Your Retail Vision

Backed by the expertise to make it real

Dreaming of opening your own shop?

Here’s your roadmap. The big-picture plan every new shop owner needs.

Opening a shop is exciting, but it’s also full of hidden steps, costs, and decisions you don’t want to get wrong. That’s why I created the Retail Roadmap: a clear, practical guide that takes you from idea to opening day with confidence.

Retail Roadmap – steps to opening a shop in Australia

The Retail Roadmap is your step-by-step guide to opening a shop, café, restaurant, or service business in Australia — without the stress and costly mistakes.

 

Many first-time retailers can feel overwhelmed: leases, budgets, builders, designs, inspections. Where do you even begin? The Retail Roadmap breaks it down into five clear steps, so you always know what to focus on next.

Explore the Roadmap

So many fitout disasters start before you even get to site.
They start with the lease

You’re standing in your dream shop, heart racing with excitement. Then the lease lands on the table.  

60+ pages of fine print.  Do you:

  • Sign it and hope for the best?

  • Stall because you’re nervous you’ll miss something?

  • Or sit there wishing you knew the right questions to ask?

That’s where this free 3-page Cheat Sheet comes in.

I want the Cheat Sheet!

Get the questions every retailer should ask before signing a lease

Inside, you’ll find:

  • The 7 must-ask questions that uncover hidden traps.

  • Simple phrases that make leasing agents sit up and listen.

  • Key negotiation tips so you can hold your ground (without feeling pushy).

  • A way to protect your budget and avoid years of regret.

Print it, save it, or keep it on your phone. Take it to your next inspection and you’ll know exactly what to say.


Why it matters

Most retailers walk into leasing conversations unprepared, and agents know it. The wrong question (or no question at all) can lock you into years of stress and unexpected costs.


This cheat sheet is your first step to staying calm, confident, and in control.

Real Results from Real Shop Owners

Aaron Chua, Bloom Cafe
"We were looking at getting our very first cafe and weren’t sure where to start. With Karyn’s help, things were simple! After her inspection, she provided us with a detail report enabling us to identify potential hazards and communicate with the seller effectively. Karyn has been very helpful and we would strongly recommend her."
Clare Sourgnes, Artisan
"Karyn seamlessly project-managed a new build for me over a number of months. I found her to be professional, organised, and an excellent communicator. She brought a wealth of knowledge to the project that resulted in a finished build that was beyond my expectations. I could not recommend her more highly!"
Melanie Warren, Merak
"Could not recommend Karyn (Setting Up Shop) more highly!! From the very beginning to the very end, Karyn is with you every step of the way. Our first major Café fitout and I can 100% say that we would never have made it even half way to the finish line without her guidance & expertise."
Lucy George, Mumbleberry
"Karyn is efficient, knowledgeable, proactive and understanding. Right from the beginning she advised me on the whole leasing and contract stages, helping me to get a better deal. During the build stage she dealt with everything for me, so I didn't have to chase anything and alleviated all the stress. Karyn will save you money, pre-empt problems and have solutions before it happens"
Michael Cottier, Metro Arts
"On behalf of the Board I wanted to sincerely thank you for your work on our West Village project. Your experience, guidance and negotiating skills ensured a smooth delivery of our new home, to budget and to our timeline. And all completed in a pandemic!
Thank you for your professionalism and the extra care you brought to this project. We consider
you a valuable part of the Metro Arts family."
Alannah Read, Ella & Jade
"Before I began the process I had no idea of exactly how much was involved, and I am so glad that I had the team from Setting Up Shop there with me the entire time. The design and fit out ran so smoothly and this was all thanks to them. If you’re doing a fit out, relocating, or opening a business you need Karyn and Ali on your team! I can’t thank them enough!!"
Alexandra Diggles, Pelviology
"Karyn absolutely knows the lease, fit-out and property management space! Having a consultation with Karyn at the initial stages of finding a medical space was invaluable for saving us time and lost monies with negotiations. My experience is you don’t know what you don’t know, but Karyn does!!!"
Hao Vu, Xing Chao & Super Combo
"I received a handover of my two shops with unthinkable mechanical building defects. Karyn was extremely helpful and played a huge part from the beginning assisting us to gain the best outcome possible. From sourcing the right builders, to obtaining quotes, sharing knowledge, giving advice and anything else related in between, it was evident throughout that they had our best interest at heart for that we are very appreciative."
Jessica Fairweather, Studio Pilates
"Karyn's guidance & support was invaluable as I navigated the fit out of my first pilates studio. Communication was excellent & enjoyed working with Karyn in the exciting days as I got my business ready to open. Would not hesitate to recommend Setting Up Shop"
Toby Cumpstay, Simply For Strings
"Karyn has an incredibly vast knowledge of retail space, commercial leasing and retail design. But the really amazing skill is Karyn's ability to quickly and thoroughly identify the unique and critical needs of a business in terms of people, space and planning. She was incredibly thorough in her analysis and recommendations. I would highly recommend Karyn - a must-have trusted advisor!"
Scroll to Top