The PGDM Retail Management Department at Jagan Institute of Management Studies (JIMS), Rohini organized an insightful guest lecture titled “Omni-Channel Retail: From Brick-and-Mortar to Dark Stores” on February 06, 2026. The session was conducted by Mr. Anurag Pandey, Regional Head – North & East India at More Retail Private Limited, who brings extensive experience in retail operations and omni-channel business models. The objective of the session was to expose students to real-world retail practices and help them understand how technology, supply chain integration, and data-driven strategies are reshaping the Indian retail ecosystem.
A key focus of the lecture was the transformation of the Indian food retail sector. The speaker discussed the evolution from traditional kirana stores, which operate on proximity, trust, and personal relationships, to modern trade formats such as supermarkets and hypermarkets that offer larger assortments, structured layouts, and centralized procurement systems.
The session further explored the impact of changing consumer behaviour, particularly post-Covid-19, where digital payments, smartphone usage, and expectations of convenience have significantly increased. Mr. Pandey explained how these shifts have accelerated the adoption of omni-channel retail models, integrating physical stores with digital platforms to ensure seamless customer experiences and unified inventory systems.
An important highlight of the discussion was the emergence of dark stores — closed micro-fulfilment centers designed exclusively for online order processing. Through practical examples of companies like Blinkit, Zepto, Swiggy Instamart, and Amazon, students understood how dark stores enhance speed, efficiency, and freshness management in food retail supply chains. The concepts of first mile, middle mile, and last mile logistics were also explained to provide operational clarity.
Overall, the session successfully bridged academic knowledge with practical retail applications, helping students understand that omni-channel retail represents a strategic transformation rather than merely a marketing approach. The lecture concluded by highlighting that the future of Indian retail lies in a hybrid ecosystem combining physical stores and digital platforms, powered by technology, data, and customer-centric strategies.
Key Takeaways
- Understanding the transformation from traditional retail to omni-channel retail
- Learning the strategic role of dark stores in modern food retail
- Gaining insights into evolving consumer behaviour and digital adoption
- Appreciating the importance of supply chain integration and technology systems
- Recognizing how omni-channel strategies enhance operational efficiency and customer experience