Thinking About Working Together in Retirement? Here’s Some Fun Stuff You Can Do!

​5. Operating a Retail Business

Retail offers endless possibilities, and if you’ve ever thought about selling things, retirement could be the perfect time to give it a shot. Whether you want to open a small store or run a business without a physical storefront—like online sales, vending machines, or setting up booths at markets—there’s something for every couple.

Opening a boutique or small shop is a solid choice if you want to combine your skills. One of you could be great with displays and customer service, while the other handles maintenance or logistics. Plus, you can stagger shifts if you want to keep the store open longer without hiring staff. You could even rotate who’s working so you both get your downtime.

When picking products, make sure it's something you’re both into—whether it’s antiques, gardening tools, or handmade crafts. Keep in mind that retail can be risky, and you’ll need a lot of patience for slow periods. However, if you’re both open to taking on the challenge, it could be a great fit. You could start by buying into a franchise for a bit of support or dive in and create your own store from scratch.