Shipping Containers for Retail Pop-Ups

4th September 2026

Using shipping containers for retail stores is becoming more common across a range of industries.

The versatility and lower costs that a shipping unit can offer make it a perfect choice for those looking to open a new small business. Cleveland Containers has prepared a handy guide to hopefully steer you in the right direction ahead of starting your next business venture.

Retail Container at Trade Show — 20ft Container Kiosk for Trade Show

How Do I Set Up a Shipping Container Retail Unit?

Starting your journey to open a shipping container store can be stressful.

Here are some questions that you might have, which have been fully answered by our team or our more in-depth guides.

Do I need planning permission for a retail store in a shipping container?

Yes, you will need planning permission if you are planning on opening a shipping container retail unit.

If your container is:

Remaining on site for over 28 days
Being used on land that was not previously used for retail
Using utilities such as electrics or water
Regularly open for trading and use

Then you will need to acquire planning permission in order to open your shop.

Every local authority will have slightly different rules and regulations, but we have put together a simple guide to planning permissions for shipping containers.

What size shipping container do I need for my retail store?

Typically, a 20ft shipping container will be the perfect size for most smaller businesses who are looking to work out of a shipping container.

We also offer 10ft shipping containers and 40ft shipping containers, however the average retail space would work well in a 20ft unit.

If you are running a one-person shop, a 10ft unit should suffice. On the other hand, if you require a lot of storage space or multiple staff, then a 40ft unit might be the ideal size for you.

We can offer customisation on any size of shipping container. Get in touch for a free quote to put together the ideal space for your business.

Cladded Catering Retail Kisok — Durham Sixth Form Centre

What internal fittings can be built into my retail store?

Cleveland Containers offers a full range of customisable options that can be fitted into your shipping container retail unit, including:

Full electrics and lighting fittings
Serving hatches
Shuttered windows
Steel doors
Shelving and custom counters
Vinyl flooring and interior panelling

We can also fully customise the look of your shipping container. We could remove walls to create an open plan space or paint the outside in a variation of colours to suit your brand.

Bespoke Shipping Container Shops at Cleveland Containers

We are happy to work on any project when it comes to starting your own shipping container retail conversion.

Each unit can be built to match the exact specifications you had in mind and delivered across the UK.

All our modifications are completed by our expert in-house team who will carry you through all the way from initial drawings to completion and delivery.

For more information about our bespoke shipping container shops, get in touch today for a free quote.

Pros and Cons of a Shipping Container Retail Unit

Using a converted shipping container for retail isn’t for everyone. Whilst it may be perfect for some, it might have limitations for other purposes.

Pros	Cons
Easily customised to suit your needs	Can provide limited space if an incorrect size is used
Lower initial costs than using a brick-and-mortar building	Can get too hot or cold if insulation is not fitted properly
Can be made into a portable unit if needed
Stands out from the crowd at shows and events
Much quicker construction time than traditional businesses

Container Kiosk at Hopetown Darlington — Hopetown Darlington

Case Studies

We have been involved in setting up retail shipping containers for different clients with different purposes. Here are a couple of projects that we are particularly proud of:

One Agency Media

One Agency Media needed a unit to stand out at a trade show and offer full functionality to their client.

We worked together and supplied a 20ft One Trip Container, which was used to accommodate a full kitchen layout. This provided easy access to both employees and potential customers and stood out from the crowd with a striking, black paint job.

We also removed two sides of the container, allowing a much more open display for their client’s needs. We feel this fully showcases the flexibility that a shipping container can provide to any retail business.

You can read more about our One Agency Media partnership and see photos of the container.

Retail container at London trade show — One Agency Media

20ft Container Kiosk for a Trade Show

We worked together with a manufacturing company in the agricultural sector to create a bespoke 20ft shipping container kiosk that was used to sell merchandise.

The retail unit was fully fitted out with a storage section, 8ft hydraulic serving hatch, full electrics and a new paint job ahead of the trade show.

The finished result had everything our customer needed and easily stood out at the trade show, regularly attracting new customers.

You can read more about our 20ft container kiosk conversion and hopefully get some ideas for your own retail space.

Other Uses for Shipping Containers in Retail

While you may be looking to open a shipping container shop, have you considered other uses for shipping containers in retail?

For example, Cleveland Containers partnered with Gear4Music, who were struggling with storage space.

We provided 38 40ft high cube containers to help with their storage issues. We hid the containers behind their shop and painted the back of them green – to help them naturally blend in with the forest surrounding their retail space.

Whether it’s for storage or for your own retail until, get in touch with us today to get a free quote for your shipping container needs.

FAQs

We recommend using ply-lining and insulation to create a more comfortable and functional space.

The insulation will help keep the unit cool in the summer and warm in the winter, which is essential if you are using it as a permanent retail space.

Yes, shipping containers are available to rent as well as buy when you’re looking for a retail space.

Yes, some shipping containers are also available to rent, however bespoke builds are only available to be purchased.

Cleveland Containers can help you create your own bespoke shipping container for a retail space. Simply get in touch today to discuss your options and get a free quote.

Your retail shipping container will typically be transported on a flat-bed truck and set up by our team of experts.

If your foundations are already safe and in place on site, your shipping container installation should take no more than an hour from delivery to completion.

Yes shipping container pop-up shops can be used any time of the year.

If the container has been prepared with insulation and is set on sturdy ground to withstand any adverse weather, then there will be no issues with the container being available 12 months a year.

Our range of retail shipping container units can be used for markets, trade shows, retail parks and even high streets. Get in touch today to find the unit that matches your specific needs.