Ajay Kanwar, Founder, Legendaire Logistics Solutions, argues that dark stores have changed the festive equation altogether. Companies, he notes, anticipate spikes using historical data and month-on-month trends.
Hyperlocal inventory makes fast delivery economically sensible
Since new automation cannot realistically be deployed within two to three weeks, the smartest move is to unlock underutilised features in existing software, such as batch picking, wave planning and zone-based allocation. On the manual side, experienced warehouse staff move to high-precision tasks like picking and packing, while temporary manpower handles loading and unloading.
Quick commerce and returns
Reverse logistics is where planning has shifted most. Quick commerce has fundamentally altered the equation, with return rates below 5 per cent against 25 per cent in traditional e-commerce. Fewer touchpoints also mean less product damage, so smart brands increasingly route festive volumes through dark stores.
Speed without the premium
The cost to serve from a well-located dark store is nearly identical to that of a centralised warehouse, yet delivery is 10x faster. The key is hyperlocal placement: stock the right SKUs within a 5 to 7 km radius of demand and same-day delivery becomes operationally viable without premium pricing.
The last mile
Kanwar considers variable pay with flexible hours the most effective lever, since riders who choose their own shifts regulate their own fatigue. Targeted festive incentives, including per-delivery bonuses, daily completion rewards and guaranteed minimum payouts, keep the fleet intact during peak.
