6 Creative Commercial Uses for Shipping Containers

Gone are the days when shipping containers only had one purpose. There are many innovative ways to use shipping containers for commercial purposes, with only imagination limiting the possibilities. Businesses are quickly transforming shipping containers into growing spaces, mobile offices, training facilities, and more. 

1.Retail Pop-Up Shops 

Shipping containers are rapidly showing up as kiosks and storefronts across the world. The shipping containers are popular due to their versatility and movability. Businesses can quickly construct shops directly on the street, without taking up much room.  

The containers often look like a real brick and mortar store, inviting customers to walk in and shop. They are also an excellent choice because you can implement great security to prevent theft and vandalism. 

Shipping containers have also gained popularity at festivals. Companies are using the shipping containers as retail pop-up shops to sell their merchandise at concerts and fairs. The shipping containers are a popular choice because businesses can construct the shipping container off-site and easily move the container to the festivals when needed. 

2. Indoor Farming & Greenhouses 

Some farming companies have also jumped on the shipping container bandwagon. Shipping containers are used as greenhouses and indoor farms, housing everything from strawberries to herbs.  

The spaces are equipped with grow lights, ventilation, and irrigation systems, making them a perfectly controlled environment for growing delicious produce. The shipping containers are also popular because companies can stack them and use less space than a traditional farm.

3. Produce Stands

Farmers and businesses are also converting shipping containers into produce stands. The shipping containers are favorable because produce can be temperature and light-controlled, which is especially important during scorching summer days or cooler autumn nights. The shipping containers also look more professional and welcoming than tattered tents, usually found on the farm's outskirts.

4. Mobile Offices 

Construction sites are notorious for using expensive trailers for their mobile offices. More and more companies realize that shipping containers cannot only provide the same durability as a trailer, but they’re also a fraction of the price. Shipping containers are popular as mobile office buildings because they can be easily transported from construction site to site without moving the contents inside. 

5. Advertising

Instead of spending money on expensive billboards, companies are ramping up their creativity and using shipping containers as advertisements. Businesses have transformed shipping containers into giant toasters, cameras, and rowing machine stations. The creative use of these shipping containers has grabs interest, drawing positive attention to the products or services being sold.

6. Storage Sheds

While storage isn’t the most creative use of shipping containers, it is efficient and popular for companies. Businesses can stack shipping containers outside of their warehouses instead of spending money building a larger warehouse to store excess material. Because storage containers are air-tight and waterproof, companies can rest easy knowing their goods will not be damaged despite unfavorable weather conditions outside. 

Shipping containers have so many uses when it comes to businesses. They are cost-efficient, durable, and unique. Begin your business journey today by browsing shipping containers near you.