Who we fund
Retail Business Loans for Inventory, Storefronts, and Busy Seasons
Yes, retail stores can get business funding, and most lenders are comfortable with retailers that have steady card sales. The usual pattern is a line of credit or working capital for inventory, with term or SBA loans for store improvements and new locations.
Get matched: retail
The reality
Cash-flow challenges we hear every day.
Buying inventory months before it sells
Holiday and seasonal stock often has to be ordered and paid for months ahead. Cash goes out in summer and fall, and comes back in November and December.
Slow months after the peak
January through March can be quiet for many retailers while rent, payroll, and utilities stay the same. Those months test cash reserves.
Store refreshes and fixtures
New shelving, lighting, signage, and layout changes help sales but are paid for upfront. Landlord requirements at lease renewal can also force improvements.
Supplier minimums and early-pay discounts
Vendors often require minimum order sizes or offer discounts for paying early. Without cash on hand, you pay more per unit or miss popular products.
Best-fit funding
Funding that fits retail.
A revolving line lets you buy seasonal inventory when you need it and pay it down as it sells, then draw again for the next season.
$10K–$500K‡1–3 days*Working capital based on your card sales can fund a large inventory buy or carry you through a slow quarter without a long application.
$10K–$1M‡24–72 hours*A term loan with fixed payments works well for one-time projects such as a store remodel, new fixtures, or a POS upgrade.
$25K–$2M‡2–7 days*For opening an additional location or buying an established store, SBA loans offer longer terms that suit a bigger investment.
$50K–$5M‡30–90 days*What lenders look for
Typical profile for retail.
Lenders usually review bank and merchant processing statements, often wanting several months of history to see seasonal patterns. Inventory turnover, time in business, and the owner's credit are also part of the picture.
Common uses of funds
- Stocking up on holiday and seasonal inventory
- Taking advantage of supplier bulk or early-pay discounts
- Remodeling the storefront or upgrading fixtures
- Opening a second store or pop-up location
- Covering rent and payroll during slow months
- Adding an online store alongside the physical shop
How can a retail store finance holiday inventory?
A business line of credit is a common choice because you can draw for inventory in the fall and repay after the holiday rush. Short-term working capital is another option if you need a single lump sum.
Can I use inventory as collateral for a loan?
Some lenders offer inventory financing or asset-based lines that use your stock as collateral. They usually advance only a portion of the inventory's value, since retail goods can lose value quickly.
Do lenders look at my credit card sales?
Yes, many lenders review merchant processing statements to judge sales volume and consistency. Steady card sales can help you qualify for working capital products.
Can a new retail store get a loan?
New stores have fewer options, but SBA loans may work with a strong business plan and owner experience, and equipment or fixture financing can be easier to get than unsecured loans.
Funding for retail, matched in minutes.
- Decisions in as little as 24 hours*
- $10K–$5M+ across 10 products
- No hard credit pull to apply
- One dedicated funding advisor