Dark stores: an e-commerce trend to meet consumer expectations

Depuis des années, et surtout depuis la crise du Covid-19, la vente e-commerce explose. Si bon nombre de consommateurs continuent à se rendre en grandes surfaces et dans leur commerce de détail favori, ils sont de plus en plus nombreux à opter pour des commandes en ligne, et ce, pour tout type de marchandises.

C’est dans ce contexte d’explosion du e-commerce que se sont massivement développés de nouveaux types de lieux logistiques : les dark stores.

Focus sur ces centres logistiques d’une nouvelle forme, leurs avantages, et les bonnes pratiques pour mettre le vôtre en place.

Focus sur les dark stores et leur organisation logistique

Qu’est-ce qu’un dark store ?

Un dark store, ou en français “magasin noir, est un entrepôt logistique à l’apparence de point de vente physique, mais qui n’est en fait destiné qu’à la préparation de commandes. La vente des marchandises des dark stores se fait donc uniquement en ligne, en e-commerce .

Généralement, ontrouve

les dark stores

non loi a WMS(Warehouse Management System)the management of physical flows is simplified, thanks to optimal stock traceability, and the system also automates the operators’ picking routes, so that they are as efficient as possible.

What are the advantages of dark stores?

If dark stores are becoming so widespread in transport and logistics practices, it is because these very special points of sale offer significant benefits for companies. Among these advantages, we can mention..

Optimised order preparation, thanks to an ultra-efficient picking system, which enables a rapid response to customer demand.
Easier last mile delivery, as the dark store is very close to the final delivery location (the urban area): this leads to lower costs, as the last mile is often the most expensive.
Order preparation 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, with shifts that allow orders to be shipped non-stop
As aresult, customer satisfaction is increased: deliveries are fast and efficient, meeting the expectations of today’s consumers

what packaging should you choose for your dark store order picking

? Are you planning to set up your own dark store? The logistics of such a logistics platform require that you choose suitable packaging. Here are those that will help you to set up ultra-efficient logistics processes.

Time-saving packaging

The key to a dark store with optimum productivity is fast order picking. So, in addition to setting up logistics solutions that simplify picking, such as a WMS, you should also think about providing youroperators with packaging that is easy to assemble and fill

caisse-carton-montage-instante

for example, don’t hesitate to select cardboard boxes with instant assembly. The principle? The bottom of the box locks automatically, by simply pressing on the sides.

By selecting them already equipped with an adhesive closure, you also limit the use of adhesive tape, and save your operators precious minutes.

Packaging to go through the letter

box When you say “dark store”, you say “ultra-fast delivery”. And to do this, if it’s not about fresh or frozen products, you can have your parcels go through the letterbox as soon as your carriers pass by. To do this, you have at your disposal packaging designed for the size of standard letterboxes

	The cardboard maileris very protective and its grooving allows it to be adapted in height, so that it sticks as close as possible to your goods.
	The kraft honeycomb pocketthe 100% recyclable bubble wrap is both eco-responsible and highly protective, thanks to its shockproof padding.
	The extra-flat postal boxit will be ideal for delivering larger orders directly to your recipients’ letterboxes.

packaging for fresh products

If you have to manage the distribution of fresh or frozen products via a dark store, you will needfood packaging that protects your goods from temperature variations. To do this, opt for..

	Isothermal bags and pouchesthese are food-safe.
	Isothermal boxes and cratesthe new, food-safe packaging, in which you can insert a cold accumulator, is ideal for delivering large orders directly to your recipients.
	Cold accumulatorsyou can also use the “cold accumulator” to prevent heat from spoiling your food products.
	Cushioning pads for cold productsfor example, you can use the “cold storage” section to fill the gap in your insulated boxes, which is ideal for packaging fresh produce.
	Isothermal bubble filmfor years, and especially since the introduction of the new product, we have been using the