Dictionary

dark store en · NOUN

Etymology

From dark (“not open to the public”) + store. The modifier dark refers to the fact that a dark store is not open to the public and is so to speak an invisible part of the retailer’s operation, not to a presumed lack of light in the building.

Meanings

1. A distribution center, usually a large warehouse, not open to the public, containing the physical goods sold by the online operations of a supermarket or other retail outlet.
   • "Food online is growing really well for us," said Towle adding it would need "tens" rather than "hundreds" of dark stores as it will also continue to pick orders from normal supermarkets. 2012 September 24, Zoe Wood, quoting Ken Towle, “Tesco expands 'dark stores' programme to cash in on online shopping boom”, in The Guardian:
   • In Battersea, in southwest London, Vito Parrinello, a manager of several dark stores who until recently managed Italian restaurants, is determined that the delivery riders not disturb their new neighbors. 2021 July 27, Eshe Nelson, “Groceries in 10 Minutes: Delivery Start-Ups Crowd City Streets Across Globe”, in The New York Times, →ISSN:

Forms

Coordinates

dark kitchen