The store of sports nutrition has the same principles of work as any other retail outlet: the purchase of goods at wholesale prices and their sale at retail. However, the specifics of the product imposes its own imprint and determines the peculiarities of the business.
The entrepreneur himself must have a good understanding of the topic and the needs of the target audience, which includes both experienced athletes and novice amateurs. This knowledge is also necessary both in the formation of the assortment and in the trade itself: to choose the right products, to consult the customer, to help him with his choice. There are many manufacturers in the market of sports nutrition: some brands have proven themselves, others are new. It is very important to navigate in this diversity. It is not enough just to hire a knowledgeable person to handle sales. The business owner takes responsibility for the health and sports results of his customers, so he must be familiar with the topic of sports and special nutrition.
The target audience of such stores are different categories:
50% – people who are professionally involved in sports;
20% – amateurs who want to build muscle mass and are determined to achieve serious sports results in the future;
20% are novice athletes who buy sports nutrition following the recommendations of their trainers or just for the sake of interest and to see the effect;
10% – other categories of people who buy sports nutrition for various reasons.
What they all have in common is that these people work out, go to the gym and attend fitness studios. That’s where your potential customers are.
The second feature of the business is a narrow range of supply companies. In any case, you have to buy goods from major regional bases. Sports nutrition is a specific product, and it may be difficult for a newcomer to enter the market precisely because of the issue of procurement: finding a supplier who agrees to work on small volumes is not always easy.
But why is it still worth trying and opening your own business on sports nutrition? Let’s define the advantages of the idea.
Small investment. To open a store of sports nutrition requires a few thousand dollars. The main costs fall on the purchase of the first batch of goods and the organization of the point of sale (rental of premises and equipment). However, these items of expenditure can be reduced. Firstly, you can find a supplier who provides goods for sale. Secondly, you can start with the Internet sales. Both will save money at the start.
Low competition. Despite the popularity of the product, you can not say that the market is filled with stores selling sports nutrition. As a rule, they are located in places of high demand: in the building of the gym, next to fitness studios, etc. If you consider how many sports establishments are opening nowadays, the sports nutrition retailer has many options for the location of the outlet.
Independence from external factors. On the demand for sports nutrition is practically not affected by external changes: rising prices, reduced solvency, the financial crisis. From this athletes do not abandon the use of sports nutrition, because they need to keep in shape.
High income. Sports nutrition – goods with a high markup, which often reaches 100-200%. Because of this, the entrepreneur has every chance to reach a good profit in the first months of work. However, it is worth understanding that to achieve such a result will require a lot of effort. The main thing – to be able to sell and see opportunities for sales growth.
The rapid payback of the business. With high revenue, the payback period is 4-6 months.