What is Dark Store in Retail? Explained

A dark store in the retail industry is a physical facility or warehouse that resembles a traditional retail store but is not open to the public for in-person shopping. Instead, dark stores are designed to fulfill online orders, serving as dedicated spaces for picking, packing, and shipping products to customers. These fulfillment centers are often strategically located to enable quick and efficient delivery in urban areas. Dark stores have gained popularity, particularly in the realm of groceries and essential goods, as they allow retailers to optimize the online shopping experience and meet the growing demand for e-commerce while separating it from the traditional retail environment.