About
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 of
that year, 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.