How Much Does It Cost to Open a Metaphysical Store? (Sales Forecast and Breakeven Analysis Included)

If you want to open a metaphysical store in the United States, you should be ready to spend between $30,000 and $200,000 or more depending on the size, whether or not it will be heated, require electricity, and how you want to have it plumbed.

Your retail storefront will require another $50,000 investment minimum and your start-up supplies will run you another $10,000 to $50,000.

A metaphysical store is a business that offers a wide range of items that appeal to those seeking spiritual growth, self-discovery, and a deeper connection with the universe.

Aside from selling products related to spirituality, metaphysics, and holistic wellness, metaphysical stores also cater to individuals who are interested in exploring alternative or New Age philosophies, practices, and beliefs.

So, if you want to open a metaphysical store, there are certain factors that can influence the overall cost of opening the store. Some of the factors are universal, while others are unique to the location you want to open your store.

Estimated Cost Breakdown for Starting a Metaphysical Store

1. The total fee for registering the business in the United States of America – is $750.
2. Legal expenses for obtaining licenses and permits as well as the accounting services totaling – $1,200.
3. Marketing promotion expenses (2,000 flyers at $0.04 per copy) for the total amount of $80.
4. The cost of hiring a business consultant (writing of business plan inclusive) – is $2,500.
5. Insurance (general liability, workers’ compensation, and property casualty) coverage at a total premium – of $2,400.
6. The cost of accounting software, CRM software, and Payroll Software – is $1,500
7. The cost for payment of rent for 12 months at $1.76 per square foot in the total amount of – $35,600.
8. The cost for shop/facility remodeling – is $25,000.
9. Other start-up expenses including stationery – $500
10. Phone and utility deposits will cost – ($2,500)
11. Operational cost for the first 3 months (salaries of employees, payments of bills et al) – $30,000
12. The cost for start-up inventory (a wide range of products related to spirituality, metaphysics, and holistic wellness) – is $26,000
13. Storage hardware (bins, utensil rack, shelves, glasses case) – $3,720
14. The cost for counter area equipment – is $6,000
15. The cost for store equipment (cash register, security, ventilation, signage) – is $3,150
16. The cost for the purchase of office furniture and gadgets (Computers, Printers, Telephones, TVs, Sound Systems, tables, chairs et al) – is $8,000.
17. The cost of launching an official website – is $600
18. The cost for our grand opening party – is $3,000
19. Miscellaneous – $2,500

3-Year Sales Forecast and Breakeven Analysis

Initial Capital: $200,000

Fixed Cost: Monthly expenses such as rent, salaries, utilities, and insurance.

• Rent: $2,000 per month
• Salaries: $5,000 per month
• Utilities and other fixed costs: $1,000 per month
• Insurance: $500 per month
• Total Fixed Costs per Month: $8,500

Total Fixed Costs per Year: $102,000

• COGS: 40% of sales
• Average Sale per Customer: $30

Growth Assumption:

• Year 1: Starting with an average of 400 customers per month.
• Year 2: 20% increase in total sales from Year 1.
• Year 3: 15% increase in total sales from Year 2.

Year 1:

• Monthly Revenue: 400 customers x $30 = $12,000
• Total Annual Sales: $12,000 x 12 = $144,000
• Variable Costs: $144,000 x 0.40 = $57,600
• Fixed Costs: $102,000
• Total Costs: $57,600 + $102,000 = $159,600

Year 2:

• Total Annual Sales: $144,000 x 1.20 = $172,800
• Variable Costs: $172,800 x 0.40 = $69,120
• Fixed Costs: $102,000
• Total Costs: $69,120 + $102,000 = $171,120

Year 3:

• Total Annual Sales: $172,800 x 1.15 = $198,720
• Variable Costs: $198,720 x 0.40 = $79,488
• Fixed Costs: $102,000
• Total Costs: $79,488 + $102,000 = $181,488

Breakeven Point

Breakeven Sales Monthly = Fixed Cost per Month ÷ (1 – Variable Cost Percentage)

: = 8,500 ÷ (1 − 0.40)

Breakeven Sales Monthly ​= $14,167

Based on the above forecast, the breakeven point for your metaphysical store is $14,167 in monthly sales, meaning that your metaphysical store needs to generate at least this amount each month to cover both fixed and variable costs and reach the breakeven point.

