Flipkart Minutes Could Add 1,000 Dark Stores By Mid-2027
Walmart-owned Flipkart's quick commerce arm, Minutes, is projected to expand by adding 1,000 new dark stores by mid-2027, nearly doubling its current network, according to a UBS report.
Flipkart Minutes, the quick commerce division of Walmart-owned Flipkart, is planning a significant expansion that could see it add 1,000 new dark stores by mid-2027, according to a report by UBS. This expansion would nearly double the current network to approximately 2,000 stores.
The rollout's success is contingent on the performance of individual markets and the development of supporting hubs and backend infrastructure. Currently, Minutes operates around 1,000 micro-fulfilment centers across 130 cities. The UBS report indicates that Minutes stores handle an average of 800-1,000 orders daily, with mature stores processing 1,200-1,500 orders.
Flipkart utilizes Minutes to integrate customers into its broader e-commerce ecosystem, focusing on immediate-use categories like fresh groceries, beauty, and personal care. The report notes that 40-45% of Flipkart customers also visit Minutes. The average order value, excluding mobile phones, is between ₹500-₹530, approaching that of competitor Blinkit.
Currently, metro cities account for 60-65% of demand on Minutes. The platform is also experiencing growth in Tier II and III cities and in Southern India. Flipkart manages most dark stores internally but is increasingly partnering with third-party franchisees for location acquisition, while retaining control over inventory and customer experience. The company is also expanding its product assortment to include premium groceries and exploring partnerships with premium third-party brands.
The quick commerce market is intensifying with rivals like Amazon Now planning network expansion, and players such as Zepto and Swiggy Instamart also investing heavily. India's quick commerce market is projected to reach $40 billion by 2030.