Warehousing Space is Big Business but what about Smaller Businesses?

Warehousing Space is Big Business but what about Smaller Businesses?

Demand For Warehousing Space

According to research from RICS (the Royal Institute of Chartered Surveyors) there has been a dramatic increase in the demand for warehousing space which as doubled in the last ten years.

This mirrors an equally dramatic decline in demand for retail shopping units. As more and more high street shops, including several well-known names such as BHS and Toys R Us to Carpetright, either close completely or opt for restructuring.

Bulk storage

Stock storage and warehousing

The primary cause of all this is the move by consumers to online shopping and to using discount supermarkets such as Aldi and Lidl.

Smaller Businesses Online

However, there are many smaller businesses in online retail for whom leasing or buying warehouse space is not an affordable option, not least because there are seasonal highs and lows in retail.

Many online sellers are crafters making such things as soft furnishings, decorative homeware, jewellery and knitwear, often working from home.
There are very few High Street retail outlets for their work and at certain times of year, when it is likely they are gearing up for peak sales, it may seem that the only option is to store stock at home.

It is a similar picture for any small online retailer and with living spaces becoming smaller and smaller, with perhaps, no garage or shed, space may be in short supply.

SME’s

SMEs make up the bulk of the UK’s economy and are an essential part in the country’s economic life.

They need all the help they can get to keep their overheads and costs low.

This is where self-storage units can be a huge help and they are becoming increasingly popular with many small businesses. Not only are they great for storing products for online sale, but also parts and components for manufacturers. We have some great testimonials from customers who have used storage for just this reason. Read Tina’s Story. Read Andy’s Story.

The only restrictions are that you must store anything perishable or likely to attract pests, in airtight containers and items that are a potential fire or toxic chemical hazard & illegal substances are not allowed.

The advantages of using self-storage is that you can rent a space for as little as one week, you have 24-hour unlimited access to your storage space and the reassurance that your property is secure.
Why not contact us if you need somewhere to store your stock.