Re-Thinking Urban Retail: The Design and Planning of “Dark Stores” and Public Spaces

The rapid evolution of the retail industry in response to technological advancements and the sharing economy has given rise to various formats and concepts. One such concept is grocery “dark stores,” which are retail facilities designed for online order fulfillment, primarily located in urban areas.

This thesis aims to analyze the proliferation of online grocery shopping and its impact on the urban landscape, specifically focusing on the spatial distribution of grocery “dark stores” and their activities. This research utilizes spatial analysis and interviews to address three key questions: the role of grocery “dark stores” in cities, their location patterns, and their impacts on the urban fabric.

The findings reveal that grocery “dark stores” are predominantly located in neighborhood areas with a high concentration of retail food stores and facilities. In Manhattan, they are primarily situated in Commercial and Manufacturing districts. Despite the rise of grocery “dark stores” and their promise of convenience to customers, they have faced challenges such as exits attributed to dwindling investor funding, a competitive market landscape, and political influences driven by Russia-backed Venture Capitalists.

In the digital era, strategies aimed at transforming cities digitally must consider the implications of different retail formats and the various stakeholders involved. Urban policies and regulations need to address how new retail platforms reshape the relationship between business locations, their design and function, and the public. This thesis underscores the urgency of such considerations as new forms of retail and businesses emerge within the tech-enabled digital economy and shape urban infrastructure.

By studying the impact of grocery “dark stores” on the urban fabric, this research contributes to a broader understanding of how the digital transformation of cities intersects with retail and business landscapes. It highlights the importance of proactive urban policies and regulations to effectively navigate the evolving retail ecosystem and ensure a sustainable and inclusive urban environment.

Overall, this thesis serves as a valuable resource for urban policymakers, city officials, and researchers seeking insights into the implications of emerging retail formats and their effects on the urban fabric in the context of the digital economy and new urban infrastructure.

Shannon L. X. Hasenfratz

Thesis Advisor: Jim Aloisi