Break-even
Break even revenue of AUD $98,589 makes reliable repeat purchases essential; general CBD activity does not establish that the proposed entrance can generate them.
Convenience store sample report
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Sample reportSmall Business Feasibility Report
Sydney Convenience Store — Sample
Convenience Store
580 George Street, Sydney NSW 2000, Australia
Indicative monthly profit of $9,476 on 6.9% margin, with a moderate risk profile.
Monthly revenue$136,800
Monthly profit$9,476
Margin6.9%
Risk profileModerate
Generated 28 October 2026Hypothetical business · Sample reportsmallbizsim.com
Contents
- Executive snapshot
- Revenue and cost composition
- Key metrics explained
- Feasibility narrative
- Competitor intelligence
- Price positioning
- Pros and trade-offs
- Local developments
- Customer voice
- Neighbourhood profile
- Two-year forecast
- Cashflow view
- Outcome range and profit levers
- Business insights
- Industry benchmarks
- Prioritised recommendations
- Evidence and next steps
- Appendix — assumptions used
- Appendix — report notes
This report is an indicative feasibility simulation. Figures are estimates based on the stated assumptions; validate key assumptions with qualified professionals before making commitments.
Overview
Executive snapshot
This scenario estimates $136,800 in monthly revenue and $9,476 in monthly profit, a 6.9% margin, breaking even in 23.7 mo and paying back startup capital in 23.7 mo. The overall risk profile is moderate (55/100).
Keep this as a conditional opportunity, not a lease-ready decision: the strongest proposition is a compact, non-alcoholic convenience range serving office and station journeys. Secure evidence that the actual shop intercepts those journeys, then test the offer and supplier economics before committing to fit-out or stock.
Monthly revenue$136,800
Monthly fixed cost$24,450
Monthly variable cost$102,874
Monthly profit$9,476
Margin6.9%
Break-even23.7 moto cover monthly costs
Payback23.7 moto recover startup capital
Risk score55/100moderate
Startup cost$224,500
Monthly revenue, cost and profit
Monthly snapshot
What drives revenue and cost
Each area is sized by its share of the modelled steady-state month.
Revenue composition
Cost composition
What the numbers mean
Key metrics explained
Payback
Payback months of approximately 23.7 is a steady-state model result, not cash recovery: the supplied ramp does not reach Cash payback months within its horizon.
Margin
Margin of 6.9% leaves limited room for purchasing errors, discounting or waste, and the supplied stress tests identify Cost of Goods Sold as the largest profit lever.
Risk
The stress tests produce positive Monthly profit in 93.4% of runs under their assumptions, but this is not the real-world probability of success or evidence that this tenancy can attract the assumed trade.
Feasibility narrative
Location fit for this convenience store
580 George Street: a convenience-store opportunity conditional on the shop position
580 George Street could suit a convenience store focused on quick purchases by office workers and station users, provided the available shop is visible and directly accessible on their actual walking route. The strongest argument is the building’s office-and-retail setting and pedestrian connection to Town Hall Station—not simply its CBD address. An obscure tenancy away from that connection would need a different, destination-led proposition that the supplied evidence does not establish. [1]
Conditional assessment
The area offers a credible basis for a quick-purchase convenience store because office activity and a station connection meet at the building. The preferred proposition is a clear, compact everyday range serving existing journeys, rather than an untested broad grocery or alcohol-led offer. That opportunity remains separate from the unverified premises: proceed only when the actual shop position, competing offers, technical suitability and development access arrangements support the same argument. [1][2][4]
Feasibility narrative
Location fit for this convenience store — continued
Feasibility narrative
Location fit for this convenience store — continued
Feasibility narrative
Location fit for this convenience store — continued
Feasibility narrative
Location fit for this convenience store — continued
Sources and research limits4 sources
- 580 George Street | GPT · premises; observation date not established
- Proposed changes to planning controls for 580 George Street, Sydney · premises; evidence as of 2026-08-24
- 2021 2000, NSW, Census All persons QuickStats | Australian Bureau of Statistics · area; observation date not established
- Town Hall - Red Bottle · premises; observation date not established
- The building address is established, but no available convenience-store tenancy, current fit-out or permission for the intended use is established.
- Planning approval does not establish construction commencement, completion or restrictions on customer access. The linked planning documents were not supplied as readable text.
- The station connection does not establish pedestrian traffic past a proposed shop entrance or likely sales.
- The Census figures cover Postal Area POA2000, not the immediate shop catchment, and describe residents in 2021.
