Shipping Containers For Retail Stores

Running out of storage space at your retail store? Boxhub's shipping containers are a cost-effective alternative to brick-and-mortar warehouses or rented storage units.

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Using Shipping Containers in the Retail Industry

Shipping containers are a convenient and portable alternative to traditional retail warehousing. Designed to keep cargo safe during turbulent ocean journeys, shipping containers are a reliably weatherproof storage solution for seasonal signage, displays, or surplus stock. When placed right outside your retail store, they eliminate the need to travel to and from a centralized storage center.

Retailers aren't just turning to shipping containers for their general storage needs, either. With a few minor modifications, shipping containers can be reimagined as pop-up shops and mobile storefronts, providing a budget-friendly alternative to traditional brick-and-mortar space. They can be placed almost anywhere, giving you the flexibility to relocate your retail operations as desired and take advantage of seasonal trends, festivals, and events.

Yellow shipping container converted into a Pet Bottle Black retail storefront
Container quiz illustration - find the right shipping container for your needs

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Customer Testimonials

Thousands of happy customers have chosen Boxhub as their container supplier of choice.

  • CONTAINER PURCHASE, DELIVERY AND PLACEMENT ON PROPERTY WAS EXCELLENT. WOULD HIGHLY RECOMMEND.
    David Williams
  • William, delivered our containers on yesterday he was very professional and on time with both containers.
    Walter North
  • The process was seemless. The delivery guys were professional and lovely to work with. The price for our 2 40ft containers was excellent!
    Meg Doyle
  • Everything was perfect. The deliver guy was really helpful.
    brian fuller
  • Great Experience!! From the beginning of inquiry until the driver left our location, EVERYTHING was PERFECT. Communication, payment, delivery, and any questions/concerns, they handled it all. Very friendly people and very helpful. We highly recommend this company for your shipping container needs. THANKS!!!
    Mellisa McCloud
  • I would definitely use Boxhub again. Ordering was easy and delivered on the date specified. The delivery driver Dave was awesome. I ordered a 40 foot container. It took sometime but he got it in place. Definitely a two thumbs up . If you need a container just remember. There are a lot of scams out there. They take your money and don't ever deliver. Boxhub maybe a couple hundred more. To me it was worth it not to have a headache. Thanks Boxhub !!!
    Michael Dealmeida
  • Placing the order and delivery were easy for the purchase of a container. Scheduling and delivery were prompt and the driver was excellent. Would use again for my next purchase.
    Danilo Sierra
  • We are very pleased with our BoxHub experience. The process was easy, and setting up delivery was a breeze. We worked with Steven J at BoxHub, Elizabeth set up delivery and Leon was our delivery driver. Everything went smoothly and the containers are exactly what Steven said they would be. Elizabeth gave us Leon's name when scheduling and he called us the evening before hand as promised. Leon maneuvered his truck on our challenging driveway/hill with grace and a smile, then dropped the containers exactly where we needed them. Thank you for doing as you say you will.
    Caroline Ryan
  • Box hub fit the needs of my shipping container. The day before deliver there sub contractor called to cancel the delivery for the day scheduled. Called box hub and they worked hard to correct the issue and found a delivery contract for the day promised. Them fixing it seamlessly make me a very happy customer. The container is as promised air and water tight. I'd recommend box hub for your shipping container needs.
    Nicholas Shockley
  • Product is exactly as we wanted, and the delivery team did an amazing job dropping it on site perfectly. Thank you again.
    Victor Adkins
  • Professional and prompt
    Julie Ann Jencks
  • The ease of the transaction and delivery service were above my expectation. I'll definitely recommend this company.
    Walter Poole

Benefits of Using Shipping Containers for Retail

More Retail Square Footage

By moving your storage space outdoors, you can maximize your store's retail square footage without incremental commercial real estate costs.

Non-Permanent Structures

Shipping containers are portable and can be moved easily from one store to another. As a non-permanent structure, most landlords won’t ask you to sign a new contract to place a shipping container outside your store.

Standardized Capacity

Shipping containers provide plenty of storage room. A 20ft container can store the equivalent of 200 standard mattresses, two compact cars, or 9,600 wine bottles, while a 40ft container can handle exactly twice that amount.

Red shipping containers stacked into a multi-story PUMA retail storefront
Blue UNIQLO shipping container pop-up storefront on a city street

Weather Protection

Shipping containers are made out of COR-TEN steel, a corrosion-resistant material that can protect your inventory from the elements — crucial for storage in areas prone to rainy weather.

Security

Shipping containers are self-enclosed, providing protection against shoplifters and opportunists. A standard container will only have one entry point that you can further secure with a weld-on or bolt-on lockbox.

Buying vs Renting a Shipping Container — comparison guide cover

Buying vs Renting a Shipping Container

Explore the pros & cons of renting vs. buying a shipping container with our comprehensive guide.

Frequently Asked Questions

How can shipping containers be customized for retail?

Shipping containers can be customized and modified for a variety of retail use-cases. Popular modifications for retail shipping containers include ventilation, climate control systems, shelving, and lighting. These customizations ensure the container is perfectly suited to your retail store’s specific storage or storefront needs.

Are shipping container retail stores cost-effective?

Absolutely! Repurposing a shipping container as a pop-up shop or permanent storefront is a much cheaper alternative to traditional construction. What's more, by purchasing a shipping container and converting it into a retail space, you can avoid the hefty overhead associated with brick-and-mortar retail space (rent, utilities, etc.).

Can I relocate my shipping container store?

Yes, the mobility of shipping containers allows for easy relocation, making it ideal for pop-up shops, brand activations, and temporary retail spaces.

Are there regulations or permits required for setting up a shipping container store?

Regulations and permit requirements for container stores may vary by location. Check with your local authority before embarking on your retail container project to ensure compliance with zoning laws, building codes, and other relevant regulations.

How can I secure a shipping container used for retail storage against theft and vandalism?

Shipping containers are designed to protect consumer goods from weather and theft. As such, all standard 40ft and 20ft shipping containers are made of durable materials that are difficult to break into.

To further deter shoplifters and vandals from damaging your container, we recommend using a security lock on the entrance (along with any additional doors) of your shipping container when it’s not actively in use. For enhanced protection, consider adding a shipping container lock box to prevent tampering.

Can I stack storage containers for additional retail storage space?

Yes, some shipping containers can be stacked to create a multi-story retail storage space — a great option for maximizing your retail storage capacity with a minimal footprint.

For stacking projects, we recommend purchasing new "one-trip" containers, as used containers may no longer be safe for stacking. To learn more, check out this guide on how to stack shipping containers properly.

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