Quick commerce apps have changed how India shops. Groceries in 10–20 minutes. Flash deals. No parking. No queues.
On the other side, you have DMart. Big stores. Low prices. Crowded aisles every weekend.
So the big question for 2026 is simple:
Is DMart actually losing to quick commerce – or is this just noise?
Let’s break it down in a simple way: numbers, strategy, and what it means for shoppers and investors.
1. Quick Commerce in India: What’s Really Happening?
Quick commerce (q-comm) means ultra-fast delivery of daily needs. Mostly under 30 minutes. It runs on dark stores, small warehouses inside cities, and heavy app usage.
Some key points from recent data:
- India’s quick commerce GMV touched around $6–7 billion in 2024 and is growing close to 40% per year. akoi.in
- Leaders in India now are Blinkit, Zepto and Swiggy Instamart, together taking a big chunk of the market. akoi.in+1
- A 2025 update puts market share around: Blinkit ~46%, Zepto ~29%, Instamart ~25% (Q1 FY25). Meetanshi – Magento & Shopify Agency
In simple words:
Quick commerce is no longer a side business. It’s a serious, city-focused threat to offline supermarkets.
2. DMart Today: Still a Retail Beast
Before we say “DMart is losing”, we need to look at the numbers.
From Avenue Supermarts’ FY24 and later updates:
- Revenue FY24: about ₹49,533 crore
- Profit after tax FY24: about ₹2,695 crore api.dmartindia.com
- Stores: 365 stores as of FY24, and over 400+ stores by mid-2025 under a cluster expansion strategy. api.dmartindia.com+1
- Plan to ramp up store openings to 40–50 per year, and even 60–70 per year later. Business Standard BS Media
- Q2 FY26 (quarter ending Sep 2025): revenue from operations grew 15.4% YoY to about ₹16,219 crore. The Economic Times
So no, DMart is not “dying”.
It’s growing. Just slower than before, and under more pressure in metros.
DMart’s core strengths
- Everyday low prices
- DMart is famous for being cheaper than almost everyone else.
- Many online platforms benchmark their prices against DMart. LinkedIn
- Owned real estate
- DMart owns most of its stores. This keeps rent costs low in the long run. LinkedIn
- Cluster model
- The brand opens many stores in a region.
- This improves logistics and helps with strong local presence. LinkedIn+1
- High volumes and private labels
- High volumes mean stronger bargaining power with brands.
- Private labels boost margins and keep prices attractive.
But growth has slowed in some pockets
- In 2024, analysts pointed out that quick commerce and online platforms were hurting DMart’s growth, especially in big cities. The Times of India+1
- Like-for-like growth and inventory turns have softened compared to earlier years. Yadnya Investment Academy
So DMart is still strong. But it’s not cruising. It’s being challenged.
3. DMart vs Quick Commerce: A Snapshot
Here’s a simple side-by-side view.
Table 1: DMart vs Quick Commerce (India, 2024–25 View)
| Factor | DMart (Brick & Mortar + DMart Ready) | Quick Commerce (Blinkit, Zepto, Instamart etc.) |
|---|---|---|
| Core promise | Lowest prices, wide range, monthly stock-up | Ultra-fast delivery (10–30 min), high convenience |
| Main customer mission | Planned “monthly / weekly” grocery trips | Unplanned top-ups, last-minute items, impulse buys |
| Coverage | Strong in Tier 1, expanding fast in Tier 2/3 cities | Strongest in Tier 1 metros, now entering Tier 2 |
| Delivery model | In-store shopping + DMart Ready (next-day / slot-based delivery) | Dark stores, hyperlocal warehouses, instant rider network |
| Price level | Very low, often benchmark for market | Usually higher than DMart; heavy discounts on selected SKUs |
| Profitability | Profitable at company level | Many players still chasing scale; profitability patchy |
| Average basket size | High (family stock-up, bulk packs) | Lower; more small, frequent orders |
| Data & engagement | Loyalty at store level, slower digital data buildup | High app engagement and granular data on behavior |
| CAPEX focus | Large stores, land, supply chain | Dark stores, tech stack, rider network, marketing |
| Brand perception | “Value, trustworthy, organised retail” | “Fast, convenient, app-first” |
This makes the real picture clearer:
They are playing overlapping but not identical games.
4. Where DMart Is Feeling the Heat
4.1 Urban, high-income pockets
Quick commerce hits DMart hardest in:
- Metro neighborhoods with busy young professionals
- Areas with high app usage and digital payments
- Small “top-up” trips – milk, bread, snacks, ready-to-eat food
Earlier, people would walk into DMart even for small things because it was cheap and reliable.
