This article was written by our expert who is surveying the industry and constantly updating the business plan for a concept store.
Opening a concept store requires substantial upfront capital across multiple expense categories.
Understanding these startup costs helps you build a realistic budget and secure appropriate financing before your launch. This guide breaks down every major cost component you'll face when opening your concept store in 2025.
If you want to dig deeper and learn more, you can download our business plan for a concept store. Also, before launching, get all the profit, revenue, and cost breakdowns you need for complete clarity with our concept store financial forecast.
Launching a concept store in a major metropolitan area requires capital ranging from THB 3 million to over THB 10 million, depending on location quality and design ambitions.
The largest expenses include rent deposits, interior fit-out, initial inventory, and a contingency reserve to cover unexpected costs before reaching profitability.
| Cost Category | Typical Range (THB) | Key Considerations |
|---|---|---|
| Rent & Deposits | 1,200,000 – 2,500,000 | 2-3 months deposit plus advances |
| Interior Design & Fit-Out | 500,000 – 3,000,000 | Varies by concept complexity |
| Initial Inventory | 400,000 – 2,000,000 | Depends on product category and MOQ |
| Furniture, Fixtures & Equipment | 250,000 – 850,000 | Display units, lighting, POS systems |
| Licenses & Permits | 30,000 – 130,000 | Business type and city-specific |
| Branding & Signage | 60,000 – 400,000 | Premium locations cost more |
| Marketing & Launch Campaigns | 120,000 – 400,000 | Digital and offline combined |
| Technology & Software | 80,000 – 350,000 | POS, inventory, e-commerce tools |
| Staffing & Training | 80,000 – 250,000 | First month payroll included |
| Utilities, Insurance & Security | 50,000 – 150,000 | Deposits and initial coverage |
| Contingency Reserve | 200,000 – 750,000 | 10-20% of total budget |
| Total Capital Required | 3,000,000 – 10,000,000+ | Higher for luxury concepts |
What is the monthly rent or purchase cost for your concept store location, including deposits?
Monthly rent for a concept store in a prime metropolitan area typically ranges from THB 300,000 to THB 550,000 for a 100 square meter space, with upfront deposits of 2-3 months required.
Downtown retail spaces in major cities average THB 5,500 per square meter monthly, while suburban locations cost approximately THB 3,000 per square meter. The location you choose dramatically impacts your visibility and foot traffic, which directly affects your sales potential.
Security deposits and advance rent payments usually equal 2-3 months of rent. For a 100 square meter concept store in a central business district, expect monthly rent around THB 550,000, requiring THB 1.1 to 1.65 million upfront for deposits and advances.
Premium shopping districts and high-traffic areas command higher rates but deliver better customer exposure. Suburban or secondary locations offer lower costs but may require stronger marketing efforts to attract your target audience.
You'll find detailed market insights in our concept store business plan, updated every quarter.
How much should you budget for interior design, construction, and renovation?
Interior design and fit-out costs for a concept store range from THB 500,000 to THB 3 million, depending on design complexity and material quality.
Basic renovation for a 100 square meter space starts at THB 150,000, while high-end boutique fit-outs can exceed THB 3 million. The concept store format demands creative interior design that reflects your brand identity and creates an immersive shopping experience.
Premium concept stores in prime locations typically budget around THB 5,600 per square meter for interior work, totaling approximately THB 560,000 for a 100 square meter space. This includes custom fixtures, specialized lighting, feature walls, and branded design elements that distinguish your store.
Construction costs vary based on whether you're working with a raw space or renovating an existing retail unit. Raw spaces require complete build-outs including electrical, HVAC, and plumbing systems, while existing spaces may only need cosmetic updates and fixture installation.
This is one of the strategies explained in our concept store business plan.
What are the expected costs for initial inventory?
Initial inventory investment for a concept store typically ranges from THB 400,000 to THB 2 million, influenced by product categories and supplier minimum order requirements.
| Product Category | Typical Initial Investment (THB) | Minimum Order Considerations |
|---|---|---|
| Fashion & Apparel | 600,000 – 1,500,000 | 50-100 units per SKU typical |
| Home Décor & Accessories | 400,000 – 1,000,000 | Varies by item size and supplier |
| Art & Collectibles | 800,000 – 2,000,000 | Often consignment or curated pieces |
| Beauty & Wellness Products | 300,000 – 800,000 | Lower MOQs but rapid turnover needed |
| Specialty Food & Beverage | 500,000 – 1,200,000 | Thousands of units for packaged goods |
| Design Objects & Gifts | 450,000 – 1,100,000 | Mix of exclusive and volume items |
| Books & Stationery | 350,000 – 900,000 | Returnable inventory often available |
How much should you allocate to furniture, fixtures, and equipment?