- The verified local retail comparison is limited to Red Bottle’s advertised liquor offer, not its financial performance. The Coles page was unavailable, and the readable Woolworths text did not identify a local branch.
- 1 original source page(s) could not be read and were excluded from verified findings.
- Unresolved after the targeted follow-up: Which current first-party location pages confirm convenience stores or supermarkets around 580 George Street, including their street addresses, trading hours and advertised offers?
- Unresolved after the targeted follow-up: Is there a current authoritative project or development-application page for 580 George Street confirming construction timing and any restrictions on retail or Town Hall pedestrian access?
Public-source desktop research, not a premises inspection. Commercial interpretations and operating proposals are judgments to validate, not measured demand.
Competitor intelligence
Who you're up against nearby
Comparable convenience store businesses around this location, so you can spot saturation and the gaps they leave open.
Similar businesses nearby20Within 1500 m
On your block3Within 400 m
Nearest competitor20 mClosest of the same type
Average rating3.69/5Based on ~536 reviews
Competitor proximity
Competitor intelligence
Market signals around this location
Demand anchors — 100/100 (high)
| Residential services | high |
|---|---|
| Shopping activity | high |
| Family activity | high |
| Health activity | high |
Transformed supporting-place score within 1.5 km; it does not measure customer visits.
Competitor offer mix
- Offered
- Not offered
- Not published
- Accessible entrance100%17 of 17 confirmed profiles · 3 not published
- Contactless payment100%20 of 20 confirmed profiles
- Credit cards100%12 of 12 confirmed profiles · 8 not published
- Delivery94%17 of 18 confirmed profiles · 2 not published
- Parking listed80%4 of 5 confirmed profiles · 15 not published
- Accessible toilets67%2 of 3 confirmed profiles · 17 not published
- Accessible parking44%7 of 16 confirmed profiles · 4 not published
- Curbside pickup0%0 of 10 confirmed profiles · 10 not published
Percentages include only competitor profiles with confirmed information for that feature.
Competitor intelligence
Direct competitors nearby
Comparable businesses returned for this location, ordered by distance.
- 1
- 2
- 3
- 4
- 5
- 6
- 7
- 8Harmony Mart775 m away · 16-18 Quay St, Haymarket NSW 2000, AustraliaAccessible entrance · Parking listed · Credit cards
Competitor intelligence
Direct competitors nearby — continued
- 9
- 10
- 11
- 12
- 13
- 14
- 15
- 16
Competitor intelligence
Direct competitors nearby — continued
- 17BRIDGE HUB1.36 km away · 234 George St, Sydney NSW 2000, AustraliaCredit cards · Contactless payment
- 18
- 19
- 20
Competitor intelligence
Opening hours
Published trading patterns across nearby competitors reveal thin coverage and potential early or late trading gaps.
Typical opening05:06 – 16:18Average open–close window
Days open per week5.1 / 7Average across competitors
Open before 7am60%Share of competitors — early-bird gap if low
Open past 8pm71%Share of competitors — evening gap if low
Trading hours across the field
Price positioning
Published prices nearby and beyond
Published nearby prices and, when available, a separately labeled broader-area benchmark. Validate your own offer and unit economics separately.
These competitor listings do not include usable prices. Check competitors' websites or visit the shops to compare current prices and services.
Decision support
Pros and trade-offs
Assess a compact store selling packaged food, non-alcoholic drinks and everyday essentials, with fast checkout and dependable availability for office and station journeys.
What this means for your decision
Commercial judgmentThe strongest opportunity is saving customers time during existing office and station journeys. The most consequential trade-off is that this benefit depends on an unverified shop position, while the saved economics require disciplined buying and reliable availability. Pursue the compact proposition only if entrance-level evidence and verified alternatives support it, and quote-backed operations remain viable; reconsider a poorly connected tenancy rather than expecting a broader range or longer hours to repair its location disadvantage.
Basis and sources
- GPT describes 580 George Street as an A Grade office and retail building in Sydney’s midtown precinct, connected to Town Hall Station by a pedestrian underpass. · premises
- Verified location research and unresolved limitations
- Saved assumptions and deterministic results
- Deterministic stress tests
- General business judgment
Decision support
Pros and trade-offs — continued
Decision support
Pros and trade-offs — continued
Decision support
Pros and trade-offs — continued
Local developments
What's shaping this market
Cited context across regulation, costs, pricing, demand, competition, suppliers and recent local activity. These developments do not change the modelled figures.
Local business updates
George Street north pedestrian boulevard works were still scheduled to finish in late 2026CityHeadwind
The City of Sydney says the George Street north pedestrian boulevard works began in May 2024, are being staged to minimise disruption, and are expected to be completed by late 2026. The page also says emergency services and local access will be maintained during the works.
