# Shoppable Dark Stores Brands are converting or combining stores into micro-fulfillment spaces. By [Kalin Ned](https://www.trendhunter.com/knedelch), Research Writer | Published Sep 12, 2020 | Category: [Business](https://www.trendhunter.com/pro/category/business-trends) Source: Trend Hunter, https://www.trendhunter.com/protrends/dark-stores ## Key Figures - Trend score: 4.3/10 - Evidence articles: 4 ## 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. ## 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. ## At a Glance - Evidence: 4 featured examples - Articles from: Sep 4 to Sep 12, 2020 - Published: Sep 12, 2020 - Patterns: [Redirection](https://www.trendhunter.com/pattern/redirection), [Reduction](https://www.trendhunter.com/pattern/reduction) - Megatrends: [Hybridization](https://www.trendhunter.com/megatrend/hybridization), [Simplicity](https://www.trendhunter.com/megatrend/simplicity), [Catalyzation](https://www.trendhunter.com/megatrend/catalyzation) ## Audience - Gender: 50% men, 50% women - Primary generations: Gen Z, Millennial, Gen X - Top markets: North America, South America, Europe, Asia ## Themes within the Shoppable Dark Stores trend ### 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. ### Dedicated Fulfillment Hubs Retailers are turning stores into regional fulfillment centers to improve inventory management and fast delivery in the e-commerce experience. ### 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. ## What the Shoppable Dark Stores trend means for industry ### For 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 for Shoppable Dark Stores Trend score 4.3 out of 10, from popularity 69%, activity 52%, freshness 9%. - Popularity: 69% - Activity: 52% - Freshness: 9% ## Examples of the Shoppable Dark Stores trend 4 featured examples from Sep 4 to Sep 12, 2020. - [Online-Only Healthy Supermarkets](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/online-only-store): Whole Foods Market Opened a Delivery-Only Location in Brooklyn (Category: Business) Implication: Companies offering online grocery delivery services can capitalize on the increased demand for delivery-only supermarkets during and beyond the pandemic. - [Dark Grocery Stores](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/walmart-pickup-point): The Walmart Pickup Point is Only Meant to Fulfill Online Orders (Category: Business) Implication: 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… - [Commercial Micro-Fulfillment Solutions](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/microfulfillment-solution): Dematic Helps Retailers in Addressing Consumer Demand (Category: Business) Implication: The retail industry can leverage micro-fulfillment solutions to address e-commerce demands and enhance their omnichannel experience, ultimately increasing profitability. - [Dedicated Fulfillment Hubs](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/fulfillment-hubs): Bed, Bath & Beyond Introduces Regional Fulfillment Centers (Category: Business) Implication: The retail industry is using fulfillment hubs as a way to meet the increased demand for e-commerce during the COVID-19 pandemic. ## Recent trend clusters - [Assisted Conversion](https://www.trendhunter.com/protrends/ai-assisted-checkout) (Business) - [Occasion Commerce](https://www.trendhunter.com/protrends/occasion-commerce) (Business) - [Autonomous Merchandising](https://www.trendhunter.com/protrends/autonomous-merchandising) (Business) - [Assisted Choices](https://www.trendhunter.com/protrends/weight-loss-medication-support) (Lifestyle) ## Trending in Business - [Performance-Based Creator Ads](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/creator-ad-platforms) - [MIami Pop-Culture Shirts](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/miami-pop-culture-shirts) - [Natural Deodorant Expansions](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/target-beauty-studios) - [Mini Beauty Stores](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/little-luxuries-store) All articles: [Business](https://www.trendhunter.com/business)