Furniture, fixtures, and equipment (FF&E) for a concept store typically require THB 250,000 to THB 850,000, representing 7-15% of total setup costs.
This category includes display units, shelving systems, specialized lighting, mirrors, seating areas, checkout counters, and point-of-sale hardware. Concept stores require more creative and flexible fixtures than traditional retail formats to showcase curated products effectively.
Custom-built display fixtures cost significantly more than standard retail shelving but create the distinctive atmosphere concept stores require. Budget THB 50,000 to THB 200,000 for custom display units, THB 80,000 to THB 250,000 for lighting systems, and THB 40,000 to THB 150,000 for POS hardware and equipment.
High-quality fixtures are an investment in your brand experience. Modular systems offer flexibility to reconfigure your store layout as your product mix evolves, while premium materials and finishes enhance the perceived value of your merchandise.
What are the upfront costs for licenses, permits, and regulatory approvals?
Licenses and permits for opening a concept store cost between THB 30,000 and THB 130,000, varying by business structure and city requirements.
Basic business registration and retail licenses typically range from THB 20,000 to THB 120,000. Additional permits may be required depending on your product mix—food and beverage sales require health department approvals, while selling certain regulated products demands specialized licenses.
Legal and consulting support adds another THB 20,000 to THB 50,000 if you need assistance with compliance, document translation, or navigating local regulations. International brands or foreign entrepreneurs often require additional legal guidance for proper business structure setup.
Factor in annual renewal fees and ongoing compliance costs when budgeting for permits. Some licenses require periodic inspections or documentation updates that add to operational expenses beyond the initial startup phase.
We cover this exact topic in the concept store business plan.
What is the projected expense for branding, signage, and exterior design?
Branding and signage investments for a concept store range from THB 60,000 to THB 400,000, with premium locations requiring higher-quality installations.
Storefront signage costs vary from THB 20,000 for basic mounted signs to THB 200,000 or more for custom illuminated installations. Concept stores benefit from distinctive signage that reflects their unique brand identity and attracts the right customer demographic.
Comprehensive branding packages including logo development, brand guidelines, packaging design, and marketing collateral typically cost THB 50,000 to THB 150,000. Premium concept stores in high-visibility locations often invest THB 200,000 to THB 600,000 in complete brand identity systems.
Exterior design elements such as window displays, facade treatments, and entrance features create crucial first impressions. Budget THB 30,000 to THB 150,000 for professional window display design and installation that showcases your concept effectively.
How much should you budget for initial marketing and promotional campaigns?
Initial marketing and promotional campaigns for a concept store require THB 120,000 to THB 400,000, covering both digital and offline channels before and after launch.
- Social media advertising campaigns: THB 30,000 to THB 100,000 for targeted ads across Instagram, Facebook, and TikTok to build pre-launch awareness
- Influencer partnerships and collaborations: THB 25,000 to THB 120,000 for local influencers and content creators who align with your brand
- Grand opening events and experiences: THB 40,000 to THB 150,000 for launch parties, press events, or exclusive preview experiences
- Print materials and direct mail: THB 15,000 to THB 50,000 for flyers, postcards, catalogs, and neighborhood distribution
- Website development and e-commerce setup: THB 30,000 to THB 100,000 for a professional online presence and potential online sales channel
It's a key part of what we outline in the concept store business plan.
What technology and software costs must be accounted for?
Technology and software systems for a concept store require THB 80,000 to THB 350,000 in initial investment, covering point-of-sale, inventory management, and e-commerce platforms.
| Technology Component | Initial Cost (THB) | Monthly/Annual Costs (THB) |
|---|---|---|
| Cloud POS System | 20,000 – 100,000 | 1,000 – 20,000/month |
| Inventory Management Software | 10,000 – 80,000 | 2,000 – 15,000/month |
| E-commerce Platform | 30,000 – 200,000 | 2,000 – 15,000/month |
| Accounting Software | 5,000 – 30,000 | 500 – 3,000/month |
| Customer Relationship Management | 10,000 – 50,000 | 1,500 – 8,000/month |
| Computer Hardware & Tablets | 40,000 – 150,000 | N/A (one-time) |
| Security & Surveillance Systems | 25,000 – 120,000 | 500 – 3,000/month |
What are the recruitment, training, and initial payroll costs for staff?
Staffing costs for launching a concept store include THB 80,000 to THB 250,000 for recruitment, training, and the first month's payroll.
Entry-level retail staff earn THB 15,000 to THB 30,000 monthly, while store managers command THB 31,000 to THB 47,000. A typical concept store requires 3-10 employees depending on size and operating hours, resulting in first-month payroll of THB 60,000 to THB 250,000.
