Flipkart Targets Over 1,500 Dark Stores by 2026
Flipkart is set to establish a network of more than 1,500 quick commerce dark stores by the year 2026. In comparison, Amazon has expanded its reach to 450–500 stores, as detailed in a recent UBS report. Currently, Flipkart operates between 750 and 850 dark stores and has been on an aggressive expansion path, especially in tier-II and III markets. This initiative commenced in January 2026, and the company is aiming to introduce an additional 800 stores by the end of the year.
Amazon’s Progress in Dark Stores
Meanwhile, Amazon has launched 450–500 dark stores, with 330–370 of them already operational, and an additional 100–140 stores are in the pipeline. Both companies are rapidly scaling their operations through collaborations with third-party enablers responsible for store setup and management. These enablers provide comprehensive solutions that allow platforms to delegate certain aspects or the entirety of their operations, permitting faster expansion.
Partnerships Over In-House Development
As franchise-led models continue to prevail, large platforms are increasingly choosing to partner with specialised operators rather than developing their capabilities entirely in-house. The entrance of Flipkart and Amazon into this market has provided significant advantages for these enablers, allowing both companies to scale efficiently without necessitating complete internal operational systems.
Expansion into Tier-II and III Cities
Flipkart Minutes has now extended its reach to various tier-II and III cities, including Rohtak, Muzaffarpur, Hajipur, Arrah, Chhapra, Zirakpur, Mohali, Bihar Sharif, Asansol, Durgapur, Sonipat, and Panchkula, with Arrah being highlighted as one of the fastest-growing locations among recent launches, according to various sources. Requests for comments sent to Flipkart regarding the expansion of Minutes last week did not receive a reply. Additionally, inquiries concerning the latest figures from UBS were also made.
Shifting Focus by Amazon
In a separate report, UBS noted that Amazon plans to phase out its 4–24 hour delivery service, Amazon Fresh, in 10–15 major Indian cities, refocusing its efforts on the quick commerce segment known as AmazonNow.
Operating Models of Flipkart and Amazon
Regarding operational models, Amazon finances dark store capital expenditure and covers rent, while enablers oversee day-to-day operations and, in some cases, last-mile delivery. Contrarily, Flipkart adopts a hybrid model whereby enablers manage capital expenditure and operations in select locations, while in other areas, Flipkart incurs these costs.
Store Economics of Dark Stores
A standard dark store necessitates an investment of Rs 45–60 lakh in capital expenditure, based on UBS findings. Amazon’s established stores typically handle between 1,200 and 1,500 orders daily, with breakeven occurring at approximately 1,400–1,500 orders at an average order value between Rs 500 and Rs 600.
Future Store Goals
According to Eternal CEO Albinder Dhindsa, Blinkit is anticipated to achieve a total of 2,100 stores by December 2025, with aspirations for 3,000 stores by March 2027. Flipkart’s objective of scaling to over 1,500 stores by 2026 positions it closely to Blinkit in terms of overall network size. As of December 2025, Swiggy Instamart managed 1,136 active dark stores, while Zepto had approximately 1,150 stores at that time.
