Dorset

An outstanding opportunity to acquire a long-established and highly regarded independent ladies' clothing, footwear and accessories retail business, situated in a popular and affluent coastal town in Dorset.

The business has traded successfully in the town for approximately 45 years and has been under the current ownership for the past 12 years. Over that time it has built an excellent local reputation for quality products, friendly and knowledgeable service, and distinctive, well-presented displays, attracting a loyal base of repeat customers alongside substantial seasonal tourist trade.

Recently relocated into attractive, boutique-style premises, the business now focuses exclusively on ladies' fashion, footwear and accessories, offering a carefully curated selection of well-regarded and distinctive brands. It occupies a prominent, high-footfall trading position in the heart of the town centre, close to a range of independent retailers, cafés and visitor attractions.

Offered for sale as a genuine going concern and turnkey opportunity, the business benefits from an established name, loyal customer base, experienced part-time staff and all the infrastructure in place for a new owner to trade from day one.

Key features

Long-established independent retail business, trading for approximately 45 years
Under current ownership for the past 12 years
Ladies' clothing, footwear and accessories offering
Recently relocated into attractive, boutique-style premises
Prominent, high-footfall town-centre trading position
Strong local reputation and loyal repeat customer base
Substantial seasonal tourist trade in a sought-after coastal destination
Carefully curated range of well-regarded fashion brands
Established supplier relationships
Existing website and online presence
Experienced part-time staffing support
Genuine turnkey opportunity
Clear scope to grow online and social media sales
A complementary sister business is also potentially available by separate negotiation
Financial overview

Historic gross turnover: circa £240,000
Expected gross turnover going forward: circa £150,000, reflecting the streamlined ladies-only model
Adjusted net profit: circa £12,000, with scope to improve on a leaner cost base
Tenure: leasehold
Lease: existing 10-year lease expiring December 2028; the landlords have indicated they would be willing to grant a new 10 to 15 year lease, subject to the usual references and legal process
Stock: approximately £35,000, available in addition at valuation
Asking price: offers in the region of £69,000 plus stock at valuation
The business currently trades on a part-time basis of around 21 hours per week over four days, and would suit an owner-operator, husband-and-wife team, lifestyle purchaser, relocation buyer or existing independent retailer.

Growth potential

There is clear and immediate scope to grow the business through expanded e-commerce and online sales, increased social media activity, improved search engine optimisation, email marketing, seasonal and tourist-focused ranges, and wider digital advertising. With the trading history, goodwill and customer base already in place, an incoming purchaser can focus on growth rather than building from scratch.

Reason for sale

The business is offered for sale due to the owners' planned retirement.

Next steps

All enquiries are strictly confidential. To receive the full Information Memorandum and arrange a viewing, please contact Goodwins Business Brokers to register your interest and put a Non-Disclosure Agreement in place. Interested parties are asked not to approach the business or its staff directly.