For this business: If you open near George Street north, verify current frontage access, delivery access and any footpath closures before signing the lease or fit-out schedule.
Project status: Under constructionDate mentioned by source:
Source: cityofsydney.nsw.gov.au — https://www.cityofsydney.nsw.gov.au/improving-streets-public-spaces/extending-pedestrian-boulevard-george-street-sydney
City publicly flagged temporary construction structures at 65 Martin PlaceCityHeadwind
The City of Sydney published a public notice seeking feedback on a proposed licence for temporary construction structures at 65 Martin Place, Sydney, for up to 4 years and 11 months. A related Central Sydney Planning Committee item for DA D/2025/1160 was determined in March 2026.
For this business: This suggests prolonged construction activity around Martin Place that could affect pedestrian flow, noise and access for a nearby convenience store; confirm the exact site boundaries and whether the activity still applies to your chosen corner.
Source: cityofsydney.nsw.gov.au — https://www.cityofsydney.nsw.gov.au/public-notices
Sydney Metro West Hunter Street Station was expected to start main works in late 2026CityNeutral
Sydney Metro said in its 2026 contract-signings update that Lendlease was expected to commence construction of Hunter Street Station's main works in late 2026, and that the station would provide pedestrian connections to Wynyard and direct access to Martin Place metro platforms. The same update says the station anchors two over-station commercial developments.
For this business: This is a major long-run demand and disruption factor for the CBD core: nearby footfall may improve over time, but construction could depress access and trade during the build period, so check the current work zone before committing.
Project status: Under constructionDate mentioned by source:
Source: sydneymetro.info — https://www.sydneymetro.info/article/contract-signings-progress-sydney-metro-west-2026
Customer voice
What customers value and what needs work
What customers value
- Friendly staff who make quick visits easier
Customers praised staff for being friendly, helpful, and willing to assist with finding items or handling purchases smoothly. The positive comments focus on the checkout or counter interaction, not just the store itself.
- Convenient stop for everyday essentials and fast shopping
Several reviews liked the store as a practical place to grab groceries, snacks, coffee, or lunch without spending much time. The convenience comes from easy access, quick checkout, and a useful range for small trips.
- Prepared food and specialty items that feel worth a visit
Reviewers enjoyed the ready-to-eat options and distinctive items such as sushi, Korean food, Thai drinks, snacks, and other lunch choices. The praise is about the food selection and the appeal of having something different or fresh on hand.
- Well-stocked, clean, and easy to shop in
Customers described some locations as tidy, organized, and well stocked, which made it easier to find what they needed. This praise was tied to the store layout and general presentation, not just the products themselves.
What frustrates customers
- Rude or dismissive customer interactions
A number of reviews criticized staff for being rude, unprofessional, or unhelpful during ordinary shopping interactions. The complaints are about how customers were spoken to or treated at the counter, in the aisle, or at night.
- Price tags, promotions, or billing that did not match the shelf
Some customers felt the advertised price or promotion did not match what was charged at the register. These reviews focus on the store’s pricing and promotion handling, especially when the customer had to challenge the discrepancy.
- Missing stock, poor selection, or unavailable basics
Several reviews complained that the store was out of common items or had a limited range. The issue was usually about basic products, breakfast items, or advertised specials not being available when the customer came in.
- Too expensive for the value received
Customers objected to high prices on groceries, drinks, food, or petrol-related purchases. The criticism is about the value for money at the store, especially when compared with other nearby options or expected convenience-store pricing.
Recent feedback
30 July 2026 – 28 Oct 2026
- Helpful staff and smooth in-store assistance
Recent customers praised staff for being friendly, helpful, and knowledgeable when they needed directions or help with their shopping. The positive feedback is tied to direct interactions with employees, especially during quick visits.
- Quick grab-and-go convenience with useful food options
Recent reviews liked the store for fast shopping and for offering items that fit a quick meal or snack stop, such as breakfast, sushi, or specialty food. The appeal was convenience plus a better-than-basic food range.
- Pricing complaints around promotions and everyday items
Recent customers raised concerns that promos did not ring up as expected or that prices were too high for the products sold. The criticism is specifically about shelf offers, checkout pricing, and overall value.
- Rude service or store access problems at busy times
Recent reviews described staff as rude, dismissive, or hard to reach, including moments when customers were waiting for help or entry. The problem is the interaction and access experience, not the products themselves.
