Our Story

Who Says a Store Can’t Change Your Life?®

1978. Jimmy Carter was President of the United States. The Bee Gees topped the charts with “Stayin’ Alive.” The Dallas Cowboys defeated the Denver Broncos in the Super Bowl. And on July 1, The Container Store opened its doors in a small, 1,600 square foot retail space in Dallas. Kip Tindell (Chairman and CEO), Garrett Boone (Chairman Emeritus), and Architect John Mullen opened a retail store offering an exceptional and eclectic mix of products devoted to helping people simplify their lives. In doing so, they originated a completely new category of retailing, that of storage and organization. Initial cash capital was provided by Garrett, his father, and John Mullen, who were founding directors, officers and shareholders of the company.

The first store was filled with products that consumers couldn’t find in any other retail environment. They were things like commercial parts bins, wire drawers, mailboxes and popcorn tins, burger baskets, milk crates and wire leaf burners. The product collection was quite unusual, but when used in a home or office, the solutions would save customers space and, ultimately, time. “A store that sells empty boxes?” they would ask…many seriously doubted The Container Store would ever make it.

Today, with locations from coast to coast, our stores average 25,000 square feet and showcase more than 10,000 innovative products to help customers save space and, ultimately, save them time. The store layout is divided into lifestyle sections marked with brightly colored banners such as Closet, Kitchen, Office and Laundry. Wherever you look in the store, there’s always someone in a blue apron who’s ready to help solve everything from the tiniest of storage problems to the most intimidating organizational challenges. Customers receive unparalleled service, along with fresh ideas and a very interactive shopping experience.

33 responses to “Our Story”

  1. Amy Feehan says:
    Saw this online... just thought it was a cute quip What is CDO... an OCD person who couldn't help themselves to ...
  2. Ewart Hughes says:
    I visited your store today and was impressed with the uniqueness of your store.I happen to be an entrepreneur who ...
    • The Container Store says:
      Hi Ewart - I've passed your note along to the team who handles consideration of new products - they'll be ...
  3. Are any of your products made in America?
  4. Sure would be great if you could be here in Canada....on Vancouver Island!
  5. Lee Ann Moll says:
    From someone who likes things organized, The Container Store provides me with more ways to keep my house in order ...
  6. Kathleen Krogius says:
    GREAT STORE! We need one in South Orange County, CA. Closest one is at South Coast Plaza..... we ...
  7. I was introduced to the Container Store by my daughter who lives in Northern Virginia. It is always on ...
  8. Awesome store and Elfa products!
  9. Your store in Westbury Plaza, New York is absolutely magnificent. When I visited the store for the first time just ...
    • Thank you so very much for your incredibly sweet words. We are VERY proud of our Westbury team and ...
  10. Desperate for you to open a store near Huntsville, AL. As of now, the closest store is 2 hours away. ...
  11. Searching, browsing, shopping, or just walking through all the aisles and in all the corners of the Container Store is ...
  12. I came to work part time, as an off duty police officer in the Preston & Royal store many, many ...
  13. Dale Shafer says:
    I was one of your customers way back then, and I'm still a customer, thirty-four years later. I no ...
  14. Janet Martin says:
    I love the Container Store. I have the organizer gene and the Container Store has helped me to organize my ...
  15. Dianne Howard says:
    When are you going to open a store in Maine? Portland would be ideal or even New Hampshire. ...
  16. I am an organizing junkie and huge fan of the container store..who would love an opportunity to work for your ...
  17. Blanche Cordero says:
    As a human resources professional, I was trained to be a businesswoman first and then a functional leader. I have ...
    • Juanita Rinck says:
      Many Human Resource personel people are being replaced by computers but great minds can not be replaced.
  18. Martha Dickman says:
    Please open a Container Store in Tulsa, OK. You have so many fans here!!!!!
  19. Connie Daniel says:
    I very much enjoyed reading about the beginning of your store. I love finding unusual storage container. Thanks!
  20. Al Potenza Jr. says:
    I SAW YOUR PIECE ON "60 MINUTES" SEVERAL MONTHS AGO AND WAITED ANXIOUSLY FOR THE INDY LOCATION. I WAS NOT ...
  21. I can't pass a Container Store without going in, even if I'm not in need of anything paricular. Being OCD ...
  22. Robin Bookwalter says:
    Love the concept and have been in pursuit of a retail outlet like this...for as long as I can remember. ...
  23. I grew up going to the original store and then when it moved across the street to where the Minyard's ...
  24. I love the store layout and the well defined "sections". There is NO Question where to go to ...
  25. Oli Mohammed says:
    Inspiring story. A classical-American success story.
  26. Deborah Moody says:
    I saw the story about your store on tv yesterday motning and decided to read more. what a wonderful concept! ...
  27. Dan Nethers says:
    I saw the story about your store on TV this AM. Your store filled with products that customers couldn't find ...
  28. I love your story. I went on a tour of your coroporate office last year and enjoyed the back ...

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