Shipping container in downtown Vancouver plays host to pop-up shops all summer long

    1 of 1 2 of 1

      A shipping container in downtown Vancouver is playing host to specialty food producers, a renowned chef, and a Calgary-based boxing studio this month.

      The space, which is situated outside Shaw Tower and has been given the very original name of The Shipping Container, housed local confectionery Beta5 Chocolates last week, during which the award-winning sweets shop sold a variety of ice-cream sandwiches.

      Until August 13, the vessel will be home to Vancouver’s The Juice Truck, which will offer bottled cold-pressed juices, and To Die For, which will peddle plant-based banana breads and lemon loaves. The two businesses share a commitment to supporting local produce and organic farming practices.

      From August 23 to 30, The Shipping Container will welcome local chef and restauranteur Vikram Vij, who will have housewares and décor products from his Vij’s at Home line on hand. He will also pour shoppers cups of his classic chai tea.

      Finally, from August 31 to September 3, passersby can expect to see boxing workouts taking place in the space. They’ll be run by Undrcard Boxing Studio, a Calgary-based facility that will be making its debut in Vancouver.

      Additional vendors will be announced before The Shipping Container’s closing date on September 14.

      The repurposed vessel is operated by local developer Westbank and is meant to offer Vancouverites a preview of five shipping-container retail units that will be installed under the Granville Street Bridge in 2019 as part of the construction of the twisting, 49-storey Vancouver House. Once complete, that redesigned space will also accommodate a spinning, 18th-century-style chandelier designed by celebrated local artist Rodney Graham.

      The Shipping Container is located outside Shaw Tower and is open until September 14, from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. daily.

      Follow Lucy Lau on Twitter @lucylau.

      Comments