Ground has been broken on a new Shipping Container Village at Port Saint John led by AREA 506. The container village, consisting of customized containers for local businesses, retail and hospitality vendors, as well as a stage, lounge and plaza, will create new tourism experiences and business opportunities along the City’s waterfront.
Trends in retail have evolved into experience creation, where the shopping experience is as much about the environment as it is the products and services that are offered. The use of shipping containers creates a degree of innovation when compared to a traditional shopping environment. To engage stakeholders, vendor relations have been carried out with local business groups such as the Chamber of Commerce, business associations and past cruise market vendors.
When cruise ships resume in our area, this container village will serve as the first point of contact for visitors showcasing local vendors, art, food and drink. This will increase the sustainability of our cruise sector, helping Port Saint John remain a prominent port of call for cruise lines. Not only will the container village serve tourists, but our local community will now have more access to enjoy local goods on the waterfront.