It really depends on a lot of different factors. Location: Rent. You typically will need the first months rent, plus that equivelant for a deposit. Watch this part on a location, so you don't end up working for the landlord. There is a lot to know about retail locations and rent and leases on your terms. Now-a-days, the small guy gets bullied on leases. So have two months rent up-front ready. Often, the landlord will finish out the place...but you pay for that through the course of the lease. You will need money for insurance. If you are small, it will probably be $100 month more or less. You will need money to move in with and to set up your fixtures and cash area and fax/computer. The register and credit card machine will probably run you a total of $600-$800. But this along with many of your fixtures, I suggest buying used. Really shop on this stuff. Businesses go under all the time and this stuff is much less expensive used, including the credit card machine and register. Your business bank can help set you up with the credit card machine and taking the cards. Ideally, you may even find another clothing place that is closing or going out of business. Some of the big chains may be closing a store and you might get a sweet deal. I once was given fixtures from a chain that was closing some stores. It is anybody's guess on the amount needed for your fixtures or slatwall. New, the stuff would cost you an extreme amount. But you can always request catalogs from vendors to get a feel and comparison on prices and quality. Here is the one thing that you will probably need most. Credit. Good credit. Inventory, much of it is purchased on terms (30 or 60 or 90 days). You are in a tough spot if you are just starting out, because you will be filling out credit applications for all your suppliers. They will be asking for supplier references. Sometimes it is difficult to get a supplier to take cash. ?Go figure?! Ha! Your inventory cost entirely depends on what lines you plan to carry and how big your store is. Buying from "off-price" wholesalers can be a great way to compete. Many also are more flexible and understanding with the small store owner. They take cash. This is a real brief rundown. The real costs will be determined by how you plan to go with this. You can always start by doing "temporary sales" in a Hotel or Convention Center or something of the sort. I also have experience with these. They can be a less risky way to develop your business. Hope this helps some.