By Amit Gupta
The world’s fastest-growing economy is clearly in a hurry. The convergence of demand and digital infrastructure has come at the right time, satiating the appetites of millions and driving consumption to unprecedented levels. One unmissable sign of this trend is the rise of quick or ‘instant’ commerce.
India’s tryst with quick commerce (q-com) is different from the global scenario, where it’s been largely a mixed bag. Thanks to our high urban demand density, the success of the dark store (micro-warehouse) model and an enormous pool of gig workers, q-com in India has seamlessly fit into the lifestyles of buyers who are already pivoting to the life-changing convenience of on-demand entertainment, education, logistics and finance. With reports indicating 10X market growth for q-com by 2030, the segment is here to stay.
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But even as q-com matures, players must also prepare for the opportunities and challenges that lie ahead. As a mobility partner to the country’s top q-com brands, I’d like to share 5 trends that, in our view, will influence brands, consumers, delivery partners and the retail ecosystem in the next 3-5 years.
1. Dark stores will take on modern avatars
The rapid expansion of q-com into urban neighbourhoods, where real estate space is limited and expensive, has created a host of infrastructural limitations at dark stores – ranging from a lack of amenities to parking and seating shortages.
The good news is that brands are looking to address these challenges. We believe that in the near future many q-com brands will focus on reinventing dark stores to make them more accessible, clean and comfortable for delivery partners and store staff, leading to higher efficiency. This will likely result in real estate projects being designed specifically for q-com’s needs over the short to medium term.
2. New categories will be unlocked as competition grows
As more consumers gravitate to q-com platforms, competition will heat up both within q-com and between q-com and traditional e-commerce and offline retailers.
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