Blinkit to increase micro fulfilment centres by 40%

By

Isabelle Crossley

Published
Feb 13, 2023

Blinkit plans to expand its network and increase its micro fulfilment centre (dark store) count by up to 40% in the coming 12 months. The quick commerce business currently has over 400 dark stores across India. 

“We have identified several new high potential neighbourhoods in existing as well as new cities,” said Blinkit’s CEO Albinder Dhindsa, the Press Trust of India reported. “We should start seeing the net dark store number increase going forward… We are seeking opportunities for store openings in high potential areas based on the data our systems generate, the management bandwidth and time to supply creation.”
 
The exact number of openings will depend on the business being able to find suitable, cost effective locations for the dark stores, according to Dhindsa. Inflationary pressures has slightly reduced Blinkit’s average order value but the business reported its highest ever rates of both new and returning customers. 

“Only when we feel confident that we can provide a great experience for our customers in a high potential location, do we start the process of opening new stores,” said Dhindsa. “Currently, we believe that we can comfortably grow our dark store count by around 30% to 40% over the next 12 months.” 
 
In 2022, Blinkit was acquired by Zomato. The business was previously named Grofers and specialises in fast delivery of essential personal care goods and groceries among other products.