Dark Store
Entry in progress—BP
Wikipedia: Dark store
The term dark store, dark shop, dark supermarket or dotcom centre refers to a retail outlet or distribution centre that caters exclusively for online shopping. A dark store is generally a large warehouse that can either be used to facilitate a “click-and-collect” service, where a customer collects an item they have ordered online, or as an order fulfilment platform for online sales. The format was initiated in the United Kingdom, and its popularity has also spread to France followed by the rest of the European Union and Russia, as well as to the United States.
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The term ‘dark store’ first appeared in the UK in 2009 when Tesco opened their first such supermarkets in Croydon, Surrey, and Aylesford, Kent. At the time, Tesco were receiving around 475,000 orders per week which were being fulfilled from its existing retail supermarkets. Supermarkets began opening dark stores to assist with distribution in geographical areas where there was a high demand for online delivery.
New York (NY) Post
Grocery apps try to shed NYC delivery hubs’ ‘crackhouse’ reputations
By Theo Wayt
April 17, 2022 3:23pm Updated
Grocery delivery apps are looking to satisfy angry neighbors and New York City council members by rebranding their barebones and potentially illegal delivery hubs as high-tech retail locations that are open to the public.
As the legion of apps — including Gopuff, Getir, Gorillas and Jokr — have launched in the five boroughs over the past year, they’ve gobbled up space for dark stores that was previously occupied by delis and boutiques, turning the spaces into “dark stores” that house groceries and are closed to the public.
New York (NY) Post
NYC moves to crack down on ‘dark stores’ operated by fast delivery apps
By Lisa Fickenscher
May 6, 2022 1:49pm Updated
Mayor Eric Adams is moving to crack down on the proliferation of warehouse-like spaces that grocery delivery apps have created inside former Big Apple storefronts – ordering them to allow customers to shop there or move to the outskirts of the city, The Post has learned.
Critics including City Council members Gale Brewer and Christopher Marte have argued that storefronts operated by apps like Gopuff and Gorillas violate zoning laws because they operate mostly as warehouses and should therefore move out of neighborhoods zoned for retail use.
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The DOB likewise took aim at practices that have led to the nickname “dark stores” because passersby can’t see inside the spaces. The agency said any storefront windows that are obscured by “more than 50% with posters, paper, vinyl tint, and other opaque materials may result in DOB violations.”