The rapid infrastructure buildout highlights a broader shift in consumer behavior across India. While the sector initially focused on rapid grocery delivery, platforms are now reporting significant demand for electronics, beauty products, and personal care. Kunal Gupta, head of Flipkart Minutes, noted that order volumes on the platform have surged 400% over the past year, with customer retention climbing 20%. These gains are increasingly driven by smaller cities, such as Patna, Guwahati, and Siliguri, where new fulfillment centers are maturing faster than initial projections suggested.
Amazon is simultaneously accelerating its own "Amazon Now" service, which currently spans over 15 cities and 500 centers. The tech giant aims to double its reach to 100 cities while diversifying its inventory to include apparel and home goods. Analysts at Bernstein estimate that the total number of dark stores in India will climb to 7,500 by 2030. With Blinkit currently leading the market with over 2,200 centers, Flipkart’s aggressive push of 75 to 100 new locations per month serves as a strategic move to secure market share in a landscape where speed is no longer just for pantry essentials.
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