In order to get a clear understanding of how much it will cost you to open a metaphysical store in your city, then you should consider the following factors.

Factors That Influence the Cost of Starting a Metaphysical Store

1. The Cost of Lease or Rent

When it comes to starting a metaphysical store, one of the major factors that will influence the cost of starting the business is the cost of leasing or renting the facility. Trust me, you should be ready to spend a major chunk of your budget in this regard.

Interestingly, the size of the store you want to lease, the location of the store, and of course, the additional facility that comes with the lease agreement will determine the amount you will spend.

2. The Cost of Registering the Business and Obtaining Licenses and Permits

If you are looking to start any business in the United States, you will be required to obtain the needed licenses and permits such as general business license, health and safety permit, zonal permit, signage permit, resale permit, etc. before you can legally start and operate the business.

Interestingly, the amount you will spend in registering the business and obtaining the needed licenses and permits will no doubt influence the overall cost of opening your metaphysical store.

3. The Cost of Start-Up Inventory

Another major factor that will determine the overall cost of opening a metaphysical store is, of course, the cost of your start-up inventory. Although, there is no fixed amount you are expected to spend when it comes to stocking your metaphysical store, but no matter the amount you decide to spend, it will definitely influence the overall cost of starting the business.

As expected, you should make plans for a comprehensive selection of crystals, gemstones, tarot and oracle cards, books, incense, candles, oils, ritual tools, meditation aids, and energy-healing products. It is important to stock enough products to attract customers while staying within your budget.

4. The Cost of Employing Workers

Although you can open a metaphysical store as a one-man business, but if you want to open a standard metaphysical store, then you should make plans to employ workers that will work with you. You should plan to hire a store manager, accountant (cashier), spiritual practitioner, and sales girl or boy.

Trust me, employee wages and any additional costs like payroll taxes, benefits, and worker’s compensation insurance et al are major costs that usually influence the overall cost of starting any business.

5. Operational Expenses

Operational expenses are yet another major factor that can influence the cost of opening a metaphysical store. Interestingly, the size of your metaphysical store, the number of workers you want to employ, and the additional services you want to offer will determine the amount you should budget.

Please note that your operational expenses are part of your ongoing expenses and they include utilities, maintenance, accounting software, security, software systems for inventory management, point-of-sale (POS) systems, customer relationship management (CRM), and other ongoing expenses associated with running a retail business.

6. Additional Service Offering

Although a metaphysical store is expected to sell products such as crystals, gemstones, cards, books, incense, candles, oils, ritual tools, meditation aids, and energy healing products et al, but standard metaphysical stores also offer additional services.

A standard metaphysical store can conveniently provide various services to cater to the needs of its customers. These services can include psychic readings, energy healing sessions, workshops on meditation and mindfulness, and classes on topics like astrology, tarot reading, and crystal healing.

Metaphysical stores can also host guest speakers and experts in the metaphysical field to offer unique educational opportunities to their customers. Note that these services will attract more cost to the business.

7. Miscellaneous Expenses

Lastly, another factor that will influence the overall cost of starting a metaphysical store is what is known as miscellaneous expenses. Miscellaneous expenses refer to costs that do not fall into specific categories but are still necessary for the operation of a business.

These expenses can vary depending on the nature of the business and individual circumstances. For a metaphysical store business, your miscellaneous expenses can cover professional services:

(Such as accounting, legal assistance, and possibly consultation services related to metaphysical practices or product sourcing), expenses related to shipping products to customers or suppliers, and postage for mailing documents or packages, and also cost associated with office supplies, packaging materials, credit card processing fees, internet and phone services, and professional memberships.

In conclusion,

The factors listed above are some of the fundamental factors that will determine the amount you are expected to spend if you want to open a metaphysical store in your city.

All you need to do to get an estimate of what it will cost you to open your metaphysical store is to research the costs associated with the factors listed above, and then do the additions. Please note that the figure you get will give you an idea of what you should budget to open a metaphysical store in your city.