OrderGrid Quick-Commerce Software Powers Grocery Dark Stores Worldwide

TORONTO —

OrderGrid’s Quick-Commerce Software Powers Grocery Dark Stores Worldwide

OrderGrid’s quick-commerce software is the world-leading technology, powering dark stores and traditional grocery stores and are growing exponentially with the current market demand. They’ve taken what they’ve learned from launching dark stores around the world and are eager to help US and Canadian grocery retailers do the same in order to become leaders in this new industry.

What Is A Dark Store? Does Your Business Need A Dark Store?

Dark stores are an exciting, post-pandemic fulfillment concept that is growing exponentially within the grocery industry. In 2020, many businesses were forced to re-evaluate their customer acquisition strategies and come up with new ways to drive sales. Curbside pick-up and same or next day delivery has become the standard and the difference between good or great service. Due to the demand in online grocery and delivery, traditional grocers and delivery services like Waitrose & Deliveroo have been moving to a hybrid retail model known as ‘dark stores’.

So what is a dark store exactly? Essentially, a dark store functions like a micro-fulfillment center; there is no in-person shopping. Instead, orders are placed via an app or website, fulfilled by pickers at dark stores, and delivered to the customer’s home within minutes. 

With the recent rise in eCommerce and decline in brick and mortar purchasing, dark stores are becoming the new method to driving sales and acquiring customers. This new concept, powered by OrderGrid software is perfect for grocers, pharmacies and CPG brands interested in being leaders in the quick-commerce revolution. These hybrid dark stores combine the ideal scenario of “curbside pick-up” for customers or riders with the additional option of offering 15-minute delivery to your customers.

How Do Dark Stores Work?

Dark stores are integrated seamlessly with eCommerce websites and mobile apps, to fulfill the real-time demand of rapid delivery and on-demand order fulfillment. A dark store needs to be located within a certain radius of its customers. This will help to fulfill the demand for rapid delivery and on-demand order fulfillment. It also enables brands to offer seamless transactions from the purchase to delivery.

Dark stores work around the clock and their fundamental operations can be undertaken with an advanced software system, like OrderGrid, a small team of receivers and pickers, and a store layout optimized for rapid warehouse operations.  Dark store order processing is similar to order processing at a fulfillment center or 3PL, however a dark store operates on a much smaller and faster scale.

Step 1: Online or mobile app orders are instantly received and processed

Step 2: Orders are electronically sent to the dark store

Step 3: Employees pick orders displayed on a digital screen within 2 minutes

Step 4: Multiple orders can often be collected simultaneously

Step 5: Orders are packed in a few seconds

Step 6: They are ready for customers to pick-up and and riders to deliver

Why Are Dark Stores Becoming Important For Grocers In The USA & Canada?

The pandemic has shaped the way consumers shop, and as a result, the way we structure our business models. Consumer hype is all about online shopping, and the convenience of curbside pick-up or same-day delivery is undeniable. This new standard of living gives grocers and retailers an opportunity like never before.

With OrderGrid’s world-class tech, grocers have the ability to capitalize on the ‘dark store’ model and be leaders in the quick-commerce revolution. OrderGrid software includes real-time inventory management, forecasting, AI-driven auto replenishment, and a full operations product suite with smart picking and receiving.

Online shopping, contactless transactions, and instant delivery have become high in demand in the post pandemic era. The aftermath has created a surge in demand for online grocery and eCommerce. However, traditional online grocery continues to be plagued by slow delivery times, inconvenient delivery slots, high minimum spends and disappointing substituted or missing items which affects up to 80% of orders.

Dark stores powered by intelligent software is the solution to these issues and the answer for keeping up with the increasing pressure for on-demand delivery during the ‘quick- commerce’ era.

To learn more about how you can set up a dark store for your business, visit: www.ordergrid.com/dark-store

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