Category
Business
Assisted Conversion
Trend cluster
Category
Shoppable Dark
Stores
Brands are converting or combining stores into micro-fulfillment spaces.
4.3
Trend score
Trend
What is the Shoppable Dark Stores trend?
Shoppable Dark Stores: "Dark stores" are miniature warehouse-adjacent spaces, whose sole purpose is to pack online orders for pick-up or delivery. Many retailers are turning their brick-and-mortar locations into micro-fulfillment hubs, or hybridizing these spaces as a bit of both, in order to satisfy demand during COVID-19. As a result, customers are not allowed inside.
Insight
The consumer insight behind the Shoppable Dark Stores trend
During the COVID-19 pandemic, consumers have increasingly turned to e-commerce as a means to get products they need or want. The increase in online spending can be attributed to the fact that the experience offers them a convenient and safer alternative than going in-store. Often plagued by impatience—from dealing with an online interface to getting the product fast or in time for an occasion—individuals are emphasizing the need for efficiency in this space that allows for a seamless experience.
Trend themes
Themes within the Shoppable Dark Stores trend
Three behaviours holding the trend together01
Micro-Fulfillment Hubs
Brands are transforming brick-and-mortar stores into micro-fulfillment centers to satisfy the demand during COVID-19 with a delivery-only model.
02
Dedicated Fulfillment Hubs
Retailers are turning stores into regional fulfillment centers to improve inventory management and fast delivery in the e-commerce experience.
03
Commercial Micro-Fulfillment Solutions
Automated technology and Dematic iQ software constitute micro-fulfillment solutions that bring industry-leading speed and efficiency to the fulfillment process.
Industry implications
What the Shoppable Dark Stores trend means for industry
Where the trend changes the playbookFor
E-commerce
Brands are transforming brick-and-mortar stores into delivery-only spaces and fulfillment centers to keep up with the growing demand for online shopping.
For
Retail
Dedicated and micro-fulfillment hubs, coupled with automated technologies, can help retailers optimize the inventory process and deliver efficient online orders.
For
Logistics
Automated micro-fulfillment solutions can help logistics companies fast-track the e-commerce process and improve consumers' delivery experience.
Workshop question
How might your brand create a seamless experience in the e-commerce sector?
Trend signals
Trend signals for Shoppable Dark Stores
Trend score 4.3 out of 10, from popularity 69%, activity 52%, freshness 9%.
Popularity69%
Activity52%
Freshness9%
Audience
50%Men
50%Women
- Gen Alpha
- Gen Z
- Millennial
- Gen X
- Boomer
Market
North America
Europe
Asia-Pacific
South America
Evidence
Examples of the Shoppable Dark Stores trend
4 featured examples from Sep 4 to Sep 12, 2020CategoryBusiness
Online-Only Healthy Supermarkets
Whole Foods Market Opened a Delivery-Only Location in Brooklyn
Companies offering online grocery delivery services can capitalize on the increased demand for delivery-only supermarkets during and beyond the pandemic.
CategoryBusiness
Dark Grocery Stores
The Walmart Pickup Point is Only Meant to Fulfill Online Orders
The rise of micro fulfillment centers and 'dark stores' like the Walmart Pickup Point are disrupting the traditional brick-and-mortar retail model and forcing retailers to adapt t…
CategoryBusiness
Commercial Micro-Fulfillment Solutions
Dematic Helps Retailers in Addressing Consumer Demand
The retail industry can leverage micro-fulfillment solutions to address e-commerce demands and enhance their omnichannel experience, ultimately increasing profitability.
CategoryBusiness
Dedicated Fulfillment Hubs
Bed, Bath & Beyond Introduces Regional Fulfillment Centers
The retail industry is using fulfillment hubs as a way to meet the increased demand for e-commerce during the COVID-19 pandemic.
