A MAD RUSH

Forbes India reporter's first-hand experience of visiting and packing orders inside a dark store in Bengaluru

- By NAINI THAKER

On September 12, I arrived at Zepto's dark store in Bellandur, a suburb in Bengaluru, 15 minutes early, only to discover that the entire lane was a hub for quick commerce. Zepto, First Club, Swiggy, Blinkit—every major player had a presence there. It felt as if the street had been taken over by dark stores. While waiting outside, I noticed a constant stream of delivery personnel zipping in and out on Yulu e-bikes. At least 10 riders entered or exited Zepto's store within 2 minutes.

Outside, an informal ecosystem had sprung up. A woman sold rice, dal and egg curry from a cart. There was a tea stall nearby, a snack shop and a Yulu bike centre. Before rushing into the store, delivery men placed orders with her for lunch, asking her to pack their meals. Quick UPI payments and quick meals—time is money for them.