Magnit plans to open 40 dark stores and 100 greystores

The large retail chain Magnit has announced plans to actively develop infrastructure for online shopping. The company intends to launch 40 dark stores and 100 gray stores in various Russian cities by the end of this year. Dark stores are specialized centers for completing online orders, while gray stores are stores that have a dedicated area for this purpose.

According to information provided by Magnit representatives, the e-commerce development strategy involves the opening of dark stores and gray stores in major cities across the country. By the end of 2025, it is planned to establish 40 dark stores in Moscow and St. Petersburg. Additionally, 100 gray stores, which offer a separate area for online order processing, will be opened in the capital regions and other cities.

The first graystores will be opened on the basis of "near-home" stores and the "Magnit Cosmetik" chain. The pilot project for launching darkstores has already been implemented in several locations: in the Moscow district of Aeroport, in the Kalininsky and Krasnoselsky districts of St. Petersburg, in the Moscow region's Mytishchi and Kudrovo, and in the Leningrad region's Kudrovo; the first five locations are already operational.

Darkstores are specialized warehouses with separate areas for storing and packing orders, including sections for dry goods, refrigerated, and frozen products. The darkstore assortment includes about 5,000 items, with some products available exclusively for online ordering. Special attention is given to fresh products, including dairy products, cheeses, meat, fruits, vegetables, ready meals, and cooking.

The increase in the number of dark stores and gray stores is a consistent step in the development of Magnit's online business, which aims to improve the efficiency and convenience of order delivery. The use of dark stores and gray stores allows the company to respond flexibly to the needs of different areas and store formats. Dark stores provide quick assembly and delivery in densely populated areas, while gray stores allow online orders to be integrated into existing stores, expanding their functionality and attracting new customers.

In addition to scaling up the network, Magnit's management plans to focus on improving customer service and expanding the online store's product range. Specifically, the company aims to enhance its inventory management system to minimize the number of order cancellations due to product shortages. Additionally, Magnit plans to expand the range of products exclusively available in the online store, offering unique products and special promotions for online customers. These measures are designed to strengthen Magnit's position in the online retail industry and enhance customer loyalty.

The development of dark stores and gray stores by Magnit corresponds to the general trend in the retail market, where more and more players are investing in online sales channels. The events related to the COVID-19 pandemic have accelerated this process, forcing retailers to adapt to new conditions and offer customers convenient and secure ways to make purchases. As one of the leading retailers in Russia, Magnit is not only striving to keep up with its competitors, but also to implement innovative solutions that will allow it to take a leading position in the online segment.

For companies engaged in the production and supply of industrial refrigeration equipment, Magnit's plans for the development of dark stores and greystores offer significant opportunities for business expansion. Given the need for reliable and efficient storage of a wide range of food products, including fresh, chilled, and frozen goods, the demand for appropriate refrigeration equipment will continue to grow. Refrigeration equipment manufacturers can provide Magnit with comprehensive solutions that include the supply, installation, maintenance, and repair of refrigeration chambers, freezer cabinets, cold rooms, and other necessary equipment.

In addition, companies specializing in refrigeration equipment can offer "Magnet" innovative solutions aimed at optimizing energy consumption and reducing environmental impact. These can include natural refrigerant-based cooling systems, energy-efficient compressors, intelligent temperature control systems, and other technologies that can help reduce operating costs and improve business sustainability. Developing customized solutions that take into account the specific needs of dark stores and grocery stores can also be an important competitive advantage.

Cooperation between Magnit and suppliers of refrigeration equipment may include joint development and testing of new technologies aimed at improving the storage and transportation conditions of products. This may be especially true for perishable goods such as dairy products, meat, fruits and vegetables. The use of modern temperature and humidity monitoring systems will allow you to control the quality of products at all stages of the logistics chain and prevent losses due to spoilage.

In general, the development of dark stores and gray stores by Magnit creates favorable conditions for the growth of companies engaged in the production and supply of industrial refrigeration equipment. Successful participation in these projects will require suppliers to be flexible, innovative, and ready to offer comprehensive solutions that meet the needs of Magnit's rapidly growing online business.