Shipping Containers for the Retail Industry

Shipping containers have an almost never ending list of uses, they can be used for simple storage to home conversions. They are particularly popular with the retail industry. Shipping containers provide can supermarkets and retailers with a storage solution for their excess stock.

In the run-up to Christmas and other important events throughout the year, retailers use refrigerated containers and standard shipping containers to store all the extra products they require to maintain good local stocks of popular goods and products.

With a range of sizes and conditions available they offer great additional storage for many businesses. Standard containers are more cost effective in comparison to building additional warehouse space.

We have supplied large international retailers all the way down to market stall owners.

New Vs Used Shipping Containers for Retail

As standard we offer new and used shipping containers. There are some things you may want to consider when choosing you storage container.

Used

Used shipping containers are approx. 15 years old which we purchase one the shipping lines no longer need them. Cheap, cheerful and readily available. These containers are not beautiful. They will have scratches, dents, faded paint and surface rust. However, they will still be structurally sound and wind and watertight. The containers can easily offer around 10 years of life.

If the container will be visible to customers you may not want a used container, one trip containers are much better looking. If you are working on a budget, you may like our refurbished containers. These are used containers which are given a fresh coat of paint to smarten it up, along with a lock box for added security.

New

New, or one trip shipping containers, are as close to perfect as you can get in the UK. They have done one trip from China (where they are manufactured) to the UK. They will have little to no cosmetic damage. Generally, only a year old a new container should offer 25 years of life with minimal maintenance.

These units are great if you are having your container sited somewhere where customers may see it.

Refrigerated Storage for Retailers

Refrigerated shipping containers are popular for food retailers. Commonly known as reefers, these containers are ideal for keeping food chilled or frozen. Ideal when retailers have extra stock coming up to Christmas time.

One thing to bear in mind with a reefer is that they are not designed as regular use walk in freezers. Reefers are made to maintain the temperature of the goods stored inside. They will not bring the contents down from an ambient temperature to chilled or frozen.

We also have specially designed racking for refrigerated containers. Our range of refrigerated racking allows you to easily shelve the contents of you container. Made from stainless steel so is easy to clean, hygienic and has a high resistance to corrosion.

Security Options

If you are storing excess stock in your container you may want to consider you security options.

New shipping containers come with a lock box fitted as standard. They can be added to a used shipping container in depot before delivery. Lock boxes are steel boxes which can be welded or bolted on to the cargo doors. They protect padlocks from attack by bolt cutters, crow bars etc.

We have a range of shipping container padlocks available too. These padlocks are specifically designed to work with a lock box. Our squire padlocks are insurance rated, anti-pick and anti-bump.

Dry Storage for Retailers

While all our shipping containers are supplied wind and watertight (and guaranteed for 12months!) condensation can still build up inside your container. Condensation in your container can mean moisture damage to you contents. We have a few options available to combat condensation build up.

Insulation Kits

Our range of insulation kits are a great solution to prevent condensation build up. These kits are readily available (3 – 5 working days lead time) and an easy DIY kit.

The thermal barrier helps in slowing the rate air cools inside your container. By slowing this, condensation is stopped from forming. The liner also has air bubbles in the middle of the insulation. The bubbles prevent cold bridging across the liner.

Desiccants

Desiccants, also known as moisture absorbers or damp sticks, strip moisture from the air. These are popular for preventing condensation in short terms storage.

Our moisture traps are made to be hung from the lashing points inside your container. They are simple and effective in protecting your container from moisture. Once opened they begin absorbing the moisture and work for approx. 12 weeks.

Grafo-Therm Treatment

Grafo-Therm is a sprayed on the ceiling and little down the sides of the container to create a thin layer. It has been the industry standard of preventing condensation for many years. The treatment is very popular and cost-effective.

However, Grafo does not prevent condensation build it. It does however soak up and hold moisture within the container. By holding the moisture, it stops the water dripping onto the contents of your container. The treatment also includes a fungicide to prevent mould forming.

Generally, we will apply the Grafo treatment in our depots before delivery to you if you opt for Grafo. We can also arrange to send out a mobile engineer to spray the Grafo on site if you already have the container. This option can work out more expensive than doing it in our yard before delivery. If you have multiple containers requiring Grafo, it can work out cheaper to get these sprayed all together.

Shelving Options

Shipping containers make excellent storage facilities. if you need to store large boxes of excess stock or if you need the stock neatly organised, then why not use our range of container racking. Shipping containers can be used to store a wide range of goods and materials. If you want to store clothing, you may like to consider our garment shelving. These are free standing units from which garments can be hung.

Our range of heavy duty racking comes in a range of sizes and tiers and is easy to assemble. You can choose if you want racking on one side, both or both and the end.

Contact Us

Budgetshippingcontainers.co.uk offer the UK’s largest online range of shipping containers for sale with a nationwide network of storage and conversion yards and crane equipped delivery vehicles.

If you need a shipping container feel free to browse our online range of shipping containers for sale. You can also call us on freephone 0808 1234 215 any time 9am – 5pm weekdays and our team will be happy to discuss your requirements. Alternatively, you can use our online shipping container quote form or request a telephone callback. In both cases we aim to get back to you within 1-2 working hours (may take longer for more detailed quotes).