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Box Truck Businesses Popping Up In An Area Near You

CRANFORD, N.J. (CBSNewYork) -- When you think of businesses operating out of trucks, you might get a little hungry imagining food trucks.

But as CBS 2's Christine Sloan reported, there is a new trend emerging with different kinds of businesses on wheels.

It may appear to be a regular clothing and jewelry store on the inside, but the Runaway isn't your typical boutique -- it's on wheels and the fashion literally comes to you.

Runaway mobile business
Runaway mobile business (Credit: CBS 2)

When it comes to driving the truck around, Runaway CEO and President Emily Dell said "It is not too scary unless there is a bridge. I just have to be mindful of the height to make sure the air conditioner on the top is not going to come off."

Dell, a 30-year-old public relations worker by day, jumped on the new trend of using a truck instead of a storefront for her business.

"This past month we probably grossed around $3,000," Dell said.

About a month ago Dell said she spent $30,000 to set up her box truck business.

Now, she drives it to street fairs and parks it outside of salons in New Jersey towns on the weekends.

"People love it. We had two people come on today they were really excited about the idea. They want to do an at-home shopping party which I am really excited about," Dell said.

While you may think there isn't enough room for everything on a truck, Dell even has space for a dressing room, Sloan reported.

"Nothing more convenient than a store on wheels across the street. It's great," said Garwood resident Melissa Murray.

Meanwhile, on the corner of Lenox Avenue and 126th Street in Harlem, a red carpet will take you into another truck called Celebrities Mobile Boutique, where President Nneka Ingram does full makeovers.

Celebrities Mobile Boutique
Celebrities Mobile Boutique (Credit: CBS 2)

"I used to have a store in the Bronx. It failed within one year, the rents are just too high," said Ingram.

Ingram, a former MTA bus driver, spent $20,000 on the bling and makeup mobile.

"I have more freedom now. I can do different events in different states and pop up shops," she said.

Plus, she said she's making a profit.

Game Truck mobile business
Game Truck mobile business (Credit: CBS 2)

And so is Brian Morris with his video game trailer that he takes to kids parties mostly, Sloan reported.

"There is no rent on here. Our overhead is minimal, just fuel for the truck," Morris said.

"Maybe one day we'll have a whole fleet of trucks," said Dell.

But as these entrepreneurs take their stores to the streets, they're running into permit requirements and businesses and residents who may not want them there, Sloan reported.

Currently, there are laws for food trucks in New York City, but no regulations exist for other businesses on wheels.

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