Shipping container pop-up shops for sale or hire
Container shops are a flexible solution for pop-up retail, seasonal trading, and temporary store setups in busy locations. Designed to support everyday retail use, they offer a practical way to create a fully functioning shop without the cost or commitment of a traditional unit.
Every unit is built to order and designed around how you’ll trade, with options including:
- Retail counters and display units
- Shelving and racking for stock storage
- Lighting and CE-compliant electrics
- Insulation & climate control
- UPVC or aluminium windows and doors
- Roller shutters and high-security doors
- Full exterior colouring, branding, and signage
- Any bespoke fabrication
Our retail shipping container shops are available to buy or hire, giving you the flexibility to choose what works best for your project.

Our shipping container retail unit conversion process in 4 simple steps
Free consultation
Design & planning
Full conversion
Delivery & setup
Benefits of a shipping container shop
Shipping container retail shops offer a smarter, more flexible alternative to traditional brick-and-mortar builds. Designed for speed, durability, and everyday trading, they’re a popular choice for pop-ups, seasonal retail, and temporary store setups because of:
- Faster setup – Your retail container can be designed, built, and delivered in weeks, making it ideal for pop-ups, events, and short or long-term retail opportunities.
- Lower build costs – Lower upfront costs combined with long-term durability make container shops a smart, high-value investment.
- Built to last – Made from strong, weather-resistant corten steel, shipping container shops are designed to withstand harsh conditions and hold up to daily trading in busy environments.
- Fully customisable – Every retail container shop is built to match your trade, and workflow, with layouts and features designed to your products and customers.
- Portable and flexible – Container shops can be moved, repositioned, or reused at different locations, making them ideal for brands that need flexibility.

Why choose Universal Containers for your retail container conversion
With decades of experience in shipping containers and in-house conversion expertise, we know how to turn containers into practical, high-quality retail spaces that are built to trade and built to last.
Over 40 years of container expertise
Everything handled in-house
Cost-effective without cutting corners
We build retail spaces that work
Looking for a different type of space? Check out our other container conversion options
How long does it take to build a shipping container shop?
Build times vary depending on the size and level of fit-out, but most container shops take anywhere from a few weeks to a few months. We’ll confirm a clear timeline once your layout and requirements are agreed.
How much does a shipping container shop conversion cost?
The cost depends on the container size, layout, and level of fit-out. We’ll provide a clear, upfront quote based on your requirements, with no hidden extras.
Can I choose the layout and shop features?
Yes. Every container shop is custom-built. You choose the layout, display areas, counters, shelving, lighting, power points, and any other features you need, and we design the space around how you trade.
Can a container shop be used all year round?
Absolutely. Shipping container shops can be fully insulated and fitted with heating and ventilation, making them comfortable and suitable for year-round trading.
How secure is a retail shipping container shop?
Very secure. Retail container shops are built from solid steel and can be fitted with reinforced doors, shutters, lockable windows, and additional security features to protect stock when closed.
Can a container shop be moved to another location?
Yes. Container shops can be relocated if needed, making them ideal for pop-ups, seasonal retail, or brands that operate across multiple locations.
Can I hire a shipping container pop-up shop instead of buying one?
Yes. We offer shipping container pop-up shops for hire as well as for sale. Hiring is ideal for short-term retail, events, or seasonal trading, while purchasing is better suited to long-term or repeat use. We can help you decide which option works best for your project.
Our containers in action
See some of the ways our amazing customers are using their containers.
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