Until recently, most cities witnessed a retail experiment that seemed almost magical, which is groceries arriving at your doorstep in just ten minutes. This was not luck or magic; it was the result of careful planning, micro-warehouses called dark stores, and technology that coordinated every step of the process. 

Every action, from inventory stocking to the rider’s final step to your door, was orchestrated to shave off precious minutes.

At the centre of this ultra-fast delivery system were dark stores, small, tech-enabled warehouses located close to residential areas. Unlike traditional supermarkets, these stores were not open to walk-in customers. Their sole purpose was to pick, pack, and dispatch online orders quickly and accurately.

Inside these stores, items were strategically arranged to minimise movement. Fast-selling products were placed closest to the packing zone, while slower-selling goods were deeper inside. 

© The Better India