Retail Business Loans

Best Business Loans for Retailers

Managing inventory and seasonal trends are two critical needs for local retailers, but both require owners to have working capital on hand.

That's where Clarify Capital comes in — we help retail business owners get the financing they need to manage gaps in cash flow, hire more staff, purchase inventory, and grow their business.

Whether you have good or bad credit, our network of 75+ alternative lenders provides the industry's lowest interest rates to borrowers. Running a retail store is complicated enough, so we work hard to make the funding process transparent, quick, and easy.

Benefits of Retail Loans

The retail industry generates $3.5 trillion in the United States and creates 42 million jobs. As a retail business owner, your cash flow can fluctuate depending on inventory needs, seasonal trends, market shifts, and the national economic outlook. This makes having access to working capital critical to success. A business line of credit or term loan can help bridge gaps caused by unpredictable events.

Bridge Gaps in Seasonal Trends

Better manage cash flow during seasonal demands with a working capital loan. Have access to funds when you need them the most to bridge demand gaps.

Purchase More Inventory

During high-demand seasons, it's critical to have extra inventory to maximize your sales potential. Funding from Clarify makes it easy.

Open New Locations

With retail financing, you can lease or buy a great location for your store. You shouldn't have to compromise on a location due to costs. We've got you covered!

Pay for Store Improvements

How your retail location looks can affect your sales numbers and help drive new business. Renovate an existing location to attract more customers.

Lowest Interest Rates

Our network of 75+ lenders competes to offer you the best APRs in the lending industry. Interest rates start as low as 7% for short-term loans.

Flexible Payment Terms

Your dedicated Clarify adviser tailors a payment plan based on your specific cash flow requirements and business goals. We take pride in having the most flexible payment options for retail companies.

No Collateral Requirements

There's no collateral needed to get approved for an unsecured term loan with Clarify. No collateral, no problem.

Fast Approval Process

The funding process is easy as pie. Applying online only takes a few minutes. We handle all the paperwork so you can focus on running your business.

Apply for Retail Business Loan

Top 5 Financing Options for Retail Business Owners

Owning a business in the retail market comes with cash flow challenges that can affect your growth strategy. Having easy access to working capital is key to maximizing your growth potential.

1. Business Line of Credit for Retailers

If your market segment has seasonal trends that create gaps in cash flow, a business line of credit is usually the best funding option. With a business line of credit, you get approved by a lender for a fixed amount of credit (similar to a credit card).

The biggest advantage of having a credit line is that you only pay interest on funds you withdraw. It's a good hybrid between a traditional term loan and a business credit card.

Best suited for:

Retail businesses that need money for occasional expenses like renovations, stocking up on inventory, and hiring short-term staff to handle seasonal demand.

Line of credit at a glance:

• Interest rates starting as low as 7% on Clarify's marketplace
• On-demand working capital anytime you need it
• Funding within 24 to 48 hours with minimal paperwork
• Only pay interest on funds used, with no fixed costs
• No prepayment penalties
• Improves your personal credit score

• Apply for Business Line of Credit

2. Short-Term Loans for Retailers

When you're in a crunch to meet payroll or pay for unanticipated expenses, term loans are the fastest funding option. Since unsecured term loans require no collateral, you can quickly get money in your bank account with minimal paperwork.

A key advantage of short-term loans is that most retailers can get approved — even with bad credit. The speed at which term loan applications get approved makes it the preferred choice for small business owners needing to meet urgent demands.

Best suited for:

Retail businesses that need flexible financing with payment terms tailored to their cash flow. Term lengths range between six months and two years.

Short term loans at a glance:

• Fast approval and funding
• No collateral needed
• Six- to 24-month term length
• APRs starting at 7% on Clarify's marketplace
• Interest paid on the principal loan amount is tax-deductible

• Apply for Short-Term Loan

3. Equipment Financing for Retailers

Equipment purchases can range from a computer and point-of-sale (POS) software to restaurant kitchen appliances. An equipment financing loan can pay for 100% of the cost upfront and break the expenses down into manageable monthly payments.

The core benefit is the ability to borrow up to 100% value of the equipment, which makes investing in new equipment possible with minimal paperwork. Since the equipment you're buying serves as collateral, you can get approved even with bad credit.

Best suited for:

Purchasing equipment needed for your business, regardless of your personal credit score.

Equipment loans at a glance:

• Finance up to 100% of equipment costs
• APRs as low as 7% on Clarify's marketplace
• Fast approval and funding within one to two days
• Simple, monthly payment terms
• Low documentation requirements

• Apply for Equipment Financing

4. Inventory Financing for Retailers

Inventory is the lifeline of every retailer. Whether you're a bar owner needing to stock up on wines or an electronics store scaling up inventory for the holiday season, having adequate inventory to meet customer demands is essential for business success.

Similar to an equipment loan, inventory financing is a self-secured funding option that allows you to buy goods without the need for extra collateral. Alternative lenders are usually the best option, as traditional banks and credit unions typically only approve large, established wholesalers and retailers. Clarify's lending marketplace makes the process easy.

Best suited for:

Product-based business owners looking to supplement inventory before a seasonal sales spike.

Inventory financing at a glance:

• No collateral needed; inventory acts as collateral
• Low credit score requirements
• Funded within 24 to 48 hours
• Monthly payment terms
• APRs starting as low as 7%

• Apply for Invoice Factoring

5. SBA 7(a) Loans for Retailers

SBA loans are the best option if you have patience, good credit, a business plan, consistent annual revenue, and an established business history to qualify. The U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) backs up to 85% of your loan amount through its approved lending institutions. The downside to SBA 7(a) loans is the strict financial requirements and lengthy paperwork needed.

Best suited for:

Retailers with an excellent credit score, established time in business, and no urgent need for funding.

SBA 7(a) loans at a glance:

• Excellent credit score needed
• Partially backed by the SBA
• Interest rates as low as 5.75%
• Long repayment term lengths
• Low down payments

• Apply for SBA Loan

Potential use of funding for retail businesses

Whether you're a brick-and-mortar store or e-commerce business, you need funding to ensure smooth operations and growth. The right funding can open doors to countless opportunities for your shop. Below is a checklist highlighting some of the most impactful ways retail businesses use their financing.

• Inventory purchases
• Store improvements
• New locations
• Payroll and taxes
• Operating expenses
• Hiring, training, and education
• Advertising and marketing
• Overcoming unanticipated business expenses
• Refinancing existing debt
• Bridging cash reserves during slow seasons
• Acquire real estate
• Improving an e-commerce website
• Masks, cleaning supplies, and COVID related costs
• Acquiring short-term staff for seasonal demands

FAQ: Business Loans for Local Retailers and E-Commerce

Stocking up on your inventory or ramping up marketing often requires access to quick capital. Get clarity with answers to top questions about business loans from other store owners.