Archive · 31 Jul 2025
Dark Store Rents Rising Due to Rapid Expansion in Key Cities
Imagine stores that only exist to deliver groceries and other things really fast.
These "dark stores" are popping up in cities.
Because more companies are opening them, they need more places to rent, which means the prices of those places are going up!
The companies are competing for spaces in places like Bengaluru, Mumbai, and Delhi.
The cost of renting these spaces has increased, but experts think things might calm down eventually as the market changes.
Demand for dark store locations in major cities is intensifying due to quick commerce expansion.
Rental costs have risen by approximately 35% in some areas due to increased competition.
Companies like Blinkit and Flipkart's Minutes are rapidly expanding their dark store networks.
Bengaluru, Mumbai, and Delhi NCR are experiencing significant rent increases for dark store spaces.
Experts predict continued rent increases in the short term, with potential stabilization later.
- Who
- Quick commerce companies like Blinkit, Zepto, and Flipkart’s Minutes.
- What
- Rent prices for dark store locations are increasing.
- When
- Rent increases have occurred in 2024 and are expected to continue into 2025.
- Where
- Major cities like Bengaluru, Mumbai, and Delhi NCR.
- Why
- Increased demand for dark store locations due to rapid expansion plans.
Landlords
Tenants
Lease terms
Landlords
Landlords are tightening lease terms to benefit from the increased demand for dark store locations
Tenants
Tenants are negotiating lower rents, and performance clauses
- Rent Increase (2024)
- 20-25%
- Expected Rent Increase (2025)
- 25-35% in most contested micro-markets
- Blinkit Target (End of 2025)
- 2,000 stores
- Minutes Target (2024)
- 800 stores
- Dark Store Rents
- Rs 80-200 per sq ft
- Warehouse Rents
- Rs 25-60 per sq ft