If you’ve been to International Plaza, Tampa International Airport, or anywhere on Spruce Street in the last few months, you’ll likely have seen the construction of The Container Store. Located at the corner of Westshore Boulevard and Spruce Street, the store is on an expanse of land that has been empty for several years and left the east corner of Westshore Blvd. looking completely bare.

  A few months ago, there was a sign that said “Coming Soon: The Container Store.” Not long after, the shell of a building appeared, then a sign that said The Container Store. A few weeks ago, employees started stocking the shelves, and you could see hangers in one of the windows.

  The Container Store opened on March 16th, and the grand opening had hundreds of people. The parking lot is quite small considering the space is shared with three other establishments that have yet to open. The parking lot was full, but at the rate people were leaving the store, the wait for a space was very short.

  Inside the store, the two lines were about 40 people deep, and everyone had a cart. The store is split up into kitchen and gift wrapping on the left side, office supplies at the back, closet, bathroom, and travel on the right side. In the middle there were shelves with miscellaneous bins and bags.

  One might think a place called The Container Store would be the least interesting place on earth. However, it was kind of intriguing. They carry something to store literally anything you own or could ever dream of. Fruit baskets, gift bags, spice racks, dog food scoopers, toothbrush holders that look like grass, an entire section of closets, it’s an organizer’s paradise.

  The lines, though daunting, moved fairly quickly and were supervised by employees. All employees had on black shirts that said “contain yourself” on the back, so they were very easy to spot, and very helpful.

  Overall, it was a really good first impression, and I’ll definitely go back.