Cold & Self-Storage Construction Trends: Consumer Preferences, Tertiary Markets, and Technology Investment Will Make the Difference in 2024

The industry doesn’t need tea leaves to determine the leading cold & self-storage construction trends in 2024; they only need to listen to the experts.

The self-storage sector, adapting to changing demands and a cooling housing market, has become a resilient performer in real estate, with trends showing a shift towards stability and a slowdown in new supply. Simultaneously, the cold storage industry is experiencing a surge in demand, driven by increased online grocery sales and a growing need for temperature-controlled supply chains for perishable goods.

Innovations in cold storage technology and a rise in e-commerce have significantly expanded cold storage capacity. Yet, the sector still faces challenges in keeping pace with the skyrocketing demand. Strategic investments in cold storage infrastructure, particularly in key locations like Laredo, Texas, are crucial for maintaining the freshness of products like Mexican avocados, highlighting the importance of efficient cold chain management.

Overall, both the cold and self-storage sectors are witnessing transformative trends, with self-storage stabilizing amidst economic shifts and cold storage expanding rapidly to meet the evolving needs of the food and pharmaceutical industries.

What does the future hold for self and cold-storage construction, and how are these sectors adapting to the evolving demands of the market?

Experts Talk, presented by MarketScale, explores this question and the trends shaping today’s cold & self-storage construction industry. Host Daniel Litwin, the Voice of B2B, and a trio of industry leaders, Chris Tatge, Founder & President at DC Materials, John McAfee, Treasurer at Texas Self Storage Association, and Cory Singer, Vice President at FCL Builders, examine the significant trends shaping self and cold storage construction from 2023 into 2024, including adaption and alignment to consumer preferences, expansion into tertiary markets, investment in technology, and strategic planning and communication in cold-storage construction.

Key points of conversation include:

• The impact of economic and market trends on self and cold-storage construction
• The role of technology and innovation in shaping the future of these sectors
• Strategies for addressing challenges and capitalizing on opportunities in 2024

Chris Tatge brings his expertise as a board member for the Structural Building Components Association, offering insights into the broader construction industry’s trends and their implications for self and cold storage. With his dual roles in the Texas Self Storage Association and as an owner and asset manager, John McAfee provides a focused perspective on the evolution of the self-storage industry. Cory Singer, from FCL Builders, adds depth to the discussion with his expertise in cold storage construction, particularly in the context of rising e-commerce demands.

Article by James Kent