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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.

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.
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

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

Learn More
Buying a Container: Guides & Resources
Learn more about storage containers - and how others are using them - with our container guides & resources.
Frequently Asked Questions

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.

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.).

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

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.

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.

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.