Dark stores represent changing of the retail guard, OneStock research
Dark store retail formats are growing in popularity with UK consumers, with demand continuing even as the Covid-19 pandemic eases, according to research from OneStock.
Its survey of 2,022 UK shoppers revealed that 67% used dark store formats during the outbreak, choosing to Click and Collect or have online orders fulfilled from a non-essential retail store that was closed to the public during lockdown.
84%, meanwhile, want to continue using dark stores post-pandemic, and demand is higher still amongst Millennial demographics, rising to 91% of 25 – 44 year olds.
The latest Local Data Company data suggests 8,700 stores closed on UK high streets in the first half of 2021 in the aftermath of the pandemic.
Increased demand for online shopping has prompted many retailers and brands to re-evaluate store formats, with some choosing to turn traditional shop spaces ‘dark’ and reallocating them to process and fulfil online orders.
Romulus Grigoras, Founder and CEO at OneStock, comments: “Born out of necessity during the pandemic, retailers are increasingly recognising that rethinking the role of the store is no longer a quick fix, but the right approach in the long-term.”
“The imperative to turn stores into mini-warehouses is supported by the fact that even large warehouses are not yet geared up for the huge growth in online orders and often have neither the staff nor the stock, let alone the systems to manage.”
He adds: “The dark store concept represents a changing of the guard. Where once consumers were directed in-store by the retailer because of a lack of systems and processes, now more and more retailers can offer flexibility and fast delivery, especially in the light of the increased demand by consumers for Q-Commerce capabilities. “
“And flexibility will be a key attribute for success in the future because, while many people are making predictions about the future role of the store, all we can really know is the store will have to act with agility as consumer tastes and behaviours continue to change.”
