Journey

Run a retail business

Ongoing compliance and operational guidance for established retail businesses

Retail & Consumer Goods Running a Business Updated 15 September 2026
references 26 guides

Trading standards and consumer rights

Your comprehensive obligations under consumer protection law - pricing, descriptions, and fair trading.

Consumer rights compliance

Understand refund obligations, repair rights, and the 30-day rejection period.

Price marking for retailers

Comply with price display requirements including unit pricing and sale price rules.

Product safety and labelling

Product safety requirements and labelling compliance for retail goods.

Age-restricted products

Age verification requirements, Challenge 25 policy, and penalties for underage sales.

Avoid unfair trading practices

Avoid criminal liability for misleading advertising, fake reviews, and aggressive sales techniques.

Sunday trading rules

Sunday trading restrictions, exemptions, and employee opt-out rights.

Distance selling and e-commerce

Consumer Contracts Regulations requirements for online and distance selling.

Distance selling requirements

Pre-contract information requirements and cancellation procedures.

E-commerce regulations

Full e-commerce compliance including delivery rules and digital content.

Workplace health and safety

Your legal duties under the Health and Safety at Work Act.

Fire safety duties

Fire risk assessment and fire safety management as the responsible person.

Workplace welfare

Staff facilities, temperature, ventilation, and workspace requirements.

Understanding business rates

How business rates work, calculation methods, and payment options.

National Minimum Wage

Current wage rates and compliance requirements.

Agency workers

Rights of agency workers and your obligations as a hirer.

Workplace pensions

Auto-enrolment duties for all eligible workers including part-time staff.

Health and safety basics

Health and safety training requirements for retail staff.

Risk assessments

Risk assessment requirements and staff involvement.

VAT returns

Submitting VAT returns and meeting MTD requirements.

VAT schemes

Choose the right VAT scheme: Standard, Flat Rate, or Cash Accounting.

Data protection for businesses

UK GDPR requirements, lawful bases, and ICO registration.

Data breach response

What to do if customer data is compromised.

Specialist retail licences

Specialist licences for fireworks, animals, scrap metal, and other regulated products.

Business waste management

Waste duty of care, transfer notes, and carrier verification.

Business insurance

Required and recommended insurance for retail businesses.