For shops, chains and independents
Retail Business Finance
Retail business finance helps shops and retailers buy stock ahead of busy seasons, refit stores, open new locations and smooth out the quiet months between peaks.
Funding Plus compares lenders that fund retailers, including options repaid from your card takings.
- Stock finance for peak seasons
- Funding repaid from card sales
- Shop fit-out and refurbishment funding
Reviewed by the Funding Plus team · Last updated October 2026
Step 1 of 3 · Retail finance
How much do you need?
Takes about a minute. No impact on your credit score.
Cash Flow Challenges in Retail
Retail cash flow follows the calendar. Money goes out on stock months before it comes back through the tills.
Seasonal stock
Buying for Christmas or summer ties up cash well before sales arrive.
Thin margins
Rising costs leave little room to absorb a slow month.
Fit-outs and new sites
Refurbishing or opening a store needs a large sum upfront.
Supplier terms
Suppliers may want payment upfront, especially for new ranges or imports.
The Best Funding Options for Retail Businesses
Merchant cash advance
Repaid as a share of card takings, so repayments fall in quieter weeks.
Trade and stock finance
Pay suppliers upfront and repay after the stock sells.
Unsecured business loans
A fixed sum for a refit or new store, repaid over a set term.
Business line of credit
Ready funds for the gap between buying stock and selling it.
Example
An independent shop stocking up for Christmas
A gift shop needs £40,000 of stock in September for its busiest quarter. It takes a merchant cash advance repaid from 12% of card takings. Repayments rise through November and December as sales peak, and the advance is repaid by February.
Illustrative example, not a real customer or a quote.
What Lenders Look For
- Card takings and sales over the last 6 to 12 months
- Seasonal patterns and how you manage quiet months
- Gross margins and stock turnover
- Lease length on your premises
- Online sales alongside the shop
Retail Finance FAQs
What's the best funding for seasonal stock?
Stock finance or a merchant cash advance often suits seasonal buying, as repayment follows your sales.
Can I finance a shop refit?
Yes. An unsecured loan or asset finance for fixtures and equipment are common choices.
Can a new shop get funding?
A merchant cash advance can work after a few months of card takings. Start-up loans are another option.
Will lenders look at my online sales?
Yes. Combined online and in-store revenue gives lenders a fuller picture.
Find funding for your retail business
Tell us what you need and we'll match you with lenders that understand your sector.