Shipping Container Shops
BMarko Structures is a leading manufacturer of shipping container shops with vast experience in producing high-quality modular structures, including pop-up containers. We pride ourselves in our ability to produce custom modules quickly and within set timelines, while maintaining meticulous attention to detail. This ensures that your storage container shop is up and running in a fraction of the time.
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What is a Pop-Up Shop?
E-commerce is growing in the U.S., but many consumers are still looking for a ‘real life’ experience when they shop. For example, in 2019, e-commerce reached only 16% of total retail sales dollars. In 2017, brick-and-mortar stores captured 84% of holiday sales. Physical sales are still very much alive and well!
A pop-up shop is a small, sometimes temporary space, often for a retail store, or for food or beverage service. Examples are shops at trade shows.
Shipping containers can be used to create pop-up shops for many purposes, which is what we’ll explore here. Read on to discover shipping container shop ideas that can provide effective solutions for your store needs, even if you have limited resources.
How Can Container Pop-Up Stores be Used?
Shipping container pop-up shops have numerous applications. Here are some pop-up container examples we can think of, but there are probably others. The sky’s the limit!
- Brick-and-mortar store expansion: Expand your brick-and-mortar business into a new geographical market, without the expense (or commitment) of another fixed, brick-and-mortar location.
- E-commerce expansion into a physical location: Expand your e-commerce business with a retail container store so you can also serve your customers face-to-face at a physical location.
- Short-term or seasonal sales: Take advantage of temporary sales opportunities. For example, a food service pop-up shop could be located near a beach in the summer and an outdoor ice rink in the winter. Holiday markets and live events (such as festivals, concerts, and sporting events) are other opportunities to consider. A shipping container retail store can provide additional retail space during peak sales periods and be used for secure storage the rest of the year.
- Locations where permanent buildings are not an option: Farmers’ markets and college campuses may be perfect opportunities for your business — but a permanent building may not be possible, even though a shipping container store is.
- Test store: If your business is a start-up, reduce your risk by testing your market with a shipping container pop-up, instead of investing in a permanent location off the bat. If your business is already established, a shipping container retail store enables you to test a new geographical market.
- Renovations: Instead of closing completely during a renovation, you can use a shipping container pop-up shop to keep serving your customers.
- Concession stands and shipping container kiosks: Containers come in a variety of sizes. Whether you need a small, basic kiosk container for ticket sales or you need a large, fully equipped kitchen for preparing and selling concessions, there’s a container that will work for you.
- Entire container shopping centers: Even ambitious projects are possible with shipping container pop-up shops. There are examples of entire shipping container malls. Each individual container is leased temporarily to different retail outlets.
What Are the Benefits of a Shipping Container Shop?
Enhanced Customer Engagement
Pop-up markets, festivals, or busy urban spots—shipping container shops allow you to take your business directly to your customers. It’s a perfect way to complement your e-commerce presence with real-world engagement, wherever your audience is.
Boost Brand Awareness
Shipping containers naturally stand out. Their unique, industrial aesthetic grabs attention, creating a memorable impression whether they’re parked in a bustling city center or en route to your next location.
Speed of Construction
Turning a shipping container into an attractive, functional space for your business is much quicker than building from scratch. The walls, roof, and every other part of the container store are set up in a manufacturing workshop., This not only reduces the price but also allows for faster completion without compromising quality. This means that labor costs are reduced, you’ll have your space more quickly and you can get a return on your investment sooner!
Built to Last
Shipping containers are engineered to withstand harsh conditions—from rough seas to extreme weather. With a design that endures winds up to 175 mph, these containers offer superior durability, resisting natural disasters better than many traditional structures. The steel construction also means no risk of rot, termites, or insect damage.
Less Site Disruption
Because most of the construction happens offsite, there’s far less noise, dust, and disturbance during the build. This translates to minimal disruption for neighboring businesses, pedestrians, and traffic, making shipping containers a community-friendly solution.
