Swiggy’s quick-commerce platform, Instamart, is trying something new. For the first time, it has opened a small offline store in Gurugram, giving customers a chance to browse and pick products in person rather than just ordering through the app. The store is located at M3M 65th Avenue and is about 400 square feet, much smaller than Instamart’s usual dark stores that stock thousands of items.
The offline store carries a limited selection of 100–200 products, focusing on items that people often like to check physically before buying, fresh fruits and vegetables, daily essentials, new product launches, private-label items, and select D2C brands. Customers can see the quality, compare products, and get a feel for them before deciding to purchase.
Unlike traditional retail stores, this outlet is seller-operated under the Instamart brand. This means sellers directly receive the sales proceeds, instead of money going through the app’s usual transaction process. It also helps Swiggy test the concept without heavy operational investment.
The move comes at a time when India’s quick commerce sector is evolving. Companies like Instamart have grown popular for ultra-fast deliveries, but now they are exploring ways to build stronger connections with customers. By opening an offline store, Instamart aims to combine the convenience of online shopping with the trust and experience of physical retail.
For now, this is just a pilot store, and there’s no plan to open many more immediately. Swiggy will see how customers respond before deciding the next steps. If successful, more experience stores could appear, offering a unique way to shop while still enjoying the speed and convenience of quick commerce.