What Does Proximity to Major Retailers Do to Self-Storage Rental Rates?

At PropRise, we’re always looking for ways to understand market dynamics and how they influence self-storage opportunities. One question we explored recently was: What impact does proximity to major retailers have on self-storage rental rates?

To find the answer, our team dug into the data. Here’s what we discovered.

National 10x10 Climate-Controlled Unit Rates

The national average street rate for a 10x10 climate-controlled unit is around $163/month. However, when we zoom in on self-storage facilities located near major retailers, the picture changes—sometimes dramatically.

Self-Storage Rental Rates Within 1 Mile of Major Retailers:

• Trader Joe’s: $258.94 (+58.88%)

• Costco: $177.98 (+9.19%)

• McDonald's: $168.74 (+3.52%)

• Walmart: $143.59 (-11.91%)

As you can see, the proximity to certain retailers correlates with significantly higher or lower self-storage rates. Trader Joe’s, known for locating in affluent neighborhoods, shows a massive 58.88% increase in nearby rental rates. Meanwhile, Walmart, often positioned in more budget-conscious areas, is associated with rental rates 11.91% lower than the national average.

Why Does This Happen?

Retailers choose their locations based on extensive market research, targeting areas that align with their brand and customer base. Trader Joe’s typically opens in wealthier areas, which naturally leads to higher self-storage rents nearby. On the other hand, Walmart tends to cater to a broader, cost-conscious market, which may explain the lower rental rates in those areas.

Leveraging Retailer Data for Self-Storage Success

The real competitive edge comes from being able to understand and use this kind of data to your advantage. But here’s the thing—analyzing proximity to retailers across various locations can be time-consuming. That's why we’ve built these insights directly into PropRise.

With our new Nearby Places feature, you can instantly identify prime self-storage properties—whether they’re on-market, off-market, or in emerging submarkets—by using data on nearby retailers. This lets you leverage the site selection strategies of major retail brands to maximize your returns.

Real-World Example: Instant Insights from PropRise

In just a few clicks using PropRise, I was able to locate 42 land listings over 2 acres within 0.5 miles of a Costco or Trader Joe’s. With this data at your fingertips, you can make faster, smarter decisions and secure high-potential sites before the competition.

Ready to Stay Ahead?

In today’s competitive market, understanding how local dynamics, like proximity to retailers, can affect self-storage rental rates is critical. With PropRise, we help you turn these insights into actionable strategies.

Let’s talk about how PropRise can help you stay ahead of the curve and find your next self-storage deal. [Include meeting link or contact info.]

P.S. Remember, correlation does not imply causation 😉—while proximity to retailers influences rates, each location has its own unique factors to consider.