to build a team

Carefully select your team members. Delivering stellar customer service and educating each individual that enters your store should be of the highest priority to your employees. Your dream team should be diverse in their knowledge of various outdoor activities and willing to go above and beyond to find the answers they don’t already have.

Useful Links

Industry Opportunities

Real World Examples

Further Reading