Local data
Neighbourhood profile
Local economy
| Resident population | 1,190 | Australian Bureau of Statistics — 2021 Census (GCP) · 2021-08-10 |
|---|---|---|
| Population density | 37,304/km² | Australian Bureau of Statistics — 2021 Census (GCP) · 2021-08-10 |
| Daytime (worker) population | 52,468 | Australian Bureau of Statistics — 2021 Census (Place of Work) · 2021-08-10 |
| Median age | 31 yrs | Australian Bureau of Statistics — 2021 Census (GCP) · 2021-08-10 |
| Number of households | 560 | Australian Bureau of Statistics — 2021 Census (GCP) · 2021-08-10 |
| Average household size | 2 | Australian Bureau of Statistics — 2021 Census (GCP) · 2021-08-10 |
| Median household income | $106,548 | Australian Bureau of Statistics — 2021 Census (GCP) · 2021-08-10 |
| Unemployment rate | 7.6% | Australian Bureau of Statistics — 2021 Census (GCP) · 2021-08-10 |
| Employment rate | 92.4% | Australian Bureau of Statistics — 2021 Census (GCP) · 2021-08-10 |
| Bachelor degree or higher | 49.3% | Australian Bureau of Statistics — 2021 Census (GCP) · 2021-08-10 |
| Residential median rent | $2,817/mo | Australian Bureau of Statistics — 2021 Census (GCP) · 2021-08-10 |
| Leading industries |
| Australian Bureau of Statistics — 2021 Census (GCP) · 2021-08-10 |
Local map data
| Small business density | 195 | Local map data · 2026-10-28 |
|---|---|---|
| Foot traffic index | 89/100 · Very high | Local map data · 2026-10-28 |
| Schools nearby | 26 | Local map data · 2026-10-28 |
24-month outlook
Two-year forecast
Modelled month by month from the saved assumptions, including the ramp from launch to steady-state trading.
Ramp to monthly profit
Modelled monthly operating profit as demand matures over the first year. The dashed line marks break-even (zero profit).
Break-even cash trajectory
Cumulative cash position including the upfront startup outlay. Crossing zero means startup capital has been recovered.
24-month outlook
Two-year forecast — continued
Revenue ramp (first year)
Modelled monthly revenue as the business ramps from opening to steady-state demand.
Customer & transaction volume
Modelled monthly customer transactions (visits, orders, covers, cycles or units, depending on the business) as demand ramps to steady state. Divide by trading days for the daily average.
Cashflow view
Cumulative cash across the full projection
Cashflow view
Month-by-month cash
Starts with the upfront outlay, then tracks each month. Year-end rows highlight the annual cash position.
| Month | Net cash this month | Cumulative cash |
|---|---|---|
| Start | -$224,500 | -$224,500 |
| M1 | -$14,272 | -$238,772 |
| M2 | -$11,304 | -$250,076 |
| M3 | -$8,335 | -$258,411 |
| M4 | -$5,366 | -$263,777 |
| M5 | -$2,398 | -$266,175 |
| M6 | $571 | -$265,604 |
| M7 | $3,539 | -$262,065 |
| M8 | $6,508 | -$255,557 |
| M9 | $9,476 | -$246,081 |
| M10 | $9,476 | -$236,604 |
| M11 | $9,476 | -$227,128 |
| M12Year 1 | $9,476 | -$217,651 |
Cashflow view
Month-by-month cash — continued
| Month | Net cash this month | Cumulative cash |
|---|---|---|
| M13 | $9,476 | -$208,175 |
| M14 | $9,476 | -$198,699 |
| M15 | $9,476 | -$189,222 |
| M16 | $9,476 | -$179,746 |
| M17 | $9,476 | -$170,269 |
| M18 | $9,476 | -$160,793 |
| M19 | $9,476 | -$151,317 |
| M20 | $9,476 | -$141,840 |
| M21 | $9,476 | -$132,364 |
| M22 | $9,476 | -$122,887 |
| M23 | $9,476 | -$113,411 |
| M24Year 2 | $9,476 | -$103,935 |
Deeper checks
Outcome range and profit levers
Pessimistic (p10)$1,342monthly profit
Median (p50)$9,306monthly profit
Optimistic (p90)$17,608monthly profit
Chance of profit93.4%across simulations
Biggest profit levers
| Cost of Goods Sold | ±$9,850 / month |
|---|---|
| Average Basket Value | ±$3,393 / month |
| Customers per Day | ±$3,393 / month |
| Trading Days per Month | ±$3,393 / month |
| Monthly Wages | ±$1,400 / month |
| Monthly Rent | ±$650 / month |
Business insights
Convenience store basket and shrinkage model
Models footfall, average basket value, COGS, shrinkage, card fees, rostered fixed costs and opening stock intensity.
