Let’s Get Real for a Second
Running a retail business in the UK while holding down another job isn’t for the faint-hearted. It’s like being in a relationship with two very demanding partners—both want your time, energy, and attention, and neither of them cares that you have to sleep. Yet, people do it. Successfully.
I know because I did it. And so have thousands of others. Whether you’re flipping vintage clothes online, running a cosy little coffee shop on the high street, or managing an e-commerce store in between Zoom calls, the hustle is real. But so are the rewards.
Here’s how you can make it work without burning out or losing your sanity.
1. The “Why” Will Keep You Going
Before we even get into the how, let’s talk about why. Because, trust me, when you’re packing orders at midnight or dealing with a supplier who just ghosted you, you’ll need a damn good reason to keep going.
For me, it was freedom—freedom from a job that I liked but didn’t love. For you, it might be extra income, a passion project, or a way to build something of your own.
Whatever it is, keep that reason front and centre. Write it on a Post-it. Tattoo it on your arm if you have to. Just don’t forget it when the going gets tough.
2. The 80/20 Rule is Your Best Friend
You’ve probably heard of the Pareto Principle: 80% of your results come from 20% of your efforts. When you’re balancing a full-time job and a retail business, you have to get ruthless about where you spend your time.
- What moves the needle? If 80% of your sales come from one type of product, focus on that.
- What’s a waste of time? If managing a physical store is eating you alive, maybe a pop-up or online model works better.
- What can you automate? Email responses, social media scheduling, even customer service (hello, chatbots!).
Time is your most precious resource. Spend it wisely.
3. Embrace the Weird Hours
You will work odd hours, so get used to it.
I used to wake up at 5 AM to process online orders before heading to my 9-to-5. Lunch breaks? That was time to check stock levels and respond to customer inquiries. Evenings? Packing, marketing, and strategizing.
I know someone who ran a successful weekend market stall while working in finance during the week. Another friend? A teacher who ran a kids’ bookstore, hosting bedtime story live streams after school.
Find pockets of time that work for you. Early mornings, late nights, weekends—it’s not about working all the time; it’s about working smart.
4. Customers Don’t Care That You’re Busy
This one stings, but it’s true. Your customers don’t care that you have another job. They expect good service, fast shipping, and a great experience.
So, how do you deliver without losing your mind?
- Set expectations early – If your store has a 48-hour response time, let customers know upfront.
- Batch your tasks – Answer emails in one go instead of checking all day.
- Use tech – Automated emails, chatbots, and scheduled social media posts can keep things running when you’re not available.
Customer service makes or breaks a small business. Nail this, and you’re already ahead of half your competitors.
5. Know When to Get Help
Doing everything yourself is a one-way ticket to burnout city.
Can you hire a virtual assistant for admin tasks? Get a part-time employee to run the shop while you work? Maybe your cousin wants extra cash and can help with packaging orders?
One of the best decisions I made was outsourcing my bookkeeping. Numbers aren’t my thing, and trying to DIY it was costing me more in stress than it was saving me in money.
Figure out what you can offload and do it.
6. Money: The Silent Business Killer
Ah, money. The reason many side businesses never make it past the “cute idea” stage.
Here’s the thing—retail businesses are cash hungry. Stock, rent (if you have a physical space), marketing—it all adds up. You need to be smart with your finances.
- Start lean. Don’t overinvest in inventory. Test products first.
- Reinvest profits. Avoid dipping into your business earnings for personal expenses too soon.
- Get comfortable with spreadsheets. If numbers scare you, find an app that makes it easier.
Cash flow is king. Protect it at all costs.
7. The End Goal: Build for Freedom
At some point, you’ll have to make a decision—keep juggling or go all-in.
For some, the goal is to run the business full-time. For others, it’s to keep it as a side hustle that brings in extra cash. Either way, the key is building systems that allow you to step back when needed.
Because real success isn’t working all the time—it’s having the freedom to choose when you work.
Final Thoughts: Keep It Real
Building a retail business while working another job is hard. Some days you’ll wonder if it’s worth it. Other days, you’ll make a sale while you’re sitting in a work meeting and feel like a genius.
It’s a rollercoaster. But if you’re strategic, persistent, and a little bit crazy (in a good way), you can make it work.
Now, get out there and start building. The hustle waits for no one. 🚀
Wole Oduwole, an SEO & Digital Growth Expert is the Founder of SEOGidi. Harnessing with over 10 years of experience to scaling startups and emerging businesses.