100% Customizable
Make your shop truly yours. Whether it's adding a bathroom, rooftop seating, or climate control, shipping containers offer endless customization options. As long as you meet local building codes, you can tailor every detail of the space to suit your brand and customer needs.
Enhanced Security
With their robust steel structure and customizable security features, shipping containers provide unmatched protection for your inventory, tools, or equipment. Locking systems can be tailored to meet your specific needs, offering a level of security that exceeds traditional retail spaces.
Portability for Flexibility
Designed to be portable, shipping container shops can move with the seasons or relocate if market conditions shift. Avoid the limitations of a long-term lease and adapt to where your business thrives, with the flexibility to scale or relocate as needed.
What Is the Process for Manufacturing Custom Shipping Container Stores?
First, we’ll be sharing lots of information! You’ll tell us about your needs and your budget. We’ll explain the types of containers that are available and the options for customization.
We can help you find a designer who can produce your architectural drawings. We can advise you about site preparation, regulatory requirements, and delivery and installation logistics.
We’ll provide a timeline for the completion of your build. Because your pop-up shop will be built in a factory, there’s much more certainty around the timeline because we don’t have to worry about weather delays! We’re proud that we’ve been 99% on-time since our founding, and we can beat the lead time of anyone in the industry.
How Customizable is a Container Pop-Up Shop?
Shipping containers can be customized in many different ways.
The customization you need will depend on many factors, such as the intended use, the location the container will be used, and your budget. Do you need an HVAC system? What about appliances? Solar panels? What kind of insulation do you need? What do you need in terms of electricity and plumbing hookups? How many windows and doors, and what size and type? What about painting and finishing?
Once you’ve worked with a designer and decided on your final design, bring us your architectural drawings and we’ll make it happen!
There are numerous variables and it’s important to work with experienced engineers and architects, even for the smallest project.
Glass Storefront Installation
Enhance your container shop’s curb appeal by replacing one or more walls with custom glass panels or sliding glass doors. This creates a welcoming, open atmosphere and provides excellent visibility for window displays, attracting foot traffic and offering a modern retail look.
Concession Windows
Install custom concession windows to create an easy-to-access service point. Ideal for food and beverage businesses, this modification offers a streamlined customer experience for orders, payments, or quick service. Options include sliding or fold-out windows for maximum space efficiency.
Air Conditioning & Heating Systems
Ensure your shipping container store is comfortable year-round by adding a compact, energy-efficient HVAC system. This modification provides both heating and cooling, making it suitable for different climates while maintaining a pleasant environment for customers and staff.
Custom Lighting Solutions
Enhance the interior and exterior of your store with tailored lighting. From ambient lighting for a welcoming atmosphere to task-specific lighting for product displays, custom lighting solutions can help set the mood and improve customer experience, while also increasing energy efficiency.
Exterior Signage Integration
Install customized exterior signage with built-in lighting or digital displays. This can include illuminated signs, vinyl wraps, or even LED screens that help draw attention to your store, reinforce branding, and attract foot traffic, especially in high-visibility locations.
Bathroom Facilities
Add a fully integrated bathroom to your shipping container store with options for compact fixtures, ventilation, and plumbing. Whether it's for staff or customer use, a built-in restroom adds convenience and meets local health and safety regulations, making your store more self-sufficient.
Rooftop Deck or Seating Area
Maximize vertical space by adding a rooftop deck or seating area. This modification is ideal for cafes, bars, or retail shops looking to create a unique experience, offering additional seating or lounge space with views, enhancing customer engagement and boosting capacity.
Custom Paint and Finishes
Personalize your shipping container store with custom paint and finishes that reflect your brand identity. From bold, eye-catching colors to sleek, minimalist designs, custom paintwork can transform the exterior, making your store stand out and creating a strong, lasting impression on customers. You can also opt for weather-resistant coatings to ensure durability and longevity in various climates.
How Does Delivery of a Container Pop-Up Shop Work?
