Lendus.

Retail Business Loans

Whether you're stocking up for peak season, opening a new store, or investing in e-commerce, Lendus compares 200+ lenders to find the best retail business finance.

200+ UK lenders
2-minute application
No credit check to apply
FCA-regulated brokers

Typical Range

£5k – £1m

Average Loan

£65k

for retail

Decision Speed

24–48 hrs

for unsecured loans

Eligibility requirements

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Loan types available

Unsecured Business Loan

Rate
6.9% – 24.9% APR
Term
1 – 5 years
Security
No security required
Best for
Stock purchases, shop fit-outs, e-commerce development, and seasonal cash flow

Secured Business Loan

Rate
4.9% – 14.9% APR
Term
1 – 20 years
Security
Commercial or residential property
Best for
Purchasing retail premises, multi-site expansion, or large-scale refurbishments

Merchant Cash Advance

Rate
Factor rate 1.10 – 1.40
Term
3 – 18 months
Security
Repaid as a percentage of card takings
Best for
Retailers with strong card sales needing quick, flexible funding for stock or opportunities

Representative example

Borrow £65,000 over 36 months at 9.9% APR (fixed). Monthly repayment: ~£2,094. Rates depend on your circumstances and the type of loan.

Market context

UK retail sales total approximately £420 billion annually, with online accounting for around 27% of all retail spending. The sector employs roughly 2.9 million people across approximately 300,000 retail businesses.

Common challenges

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Bad credit?

Several of our 200+ lenders work with retail businesses that have imperfect credit. You may need a personal guarantee or higher rate, but options exist. Checking your options here does not affect your credit score, because we do not run a credit search to match you. A lender will run their own checks only if you decide to apply.

Frequently asked questions

What is the best loan for buying retail stock before a busy season?
A merchant cash advance or short-term unsecured loan works well for seasonal stock purchases. A merchant cash advance is repaid as a percentage of your card sales, so repayments naturally increase during busy periods when you can afford them and decrease in quieter months. Short-term loans of 3-12 months can provide a fixed lump sum for a specific stock purchase with predictable repayments. Lendus can compare both options.
Can I get a loan to open a new retail shop?
Yes. New shop openings typically require funding for the lease deposit, fit-out, initial stock, signage, and marketing. Costs range from £10,000 for a small independent shop to £250,000+ for a larger format store. If you already run a successful retail business, lenders will assess your existing trading record. For first-time retailers, a strong business plan and evidence of retail experience are essential.
Is there finance available for e-commerce investment?
Absolutely. Investing in an online presence is a sound use of business finance. Common uses include website development (£5,000-£30,000), e-commerce platform subscriptions, digital marketing, warehouse space, and fulfilment technology. Lenders view omnichannel retail businesses favourably because they have diversified revenue streams. An unsecured loan or revolving credit facility works well for ongoing e-commerce investment.
How do I manage cash flow between supplier payments and customer sales?
Many retailers use a revolving credit facility or invoice finance to bridge the gap between paying suppliers and receiving customer revenue. A revolving credit facility gives you a credit line you draw down as needed and only pay interest on what you use. Trade finance is another option if you import stock, as it pays your overseas supplier directly and gives you extended payment terms. Lendus can compare all these options for your specific situation.

Equipment finance for retail businesses

Buying a specific machine or vehicle is usually cheaper than a general business loan, because the asset itself is the security. These are the items retail businesses most often fund, with the price range we see quoted in the UK.

Equipment Typical price range Finance page
Shop Fit Out £15k to £300k Shop Fit Out finance
EPOS System £600 to £40k EPOS System finance
CCTV System £2k to £80k CCTV System finance
Barber Chair £600 to £20k Barber Chair finance
Beauty Couch £500 to £15k Beauty Couch finance
Body Shop Equipment £10k to £200k Body Shop Equipment finance
Car Wash Equipment £15k to £250k Car Wash Equipment finance
Climbing Wall £10k to £200k Climbing Wall finance
Commercial Dryer £2k to £50k Commercial Dryer finance
Commercial Gym Equipment £5k to £300k Commercial Gym Equipment finance
Commercial Washing Machine £2k to £60k Commercial Washing Machine finance
Desk Fleet £2k to £80k Desk Fleet finance

Browse all equipment finance pages

Understand the loan structures

The table above shows what a retail business borrows for. These pages explain how each kind of borrowing actually works, what it costs and who it suits.

Business loans for bad credit Government-backed business loans Merchant cash advance Revolving credit facilities Business loans with no personal guarantee Secured business loans Start up business loans Unsecured business loans

Related industry loans

Restaurant Hair & Beauty Salon Pub & Bar Hotel & Hospitality Manufacturing

Guides and resources

How to Get a Business Loan Business Loan Eligibility Secured vs Unsecured Best Business Loans UK iwoca Review Funding Circle Review

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