Now, for many of those trips, Blinkit or Zepto wins because of pure convenience.
4.2 “Mission shopping” is splitting
Think of a family’s shopping pattern now:
- Big monthly trip: still often DMart, Reliance Smart, or local supermarket
- Last-minute / top-up: quick commerce app
- Online big basket: some share goes to e-commerce and quick commerce bulk orders
So DMart is still strong in large baskets, but losing some small, high-margin missions.
4.3 App experience gap
DMart was late to push digital. DMart Ready exists, but:
- Delivery is often next day or slot-based, not 10–30 minutes
- App and UX feel more “basic” vs flashy quick commerce apps
- Limited coverage compared to pan-city dark store networks
Analysts note that if DMart doesn’t speed up DMart Ready, it will stay under online pressure. The Financial Express+1
5. Is DMart Really Losing to Quick Commerce?
Let’s answer this in a balanced way.
5.1 On growth and stock market sentiment
- DMart’s revenue is still growing double-digit, but slower than past years. The Economic Times+1
- In 2024, its stock saw sharp corrections after weaker-than-expected quarters and concerns about online competition. The Times of India+1
From the market’s point of view:
DMart is not collapsing, but it is losing some growth premium because quick commerce is eating into urban demand.
5.2 On profitability
- DMart is solidly profitable, with long-term focus on value retail. api.dmartindia.com+1
- Quick commerce players are still chasing scale, funding dark stores and discounts, and only now talking seriously about profits. CIIM+2Mukund Mohan+2
So:
- Short term: quick commerce looks hotter on growth.
- Long term: DMart’s steady profitability and asset base remain a big edge.
5.3 Segment view: who “wins” which missions?
- Bulk groceries, staples, home care: DMart usually wins on price.
- Emergency, instant cravings, top-ups: quick commerce wins on speed.
- Non-food categories (apparel, kitchenware): DMart still has an edge due to in-store experience and pricing.
So the answer to “Is DMart losing?” is:
DMart is not losing the war, but it is losing some battles in metros unless it adapts faster.
6. DMart’s Strategy for 2026: How Can It Fight Back?
DMart is already moving, but 2026 will be crucial. Here are the key levers it can and likely will use.
6.1 Supercharge DMart Ready
DMart has already invested more capital into its online arm. For example, Avenue Supermarts injected about ₹175 crore into the DMart Ready business in March 2025 to boost its digital growth. Storyboard18
What DMart can do by 2026:
- Shift from next-day to same-day / 4–6-hour delivery
- Analysts suggest this explicitly as a way to reduce pressure from online rivals. The Financial Express
- DMart doesn’t need 10-minute delivery everywhere. A reliable same-day promise is enough for many customers.
- Use stores as mini-warehouses
- Dark stores are expensive. DMart already has large formats.
- It can ship online orders directly from nearby stores, keeping CAPEX lower than quick commerce rivals.
- Improve app UX
- Slicker navigation, smarter recommendations, stronger search.
- Personalised offers linked to a loyalty ID or mobile number.
Interlink suggestion: If your site already covers online grocery deals, link from here to a post like
“Unlock JioMart’s Latest Offers: Discount Codes, Bank Offers & Savings Tips” for users comparing DMart Ready and JioMart.
6.2 Tier 2 and Tier 3 domination
Quick commerce is still heavily metro-focused. DMart, however, is:
- Expanding into smaller cities where app penetration is lower. LinkedIn+1
- Able to become the default “value supermarket” in these markets.
By 2026, DMart can:
- Lock in loyalty in Tier 2/3 before quick commerce gets there at scale.
- Use those markets as a stable profit base while metros remain noisy and hyper-competitive.
6.3 Bigger, better stores (but smarter)
Broker reports show DMart plans to:
- Open 40–50 stores per year, stepping up to 60–70 within two years.
- Increase average store size from ~34,000 sq.ft to ~42,000 sq.ft. Business Standard BS Media
This supports:
- Wider assortments (including more general merchandise and apparel)
- Stronger in-store experience
- Better economies of scale
But to win 2026, DMart must make stores omnichannel ready:
- Dedicated in-store zones for picking online orders
- Express billing lanes for click-and-collect customers
- Parking and signage for online order pickups
6.4 Own-brand and price moat
To keep its “always cheaper” tag, DMart should:
- Push private label brands harder in staples, snacks, home care, and personal care
- Run in-app and in-store bundles (BOGO, family packs, festival combos)
- Use dynamic promotions by city cluster based on local competition intensity
Interlink suggestion: From here, you can link to your earlier DMart-focused posts, like
“DMart Kids Winter Wear Offers: Best Budget Deals for Parents”
and
“DMart Monsoon Wear Offers: Raincoats, Umbrellas & Footwear Deals”
to keep users on-site and improve internal linking.
