New Westminster Explores Micro Retailing to Boost Commercial Areas

New Westminster’s City Council is actively exploring innovative strategies to enhance the city's commercial areas, with a particular focus on micro-retailing using shipping containers. This approach, which has gained traction in other Canadian cities, was a key topic of discussion in a recent council meeting as a potential solution to revitalize underutilized spaces and support small businesses.

Micro retailing leverages small, often modular spaces like shipping containers to create affordable retail opportunities for local entrepreneurs. This model has been successfully implemented in cities such as Toronto and Vancouver, providing a blueprint for New Westminster. In Toronto, for example, the Stackt Market—a market composed entirely of shipping containers—has drawn over 500,000 visitors annually since its launch in 2019. Similarly, North Vancouver’s Shipyards District experienced a significant 20% increase in foot traffic after introducing container-based retail shops, demonstrating the potential impact of such initiatives.

Councillor Ruby Campbell highlighted the importance of this initiative, especially in light of rising commercial lease rates, which pose a significant challenge for small businesses. "What we are finding is that lease rates are really high, not just in New West but across the country. This is to give artisans and small businesses a place where they can sell their product," Campbell stated, underscoring the council's commitment to fostering a supportive environment for local entrepreneurs.

The trend of using shipping containers for micro retailing is gaining momentum across Canada, driven by its flexibility and cost-effectiveness. These small-scale retail spaces provide an accessible entry point for businesses that might otherwise struggle to afford traditional retail leases. In addition to supporting local entrepreneurs, these micro retail spaces have been shown to increase foot traffic in surrounding areas, thereby benefiting the broader community and stimulating local economies.

As New Westminster continues to explore this innovative retail model, the city aims to create a vibrant commercial landscape that not only supports small businesses but also enhances the overall appeal of its urban spaces. The council’s consideration of micro-retailing is part of a broader effort to adapt to changing economic conditions and ensure that the city’s commercial areas remain dynamic and accessible.