Dark stores will gain greater prominence

Dark stores are essentially retail distribution centers that resemble a typical supermarket but is used primarily to fulfill online orders. While the concept started out as a way to fulfill grocery orders, several brands are testing out the dark store concept for apparel and food deliveries. For several brands, dark stores have become strategically important in matching the ever-shrinking shipping time and superior customer service levels of major etailers like Amazon and Alibaba. The proliferation of dark stores is a direct consequence of the rise of hyperlocal commerce and the rapid growth of the online grocery market. They also fuel the growth of cross-border commerce by making it easier for retailers to expand their operations into new regions and markets.