6.5 Partnerships and ecosystem plays
By 2026, DMart could also:
- Partner with payment apps and banks for targeted cashback on DMart Ready
- Offer loyalty benefits across online and offline bills
- Explore tie-ups with last-mile delivery partners in dense areas instead of building everything alone
7. DMart vs Quick Commerce: When Should Shoppers Use What?
This is where user experience and SEO can mix nicely.
Table 2: When to Use DMart vs Quick Commerce
| Shopping Situation | Better Choice | Why |
|---|---|---|
| Monthly family grocery stock-up | DMart | Lower prices, bulk packs, one big bill, strong savings |
| Weekly planned top-up (fruits, veggies, basics) | DMart or Mix | DMart for price; quick commerce if you’re busy or it’s raining |
| Late-night snack craving | Quick commerce | 10–30 min delivery, no need to step out |
| Forgot an item while cooking | Quick commerce | Super fast, saves time and effort |
| Festival shopping (dry fruits, sweets, gifts) | DMart | Big offers, gift packs, large selection |
| Heavy non-food items (buckets, storage, bottles) | DMart | You can see quality and size, often cheaper |
| Emergency medicine + basic groceries | Quick commerce | Many apps now offer OTC medicines plus basic food and personal care |
| App-only flash deals on selected SKUs | Quick commerce | Deep but short-term discounts on limited items |
| Buying school, home and kitchen items together | DMart | One trip, many categories, strong value |
Interlink suggestion:
On your blog, you can link to a post like “Swiggy Today’s Big Food Deals: Up to 60% Off & Free Delivery” from the “late-night snack” or “flash deals” row to keep readers exploring more offer-based content.
8. Key Risks to DMart’s 2026 Plan
DMart has a good base, but the path is not risk-free.
8.1 Execution risk on digital
- Shifting DMart Ready from “next-day” to “same-day / fast” delivery is complex.
- Wrong inventory placement or poor tech can hurt both online and physical store performance.
8.2 Margin pressure
- If DMart responds to quick commerce with too many discounts online, margins can shrink.
- If it does too little, it loses share in high-value metros.
Balancing value pricing with growth will be tricky.
8.3 Real estate and expansion risk
- Store expansion at 40–70 stores per year needs top-class execution and site selection. Business Standard BS Media
- A few bad locations can drag returns, especially if nearby quick commerce penetration is very high.
8.4 Consumer behavior shifts
- Young urban shoppers may see “online first” as the default.
- If entire generations form habits around quick commerce, DMart might be seen as a “once a month” store only, not part of daily life.
9. What It Means for Investors and Shoppers in 2026
For investors
- DMart is under visible pressure from quick commerce, which has already shown up in slower growth periods and stock volatility. The Times of India+1
- But it still holds:
- A profitable business model
- Strong brand in value retail
- A long runway in smaller cities
If DMart:
- Scales DMart Ready smartly
- Uses stores as fulfilment centers
- Protects its price leadership
…it can still compound steadily into and beyond 2026, even if its growth is less flashy than quick commerce.
For shoppers
Good news: you win either way.
- Quick commerce gives you speed and comfort.
- DMart gives you deep value and large assortment.
By 2026, the ideal pattern for many homes might be:
- Once a month: big DMart trip or DMart Ready bulk order
- Every week: small top-ups via quick commerce
- Festivals / sale days: smart mix of DMart offers and app flash deals
Interlink suggestion:
Link this section to your broader shopping content, such as
These interlinks help both SEO and user experience, especially for people planning smarter monthly shopping.
10. Final Answer: Is DMart Losing to Quick Commerce?
Here’s the simple, honest summary:
- No, DMart is not “losing” overall. It remains one of India’s strongest and most profitable retailers, with growing revenue and an expanding store base. api.dmartindia.com+1
- Yes, DMart is under serious pressure in urban India. Quick commerce has taken share in top-up and emergency missions, and it has forced the market to re-rate DMart’s growth expectations. Yadnya Investment Academy+1
- 2026 will be about adaptation, not defence only.
- Faster and smarter DMart Ready
- Omnichannel store formats
- Tier 2/3 domination
- Stronger private labels and data-driven offers
If DMart executes well, the future is not “DMart vs quick commerce”.
It will be DMart + quick commerce becoming two different tools in the same shopper’s life.
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