Model version v2
basket sizegross marginshrinkagestock turnfoot traffic
Monthly transactions11,400Customer visits converted into paid baskets.
Contribution margin24.8%Revenue left after variable costs, before fixed overhead and startup recovery.
Fixed-cost intensity19.2%Share of total monthly cost that must be covered even if demand drops.
Startup capital cover1.6 monthsStartup capital expressed as months of steady-state revenue — e.g. 2.3 means the upfront investment equals about 2.3 months of revenue (not a dollar figure).
Unit economics and operating checks
Deterministic statistics for margin quality, overhead pressure and capital recovery.
| Monthly contribution | $33,926 | Contribution covers fixed overhead. |
|---|---|---|
| Operating margin | 6.9% | The steady-state model is profitable. |
| Cash payback | Not reached | Payback is not reached within the simulated ramp. |
- Small changes in shrinkage materially affect net margin in high-COGS stores.
- Benchmark basket size against nearby commuter, residential and late-night demand.
Business insights model
Business model visuals
Revenue and cost by line
For each revenue line the bar length is its monthly revenue, split into the cost of goods (COGS) needed to produce it and the gross margin left over. This shows both your revenue mix and how much of each line is eaten by cost.
Cost structure
Compares variable costs with fixed overhead to show operational leverage.
Capital exposure
Compares startup capital with the deepest simulated cash trough.
Industry benchmarks
How your numbers compare
Each modelled metric is checked against a typical healthy range for this business type.
| Metric | Your model | Healthy band | Read |
|---|---|---|---|
| Blended gross margin | 24.8% | 25% – 42% | Below bandConvenience retail runs low gross margin; basket size and shrinkage matter most. |
| Net operating margin | 6.9% | 2% – 8% | In healthy bandThin retail nets; small shrinkage swings move the result materially. |
| Stock + fit-out payback | Not reached | 18 months – 42 months | Above bandWorking capital and fit-out typically recover in 1.5-3.5 years. |
Action plan
Prioritised recommendations
- Resolve the actual tenancy and development-access position before negotiating an unconditional lease.
- Test a quick-purchase, non-alcoholic offer against verified alternatives rather than assuming an hours or pricing gap.
- Commit only after supplier quotes, a workable roster and a reconciled cash model support the same operating proposition.
Report intel
Evidence notes and next steps
Bottom line
The evidence supports choosing a provisional quick-purchase format, not approving a tenancy or funding commitment. Resolve premises and development exposure first, establish whether the offer has a credible customer reason to exist second, and then replace saved operating assumptions with quotes and a workable roster.
Report intel
Evidence notes and next steps — continued
Report intel
Evidence notes and next steps — continued
Report intel
Evidence notes and next steps — continued
Report intel
Evidence notes and next steps — continued
Appendix
Assumptions used
Variable Costs
| Cost of Goods Sold | 0.72 % |
|---|---|
| Card Processing Fee | 0.01 % |
| Shrinkage and Spoilage | 0.02 % |
Startup Capital
| Lease Bond | 19,500 AUD |
|---|---|
| Fit-out Cost | 85,000 AUD |
| Equipment Cost | 60,000 AUD |
| Opening Stock | 45,000 AUD |
| Launch Marketing | 6,000 AUD |
| Licences and Setup | 9,000 AUD |
Fixed Costs
| Monthly Rent | 6,500 AUD |
|---|---|
| Monthly Wages | 14,000 AUD |
| Monthly Insurance | 350 AUD |
| Monthly Marketing | 500 AUD |
| Monthly Utilities | 2,200 AUD |
| Other Fixed Costs | 900 AUD |
Revenue
| Average Basket Value | 12 AUD |
|---|---|
| Customers per Day | 380 customers |
| Trading Days per Month | 30 days |
Appendix
Report notes
- Local map data
- Local map aggregate data
- Local map data reviews
- Web search
- cityofsydney.nsw.gov.au — https://www.cityofsydney.nsw.gov.au/public-notices
- cityofsydney.nsw.gov.au — https://www.cityofsydney.nsw.gov.au/improving-streets-public-spaces/extending-pedestrian-boulevard-george-street-sydney
- sydneymetro.info — https://www.sydneymetro.info/article/contract-signings-progress-sydney-metro-west-2026
- Official census statistics
- smallbizsim deterministic feasibility model
This report is an indicative feasibility simulation and not financial, legal, or investment advice. Validate the key assumptions, local data and any cited developments with qualified professionals before signing a lease, buying a business, or committing capital.
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