Scaling Storage for Seasonal Growth: How a Garden Centre Solved Space Shortages with Shipping Containers
Last Updated on November 26, 2025
Storage Struggles at a Growing Garden Centre
A large and popular independent garden centre based in Swansea was facing a recurring challenge: garden furniture imported from China was arriving in bulk, and once the original shipping containers were emptied, they couldn’t be retained for use on-site.
The business needed a secure, lockable, and watertight solution to store high-value stock safely until it was ready for display.
An Immediate, Cost-Effective Storage Solution
The site had open ground available but no undercover storage, making renting containers from Billie Box the perfect solution. Without this option, the garden centre would have had to rent space off-site – an approach that would have been far more expensive and inconvenient, especially for staff needing fast access to stock.
Fast, Flexible Storage with the Right Fit
The volume and frequency of shipments meant they needed flexible storage that could be deployed quickly. Billie Box supplied a mix of 40ft standard and 40ft high-cube containers, ideal for holding large volumes of furniture. Several containers were placed together, creating a single, accessible storage area. The initial rental agreement was for 26 weeks and included both container hire and delivery from our Birmingham depot directly to the garden centre’s open ground.
Security and Practicality Built In
All containers came with lock boxes fitted as standard, offering excellent protection from theft and weather damage. These features made them ideal for holding valuable furniture stock with little need for extra preparation.
The garden centre chose to rent instead of buy to avoid significant capital outlay and maintain financial flexibility. Since 2018, they’ve rented consistently from Billie Box and currently have 13 containers on site.
Bulk Buying Made Possible
With on-site container storage, the business could order garden furniture in bulk directly from China. This reduced per-unit costs and lowered shipping fees. The proximity of containers to the showroom allowed staff to move stock easily without the need for forklifts, a large warehouse team, or external storage – speeding up operations and reducing lead times for customers.
Additional Benefits Beyond Storage
Secure containers also contributed to lower insurance costs, thanks to the robust lock boxes and watertight build. Renting allowed the garden centre to adjust inventory levels in line with seasonal demand, without the commitment of long-term warehousing.
A Strategic Shift in Supply Chain Management
These containers have fundamentally changed how the garden centre manages its supply chain. On-site storage gave them the confidence to place larger, more competitive orders from overseas, improving both pricing and product availability.
If you want great personal service and great customer service, then look no further. We needed containers in quantity, and Billie Box sourced, quoted and arranged whilst keeping us informed at all times. – John
Helping Garden Centres Grow with Confidence
A lack of storage can significantly limit the growth of busy, seasonal businesses like garden centres. Our containers have become a key part of their operations – supporting profitability, enabling stock control, and helping them adapt quickly to customer demand.
Make Storage Simple, Secure, and Cost-Effective
At Billie Box, we make renting containers hassle-free from start to finish. We deliver secure, high-quality units exactly when you need them and handle the entire process, from depot to on-site installation. If you’re facing storage challenges, contact us today to find out how we can help.