Recruitment costs including job postings, agency fees, and screening processes add THB 10,000 to THB 40,000. Training programs for product knowledge, brand values, customer service standards, and systems operation require another THB 10,000 to THB 40,000 for materials and trainer time.
Uniforms or dress code investments typically cost THB 3,000 to THB 8,000 per employee. Concept stores often have specific aesthetic requirements for staff appearance that align with the brand image, potentially increasing initial wardrobe costs.
What should be set aside for utilities, insurance, security, and service deposits?
Utilities, insurance, security systems, and related deposits for a concept store startup typically require THB 50,000 to THB 150,000.
Utility deposits for electricity, water, and internet services range from THB 10,000 to THB 50,000, with some providers requiring first and last month payments upfront. Monthly utility costs vary based on store size, lighting systems, and climate control needs.
Insurance coverage including property, fire, liability, and inventory protection costs THB 15,000 to THB 80,000 annually. Concept stores with high-value inventory or art pieces require higher coverage limits that increase premium costs.
Security systems including cameras, alarm systems, and monitoring services require THB 25,000 to THB 120,000 for equipment and installation. Monthly monitoring fees add THB 500 to THB 3,000 to ongoing operational expenses.
What contingency reserve is recommended to cover unexpected expenses?
A contingency reserve of 10-20% of your total startup budget is recommended for a concept store, typically ranging from THB 200,000 to THB 750,000.
Unexpected expenses commonly arise from construction delays, permit complications, supplier issues, or equipment failures during the startup phase. Concept stores face additional risks from rapidly changing design trends or the need to pivot product offerings based on market response.
Lenders and investors typically require contingency reserves as risk buffers when evaluating financing applications. This demonstrates financial prudence and increases your chances of securing favorable loan terms or investment commitments.
The reserve also provides working capital to cover operational losses during the initial months before reaching break-even. Most concept stores require 3-6 months to build consistent customer traffic and achieve positive cash flow.
Get expert guidance and actionable steps inside our concept store business plan.
What is the total estimated capital requirement and how does this align with financing options?
Total capital requirements for opening a concept store range from THB 3 million to THB 10 million or more, depending on location, design ambitions, and product offerings.
| Store Type | Total Capital Required (THB) | Typical Financing Mix |
|---|---|---|
| Basic Suburban Concept Store | 1,200,000 – 2,500,000 | 60% owner equity, 40% small business loan |
| Mid-Range Urban Location | 3,000,000 – 5,000,000 | 40% owner equity, 60% bank financing |
| Premium Downtown Concept Store | 6,000,000 – 10,000,000 | 30-40% equity, 60-70% financing |
| Luxury/Flagship Location | 12,000,000 – 15,000,000+ | 25-35% equity, remainder from investors/loans |
Most lenders require owner equity of 25-40% of total project costs. Banks evaluate business plans, market analysis, financial projections, and operating capital reserves for 3-6 months of expenses before approving loans.
Financing options include traditional bank loans, SBA-style government programs, private investors, angel investors, or venture capital for scalable concepts. Interest rates and terms vary significantly based on your credit profile, business experience, and the strength of your concept store business plan.
Alternative funding sources include crowdfunding for community-focused concepts, supplier financing for inventory, and equipment leasing to reduce upfront capital needs. Many successful concept store owners use a combination of personal savings, family loans, and institutional financing to reach required capital levels.
Conclusion
This article is for informational purposes only and should not be considered financial advice. Readers are encouraged to consult with a qualified professional before making any investment decisions. We accept no liability for any actions taken based on the information provided.
Opening a concept store requires comprehensive financial planning across multiple cost categories.
The estimates provided reflect current market conditions in major metropolitan areas, but your specific costs will vary based on location, concept complexity, and product strategy. Careful budgeting, realistic projections, and adequate contingency reserves increase your chances of successful launch and sustainable growth.
Sources
- Krungsri Research - Industry Outlook: Retail Space 2025-2027
- Gia Long - Shop Interior Design Cost
- Shopify - How Much It Costs to Open a Retail Store in 2025
- Korona POS - Retail Store Equipment
- WebFX - Retail Marketing Budget
- Cheers POS - Inventory Management Software Cost Guide 2025
- POS Nation - How Much Does It Cost to Open a Retail Store
- Lightspeed - Cost to Start a Retail Store
- Dojo Business - How to Open a Retail Clothing Store
- Dojo Business - Retail Startup Costs
-How to Write a Business Plan for a Concept Store
-Complete Startup Costs Breakdown for a Concept Store
-Revenue Projections Tool for Concept Stores
-Investment Guide for Opening a Concept Store
-Pricing Strategy for Concept Store Success
-Finding the Ideal Space for Your Concept Store
