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.
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