5 Things to Consider in a Shipping Container Conversion
Modified Shipping Containers Are Popping Up Everywhere In Retail
Second hand shipping containers are used for a wide variety of retail applications around the word. Modified shipping containers are the ideal way for retailers to create “pop up” stores in all sizes, from a “food truck” sized cafe, to a giant mall!
Re:START Shipping Container Mall in Christchurch, New Zealand
Much of Christchurch’s central business district was destroyed in a major earthquake a few years ago. By using a simple modular design made from recycled second hand shipping containers the team were able to construct Re:START in minimal time allowing the residents to shop in a safe, clean and fun environment in central Christchurch.
Two years later and the mall is still going strong, though the reconstruction has required a change of address. With a normal building this would be either very expensive or virtually impossible. Being constructed from modified shipping containers has made the transition to a new location easy, while a more permanent shopping precinct is built in its place – it is expected that this “temporary”, “pop up” mall will continue to operate for the foreseeable future.
Dekalb Market in Brooklyn, NY, United States
By: Payton Chung
The Dekalb Market was a temporary market and community destination constructed from used shipping containers in Brooklyn, New York city that operated until late 2012. The market aimed to bring together creative entrepreneurs with a setting that included shops, an incubator farm, artists studios and eateries.
Containers were fitted out with drywall interiors, insulation and air conditioning, with others featuring customised container fit outs including: local radio stations, restaurants and more.
The markets closed to allow for a new development to be build on the site, and they plan to re-open at a new location in New York shortly, which is made more convenient due to the transportable nature of shipping containers.
Ikea Pop Up Shop in Bangkok, Thailand
The world’s first pop up Ikea store has appeared outside various malls in Thailand’s capital. Constructed from modified shipping containers painted in Ikea’s trademark blue and yellow colours, the 580 square metre store showcases rooms including a living room, master and children’s bedrooms, walk-in closets, kitchen and dining rooms.
Containers allow Ikea to set up quickly outside popular, high foot traffic shopping destinations including Siam Square, Ratchyothin Avenue and Pinklao Major Cineplex or in areas where it is too inconvenient to visit their main store in Bangna. Moving to a new address is as simple as loading the shop up onto trucks and lowering it with a crane into its new position.
Artwork Elephants Pop Up Mall in Elephant & Castle, London, UK
Artwork Elephants is a pop up mall in England that has recently been awarded planning permission and plans to be “the new Shoreditch” in London. By using second hand shipping containers the pop up mall is able to provide low cost retail space for businesses and start up creatives.
The site will use 56 recycled containers to provide 60 different retail spaces, while a cafe and restaurant will also be situated in the open space areas of the development. The pop up mall is scheduled to open in 2014.
Shipping Container Cafes, Coffee Shops & Bars
With everyone from small craft coffee makers and baristas to big corporates like Starbucks using them, shipping containers are ideal for small cafes and coffee shops. Other examples of coffee retailers using modified shipping containers include the Illy Push Button Cafe (which can be up and running within 90 seconds of delivery to a new site!) & La Boite Cafe in Austin Texas. With a greater interest in sustainability, saving the environment and ethical sourcing, recycled containers are perfect buildings for ethical cafe owners.
Coffee drinkers aren’t the only ones to enjoy their favourite drink in a shipping container. Pop up bars are now showing up around the world in shipping containers too!
Explosives and Dangerous Goods Storage
Many retailers have to deal with storing explosives and dangerous goods as part of their business. These can include anything from firearms and ammunition, compressed gases and aerosols, paints, chemicals and even fireworks over Guy Fawkes period.
Modified shipping containers are perfect to use for storing dangerous goods, either unmodified, or if required they can be completely fitted out to state and local requirements.
Of course, shipping containers aren’t just limited to dangerous goods storage, they can be used for any retail storage needs when your existing storage just isn’t enough. They can easily be delivered to your business and removed when you no longer require them.
5 Reasons Why Modified Shipping Containers are Perfect for Retailers
- Price – Shipping containers are affordable compared to other building materials, storage and display options.
- Sustainable – Shipping containers recycle used materials, and utilising them is good for the environment.
- Flexible – Shipping containers can easily be cut, modified or fitted out for whatever retail you need.
- Movable – Need a temporary retail environment, or likely to move in the future? Shipping containers can be moved easily with a standard truck.
- Scalable – Shipping container fit outs can grow with your business needs, and can be stacked and joined to create a larger business environment.
Contact Gateway Container Sales Now
Are you a retailer in need of an affordable, sustainable solution using second hand shipping containers? Contact our team of experts at Gateway Container Sales & Hire to discuss how modified shipping containers can be the building blocks of your retail success.
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