Why Shipping Containers Make The Perfect Storage For Retail

Retail businesses are almost always defined by the management of inventory and stock, no matter what they sell. It could be advanced fishing rods, guitars, clothes, camping equipment, luxury handbags, and more. One thing is true for all of these goods - they need to be handled carefully, travel safely, and stored appropriately.

Shipping containers have become a popular choice for many retailers to achieve all three of those priorities because they offer a flexible, cost-effective, and secure way to transport and store stock. For storage, they especially shine, as they’re a great alternative to traditional storage, providing a solution that can grow right alongside your business and even move with it.

No matter if you need somewhere to store for seasonal stock, sales events or new product launches, the secure, cost-effective solution of shipping container use is waiting for you. 

At TEU, we care about providing expert storage solutions for our cherished clients. Let’s explore why shipping containers make the perfect storage for retail:

Flexible Storage For Seasonal Demand

Retailers know all too well that storage needs can spike dramatically during peak seasons like Christmas, summer sales, or when a new collection drops. Instead of committing to a costly warehouse expansion, a shipping container offers a simple and elegant solution.

If you have the industrial space for it, they can be hired for a short period to manage a temporary influx of stock, or kept for the long term to serve as an ongoing overflow solution. It’s a very adaptable way to handle busy times without making a huge financial commitment.

Cost-Effective Compared To Warehouse Space

Renting extra space in a warehouse or an additional retail unit can be a significant expense. Shipping containers are often much more affordable as an alternative, especially if you have premises with empty space to use. 

As there are multiple sizes, they let you pay for exactly the amount of space you need, without all the extra overheads associated with a commercial property. This makes them a particularly attractive option for small to medium-sized retailers who might have a tighter budget but still need a professional and reliable storage option.

Secure Storage For Stock And Equipment

Retail stock and equipment can be very valuable, so security is one of the main concerns any shrewd business owner will face. Luckily, shipping containers are built from tough steel and are designed to be weatherproof and highly secure, with multiple locks and near-impenetrable walls.

Thanks to those multiple points of security and contingencies against trespass, they provide peace of mind knowing that your goods are well protected from theft and the elements. This is especially important for businesses that handle high-value or bulky items that are hard to move around, but still need the overflow. Of course, where you place the storage container will also influence this - we recommend having your container placed in a well-lit area covered by security cameras.

Convenient On-Site Access

The biggest advantage of using a shipping container is the convenience of having it right there on your site. This means you have immediate access to your stock whenever you need it, and you no longer have to waste time and energy driving to and from an off-site warehouse. 

Having stock on hand round-the-clock can significantly speed up the restocking process, which is crucial for staying on top of demand during a busy trading period. If you run out of inventory, you won’t need to send an employee to the lock-up; you can pick out the exact items you need in minutes.

Practical For Different Types Of Retail Businesses

Shipping containers work for many different kinds of businesses, as everyone needs space.

Let’s consider some examples. A fashion retailer could use one to manage their seasonal stock rotation, a furniture store might find them useful for storing bulky items or overstock that won't fit on the shop floor, and garden centres could use them to keep seasonal outdoor products safe and dry. Even e-commerce businesses can benefit from the extra inventory space a container provides right at their own location.

So, don’t worry if a shipping container is right for you, and think about how you’ll use it. We’re happy to help.

Adaptable & Scalable

Containers come in many sizes, most commonly 10, 20, and 40 feet, so you can pick the one that fits your current needs perfectly. You can also relocate, stack, or line them up depending on the space you have available. If you need them shipped overseas, that’s also possible - that’s where the “shipping” part of “shipping container” comes in, after all.

The best part is how easily you can scale your storage up or down. If your business grows, you can simply add another container. If your needs change, you can remove one just as easily, which offers a great deal of flexibility.

Contact us today. Our TEU team is happy to help any commercial enterprise discuss their need for shipping container delivery and use.