China Self Storage Co. Ltd., a Chinese operator based in the northern region of the country, has opened its Tianzhu flagship location in Beijing. The self-storage facility is comprised of 5,000 square meters and offers 950 units in various sizes up to 35 square meters.
The facility caters to local residents and businesses. Customers can book space online, by phone or in person. The location also offers password-protected computer access and a climate-controlled environment.
China Self Storage has plans to develop two additional locations in Beijing and is currently prospecting a site in Shanghai.
Self-storage development has grown steadily in China during the last decade, particularly in urban centers like Hong Kong and Shanghai. Generally, developers are converting existing industrial buildings into self-storage facilities due to a lack of space for new structures.
As an example, when MiniCo Self Storage entered the Hong Kong market in 2002, there were 11 self-storage facilities. Today there are more than 150. With increased competition and greater public awareness, the industry has adapted. Peoples expectation of self-storage has changed, said Marilyn Leslie, president of MiniCo Asia Ltd. Service has become more important. They want more than a flimsy room with questionable security and no service.
Sources:
- This Is Beijing: Biggest Self-Storage Chain Lands in Beijing
