What Is the Average Gross Profit Margin for a Small Retail Business?

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Calculations There is no average gross profit margin for a small retail business, since every retail business is unique. To show the range of gross profit margins, consider that a retail grocery store operates with a gross profit margin of around 25 percent, while a small jewelry store can operate at a gross profit margin level of around 50 percent. To calculate the gross profit margin for a small retail business, add a percentage of markup to the wholesale cost of an item or service. This provides a selling price. The difference between the selling price and the wholesale cost provides the gross margin price. To determine the gross margin percentage, simply divide the gross margin price by the selling price. For example, if a ceiling fan has a wholesale cost of $55 and a markup of 40 percent, the selling price of the ceiling fan is $77. This gives a gross margin price of $22. When dividing the gross margin price by the selling price, the gross margin is about 29 percent. Parameters Although there is no average gross profit margin for a small retail business, many small businesses operate within the parameters of having between a gross profit margin of 25 percent and 35 percent. It is important to remember that when operating expenses rise, it becomes necessary to increase the gross profit margin. Failing to do so puts a business at a loss. In 2005, independent booksellers had gross profit margins of slightly over 41 percent, yet had operating expenses of slightly over 42 percent, thereby causing many booksellers to operate at a

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