While we’re manufacturing your pop-up shop in our factory, you’ll need to ensure that all necessary site preparation is completed. You’ll also need to make sure that the delivery truck and crane are able to access the site properly. We recommend that you complete landscaping after the delivery of your container!
Delivery options — such as transportation by road or ship — will vary depending on your location and the details of your order. Talk with our sales team for more details.
Shipping Container Store FAQs
Shipping containers are built to withstand the toughest conditions, from extreme weather to long-term wear. They are made from corrosion-resistant, high-strength steel and can endure environments ranging from humid coastal areas to cold, snowy regions. For added durability, we offer weatherproofing and insulation modifications that ensure your shop stays comfortable and functional in any climate.
Yes, one of the key advantages of a shipping container shop is its portability. They are easy to transport by truck or crane, allowing you to relocate your shop as needed. This is ideal for pop-up events, seasonal businesses, or growing brands looking to test new markets. We ensure that your shop is designed with mobility in mind, making relocation smooth and hassle-free.
Shipping container shops are designed to be low-maintenance, offering long-term durability with minimal upkeep. Routine cleaning, periodic repainting to protect against the elements, and inspecting the seals for water or air leaks are typically all that’s needed. Occasional rust prevention treatments and reapplying protective coatings in high-traffic areas will ensure your shop remains in excellent condition for many years, even in harsh climates. By addressing minor issues early, you can maintain the structural integrity and aesthetic appeal of your shop with minimal effort.
Shipping container shops offer numerous advantages over conventional buildings. They provide unmatched flexibility, with faster setup times that significantly reduce project timelines, allowing you to open your business in weeks instead of months. Their modular design enables easy expansion or relocation, so your shop can grow or adapt as needed. Additionally, they are a more cost-effective solution due to lower construction and operational expenses. Perhaps most importantly, they are an eco-friendly choice—by repurposing existing containers, you’re reducing waste and minimizing the need for new materials, making them a sustainable alternative for modern businesses.
Yes, shipping container shops are easily scalable. Additional containers can be added to expand your space, allowing you to adjust your shop layout or size as your business grows.
Shipping containers are naturally secure due to their solid steel construction, but we offer additional customizations to enhance security further. These include reinforced doors, advanced locking systems, security cameras, shatterproof windows, and alarm systems. These features help ensure that your inventory and assets are protected, providing peace of mind whether your shop is in a busy urban area or a remote location.
Yes, shipping containers can be divided into separate rooms or sections to suit your business needs. Whether it’s creating a storage area, fitting room, or office space, the interior can be customized for functionality.
The process is streamlined and efficient. We start by understanding your business needs and goals, then design a custom solution tailored to your specifications. Once the design is finalized, the container is modified at our facility, where we integrate your required features like electrical systems, custom finishes, and branding. The container is then delivered and installed at your location, often within weeks. This is significantly faster than traditional construction, allowing you to open your shop and start generating revenue sooner.
Shipping container shops are versatile and can be adapted for a wide range of businesses, including cafes, pop-up stores, fashion boutiques, food trucks, and even art galleries. Their flexibility makes them ideal for both permanent storefronts and temporary or mobile retail setups. Whether you’re launching a seasonal shop or a long-term retail space, we’ll work with you to design a container that suits your specific needs.
Looking for something else?
Shipping container stores are fully customizable, and almost all design elements can be tailored to meet your exact requirements. If you have a specific feature in mind that you don’t see here, chances are we can create it. Give us a call at (678) 798-8802 to learn more.
Who to Contact for a Shipping Container Shop?
If you’re looking for a fully customizable container pop-up shop, contact the experts at BMarko and we can answer your questions. Bring us your design, and we’ll make it happen!
Contact us today to explore how we can bring your shipping container store vision to life and learn more about the benefits of this innovative solution.
Contact Us
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- 2624 Weaver Way, Suite 200, Atlanta, GA 30340
- (678) 666-3688
- [email protected]
