Hello,
It sounds like a lovely idea. Here is my 2ps worth.
Have a look at the Business Link website - they are really helpful with free courses and research information.
There are two ways to go with stock:
Sale or return.
You stock products and if they sell you give an agreed amount to the supplier if not then they can claim back their products.
No outlay for you but you would typically have a lower return rate. The shop that stocks my products takes 33% of the retail price.
This is good for small producers local to you, but difficult to negotiate with larger suppliers (obv they dont want to just send off stock for nothing ;))
Wholesale.
Where you buy the stock at an agreed price and add a mark up to the retail price.
Wholesale price is usually around half the retail price.
You will be expected to make a minimum order.
Although setting your own retail price is good the market is so competitive and folk shop around such a lot that you are likely to stick to the RRP.
What makes your shop unique?
Although you may have fabulous taste will your taste sell in your retail location? You could end up with a shop full of stock that would sell half a mile up the road but not in your outlet.
Premises
If there are empty premises around try to find one with a short amount of time left on the lease. That way you aren't tied into a long rental agreement should things not go to plan.
Website & promotion
As well as having the shop think about selling on line to support your business - it does take work to administrate and promote but could be vital in getting sales as well as promoting the business.
Market research
Do lots of it and then a bit more
Could you put together a mini stock and hold a sales party at your house. This will help you find out what people would buy as well as help create a customer base.
Or start with some stock and have a stall at parent and toddler groups.
Also worth sitting on a street corner where you would like your shop and just counting the number and type of people that walk along the street.
Um well I hope there is something useful in there for you.
Good luck