Blinkit expects to cross 3,500 stores by FY27

Eternal's quick commerce platform Blinkit anticipates reaching 3,500 stores by March 2027, with CFO Akshant Goyal expressing optimism about expanding into smaller cities. The company currently plans for around 5,000 stores by the same deadline next year. Goyal explained that Blinkit's success in these markets stems from making new assortments accessible within minutes, thus fostering demand and altering customer behavior.

Despite a competitive landscape, Blinkit's new stores are already achieving profitability, with Q2 FY27 earnings showing a profit of Rs 184 crore, a stark contrast to Blinkit's previous loss of Rs 156 crore. CEO Albinder Dhindsa believes that incomes are lower in smaller cities, but their basket sizes are larger and the density sufficient to sustain economic viability.

The company's offerings in these regions are not available through organized retail, creating a gap in service that Blinkit fills. Blinkit's reach in smaller cities is now at 1,000 orders per day, matching the pace of new stores in metropolitan areas. While building supply in smaller cities is challenging, the company is confident that demand will follow as they build their first-mile capability.