Seasonal stock spikes, rising costs and changing customer behaviour mean many retail businesses need fast, flexible funding. Fast Business Loans makes it simple: tell us what you need, and we’ll introduce you to brokers and lenders who understand retail — fast.

Quick reassurance: Fast Business Loans is a free introducer, not a lender. Completing an enquiry is not an application and does not oblige you to accept an offer.

Get Your Free Eligibility Check

• No credit score impact at enquiry
• UK-based retail finance specialists
• Matches to lenders/brokers experienced in retail

Why retailers need flexible funding right now

UK retailers face pressures from higher operating costs, supply chain disruption and the need to invest in omnichannel capability. Seasonal stock cycles (Christmas, Black Friday, summer clearances) create peaks and troughs in cashflow that can quickly strain even profitable shops.

Flexible funding helps bridge gaps, secure trending stock early, invest in store refits or digital upgrades, and protect margins while sales recover. If you need short-term working capital or medium-term investment funding, it pays to compare the right products and providers.

Check My Retail Funding Options

What is a retail business loan?

A retail business loan is any commercial finance product used by shops and retail businesses to fund inventory, premises works, equipment, or cashflow. Products range from unsecured business loans and merchant cash advances to secured facilities, asset finance and invoice finance.

Fast Business Loans does not lend. We act as an introducer: your enquiry helps us match you with lenders or brokers who specialise in retail. Completing the form is informational only — it’s not an application and there’s no obligation to proceed.

Funding solutions for different retail scenarios

Stock & seasonal inventory finance

Retailers often need short-term capital before peak trading. Options include revolving credit, short-term loans and trade finance to buy stock earlier or at better prices.

Fit-outs, refits & new store launches

Refurbishments or new stores need larger, often secured finance. Asset finance and fit-out loans can spread the cost of fixtures, POS systems and refrigeration.

Digital transformation & e‑commerce expansion

Investing in websites, logistics or digital marketing can drive long‑term growth. Unsecured business loans, merchant loans, and equipment finance are common matches.

Working capital & cashflow management

Invoice finance, merchant cash advances and invoice discounting can unlock cash tied up in sales so you can pay suppliers and staff.

For sector-specific guidance see our retailers resources such as retailers shop business loans which outline solutions for high‑street and online retailers.

How the Fast Business Loans matching process works

1. Complete a short 2‑minute enquiry — it’s informational, free and non‑binding.
2. We match you with lenders and brokers experienced in retail finance.
3. A partner will contact you to discuss options and may request documents.
4. Compare offers and decide whether to proceed directly with the provider.

We protect your data and use soft checks at the enquiry stage so your credit score is not affected. If you want to proceed with a particular lender, they may run full credit checks as part of their assessment.

Start Your Retail Loan Enquiry

Eligibility snapshot for UK retailers

Lenders typically consider:

• Trading history and time in business
• Annual turnover and recent profitability
• Card sales and transaction data
• Director credit profile and previous defaults
• Security availability for larger or secured facilities

Representative costs & responsibilities

Costs vary widely by product, lender and risk profile. Indicative APRs can range from low double‑digits for secured longer‑term loans to higher rates for short‑term unsecured or merchant finance products. These figures are illustrative only.

Fees to watch for include arrangement fees, broker fees (where applicable), and early repayment charges. Always request a full illustration from any lender and read terms carefully before agreeing.

Real‑world retail use cases (illustrative)

Case study 1 — Fashion boutique (short-term stock finance)

An independent boutique needed £35,000 to purchase a seasonal range at a discounted cost. After completing an enquiry, the retailer was matched to a specialist trade finance broker who arranged a 4‑month bridging facility. Stock purchased at a discount improved margins across the season and the loan was repaid from peak sales.

Case study 2 — Convenience store (asset finance)

A multi‑site convenience operator replaced ageing refrigeration across three sites. Asset finance covered equipment cost of £120,000 over 5 years, preserving cashflow while improving energy efficiency and reducing running costs. The lender arranged monthly payments aligned to expected savings.

These are examples only; outcomes and costs vary by business and lender.

Preparing your documentation checklist

Have these ready to speed up the process:

• Last 6–12 months bank statements
• Recent management accounts / Profit & Loss
• VAT returns (if applicable)
• Card/EPOS sales reports
• Proof of identity and business address
• Outline of how funds will be used

Speed tip: Upload PDFs in advance to reduce time to offer.

Risks, responsibilities & good practice

Borrow responsibly. Ensure repayments are affordable and understand implications of default and director guarantees. Seek independent professional advice (e.g. accountant) if unsure about affordability or tax implications.

If your business is under financial distress, consider specialist advice — there are organisations that support businesses in difficulty.

Alternatives if traditional lending isn’t right

• Supplier payment plans or extended trade terms
• Grant programmes and local authority support
• Crowdfunding or private investors
• Government schemes where available (check current availability)

Fast Business Loans focuses on commercial finance introductions but you should consider all options alongside lender proposals.

Why retailers choose Fast Business Loans

• Fast matching to lenders and brokers who know retail
• Free, no‑obligation enquiry — not an application
• No credit score impact at enquiry
• Access to a broad panel of solutions for different needs

Compare Lenders for My Retail Shop

Step‑by‑step: complete your retail loan enquiry today

1. Click the enquiry link and enter basic business details and funding needs.
2. We match you to suitable lenders or brokers — typically within hours.
3. A partner will contact you to discuss terms and may request documents.
4. Review offers and choose whether to proceed — it’s your decision.

Start My Retail Finance Enquiry Now

Finance is subject to status. Terms and conditions apply. Completing the enquiry form is informational only and not a loan application. Fast Business Loans introduces businesses to lenders and brokers; we are not a lender and do not provide financial advice.

FAQs: Retail & shop finance

Is Fast Business Loans a lender?

No — we introduce you to lenders and brokers. You decide whether to proceed with any offer.

Will the enquiry affect my credit score?

No. Initial enquiries use soft matching and do not affect credit scores. Lenders may carry out full credit checks only if you progress an application.

Can I get funding if I take mainly card payments?

Yes. Many lenders assess card and EPOS data to underwrite retail businesses; merchant cash advances and card-backed facilities are designed for card-heavy traders.

How fast can funds reach my account?

Timing depends on product: some short-term facilities can be arranged in 24–72 hours, while secured or larger loans may take several weeks.

Do you help both high‑street and online retailers?

Yes — our partners support both physical shops and e‑commerce businesses, and hybrid models that sell in both channels.

Can I still apply after being declined elsewhere?

Yes. Because we work with a wide panel, you may still be eligible with a different lender or a specialist broker.