Tips for Turning Your Shipping Container Into a Pop-up Store

Are you thinking about opening a shop, but aren’t sure where to begin? Perhaps you are struggling with finding a suitable place, or costs are way out of your budget. With a lot of hard work and dedication, shipping containers are the perfect way to bring those dreams to life in the form of a pop-up store.

The idea of using shipping containers as a “DIY shop” has surfaced in the media over recent years, gaining popularity as a practical, affordable, and genius way to kickstart your dreams of opening your own business. As working from home becomes the norm for many people after a long pandemic, and others are looking to find ways to make use of their time, establishing a pop-up shop can kickstart your goals by bringing publicity and interest to your new business.

Whether you are looking to open a new business or provide publicity and awareness for an existing one, shipping containers can be an affordable yet trendy way to do exactly that. Continue reading to find out how you can turn a shipping container into a fully-functioning and successful business.

What is a pop-up store?

A pop-up store is a retail space, also known as flash retailing, that opens for a short amount of time, usually to take advantage of a limited-edition event such as a festival or convention, or to be placed in an area that generally has a lot of customer traffic. Pop-up shops are key business ventures that take advantage of existing trends, and use customer interest to generate more sales and/or potential clients.

For example, a person selling beauty products may have a booth at a beauty convention selling their items. This booth may offer samples of their products to attract customers with an existing appeal to their brand. They may also look at what is currently trending in the beauty industry, and match their shop and products according to such styles. These are strategies that allow businesses to introduce a new product line, understand and meet customer demand, as well as generate awareness for their brand.

Shipping containers are often utilised as pop-up shops because they are easily used for a short period of time and then taken down afterward. Once your plan to open a pop-up store using a shipping container has been put into place, you will want to start taking the next steps to making that happen. Getting started on your pop-up shop generally takes a bit of time to look at trends within a specific industry; however, it can be simple once you have everything set in stone.

How to Get Started on Your Pop-Up Store

1. Have a plan

The first step to opening a pop-up shop should be creating a detailed plan. This is also where you should consider what you will sell and where. You may also want to have a fine blueprint that details the layout and design of your shipping container. Generally, it pays off to be prepared when it comes to opening a new business. However, even existing businesses must create plans as they tackle new and upcoming trends and fads within the industry in order to sell their products.

2. Secure a location

In this step, you will be securing a location for your pop-shop. You may make arrangements with local fairs, festivals, or events such as seasonal markets and booth arrays. Consider your market and target audience. This will allow you to secure customers and take advantage of local hotspots where you could be garnering a lot of traffic to your brand. Make sure to research any regional by-laws that may require you to get permits before you can set up your shop.

3. Purchase a shipping container

Choosing a suitable shipping container depends on the type of business you want to open, where you will be placing it, and your budget. When deciding on a shipping container, you have the option of purchasing either a new or used container. A used container may be a better choice for those with a lower budget and may save you time and money in the long run, but a new container would likely require less modification.

If you are still having trouble deciding on your order, contact a professional at Sigma Container to guide you through your purchase.

4. Modify your container

Now comes the part that most new business owners dream about: modifying your shop and designing it to your specific taste and style. Your pop-up shop should look professional, inviting, and attractive to potential customers. Consider parts of your container that need modifying such as windows, doors, and insulation. Can you fit in some small pieces of furniture or decorations?

To begin modifying your container, look back to your layout and design that you created in Step 1. This plan will help you consult with a professional at Sigma Container who understands the industry and how to bring those plans to reality.

5. Start selling products

The last step to opening a pop-up shop is what you have been waiting for all along: actually selling your products. However, the work does not end here. Strategies for improving your business are always evolving, and you will want to stay updated on the latest trends.

Which shipping container is right for you?

The most important thing about opening a pop-up shop is choosing a shipping container company that is going to fit all of your desired functions and needs. At Sigma Container, we provide shipping containers for all methods of use and from a wide range of reliable suppliers and trusted quality.

Once you have purchased your container, we can help you modify it according to your needs and guide you through setting up your new shop or business venture. Get a free quote from our website today to begin turning your dream project into an exciting reality.

If you would like to learn more about shipping container modifications and getting the perfect fit for your next DIY project, call us toll-free at 1-877-225-7762, or send an email to info@sigmacontainer.ca.