Drenthe-based storage giant Storage Share is now setting up in Groningen too

GRONINGEN – Storage Share, the successful storage platform set up by the young Drenthe-based entrepreneurs Julian Doorten (29, Tiendeveen) and Niels van Eck (29, Pesse), is now also operating in Groningen. On Osloweg, 200 storage units totalling 1,200 m² are being built. Storage Share makes vacant property profitable by converting it into storage units for private individuals and businesses.

Storage Share has been in operation for barely two years, but has completely turned the world of private storage on its head. In virtually all major Dutch cities, these young entrepreneurs are offering vacant offices and other properties as storage units – usually for a fraction of the price charged by traditional storage providers. In Groningen, Storage Share is continuing to roll out its new business model. 

From a vacant industrial unit to storage units

Storage Share is renting a large space itself on Osloweg. It is an industrial unit at the Groot Handels Centrum which has been converted into storage units on Storage Share’s behalf. “Normally, we let out storage units on behalf of third parties, mainly property owners,” explains Julian Doorten. “Following Hoogeveen, we’ll also be managing operations entirely ourselves in Groningen.” 

“Initially, our focus was mainly on the major cities in the Randstad,” adds Niels van Eck. “However, we’ve noticed that, thanks to our brand recognition in the northern provinces, we’ve also seen increasing demand for storage units here. The supply of vacant office space in the city of Groningen isn’t particularly high, though. That’s why we started looking for a different type of location, and we found it in the form of the perfect warehouse on Osloweg.”

Let even before completion

Storage Share caters to private individuals and businesses looking for storage units for short or long periods. “We give vacant properties a new, temporary purpose. Owners are pleased that their premises remain in use and, through us, suddenly start receiving rental income again,” explains Doorten. “We work extensively with major national and international property firms. Without major investment, we adapt existing spaces – such as those within offices – to serve as storage units. This generates an immediate return for the owner. Furthermore, the owner retains flexibility as we apply a standard one-month notice period for tenants. And thanks to our targeted marketing and knowledge of the target audience, we are able to fill our spaces quickly. Tenants themselves also have a one-month notice period and there are no additional costs.” 

In Groningen, Storage Share has been operating its own storage facility on a long-term basis. The premises on Osloweg have been leased for a period of ten years. “Now that Hoogeveen has proved successful three months after opening, we’ve decided to operate our own storage units in more locations,” says Van Eck. “We have absolutely no doubt about that success, mind you; we received plenty of enquiries even whilst the refurbishment was underway. The first units were let even before completion.”