Grocery delivery startup Grocemania makes dark stores move

UK-based on demand grocery delivery venture, Grocemania, has launched its first dark store in Kingston, London.

A second store in Twickenham is set to open in early July.

Launched in 2018, Grocemania’s app and online platform allows people to buy and get groceries delivered in minutes from Nisa, Londis, Budgens, McColls and Spar stores located in BP petrol stations, as well as independent retailers like local butchers, fishmongers and producers.

Its service began with operations in London, Bristol and Brighton throughout 2020, and has launched in Sheffield, Leeds, Cardiff and Birmingham within the past six months.

Celebrate the long-awaited Wimbledon Championship and have a real Wimbledon experience with your favourite grocery treats delivered right to your door!🎾 pic.twitter.com/8jgWafUGLF
— Grocemania (@grocemania) June 28, 2021

The dark stores, meanwhile, are being launched as part of the venture’s new initiative, GM Local, which aims to support local producers by digitally connecting them to customers. They will be powered by Kingston and Twickenham markets.

Grocemania lays claim to a first in the UK multi-vendor marketplace, with tailored pricing for every retailer and its own stock control system.

It has also invested in Point of Sale technology to be used within the dark stores, to facilitate stock management, and process transactions more rapidly.

It is set to expand its dark stores beyond London later this year, with plans to open 16 more locations across England by the end of 2021 in partnership with Valli Forecourts.

The expansion follows a funding round earlier this year in which it raised £173,000 in its latest pre-seed round.

Askar Bulegenov, Founder and Director, Grocemania, pictured above, says: “Dark stores have disrupted the food delivery sector in recent years. They offer local stores a more cost-effective storage system, while typically providing consumers with a quicker, more efficient service.”

“It was a logical next step, therefore, that we would expand into this exciting space. We are constantly looking for ways to improve and innovate our offering, and our dark store expansion strategy will help us do just that.”

He concludes: “With an even quicker delivery service for users, and superior stock management technology, we are confident that our plan will allow us to better support both local businesses, and satisfy the needs of our valued app users.”