On September 28, 2026, reports said Amazon planned to invest $3 billion in Amazon Now, its quick-commerce service in India: $1 billion in 2027 and another $2 billion through 2030. Quick commerce brings groceries and other everyday items to customers through nearby fulfillment hubs, aiming for rapid delivery.
A separate warehouse-expansion announcement
Amazon had also announced a $300 million investment in 2026 to expand its local warehouse network. That earlier announcement is distinct from the reported $3 billion plan.
Amazon Now’s reported expansion goals
The reported targets call for more than 1,000 local warehouses, often called dark stores, and service in around 300 Indian cities, compared with 15 cities at the time described. Dark stores are fulfillment hubs that hold goods for nearby orders rather than serving shoppers as conventional retail stores. Amazon Now would compete with established services including Blinkit, Swiggy and Zepto.
The economics and operating pressures
Expanding quickly is only part of the challenge. BigBasket co-founder Hari Menon said profitability depends on three factors working together: order density, average order value and gross margins. In practical terms, a service needs enough orders in each area, customers who buy enough per order, and sufficient margin after costs.
Worker safety has also drawn attention. Indian authorities asked major platforms to stop promising 10-minute deliveries amid safety concerns. Mumbai fabric seller Ranjit Giri also works as a delivery courier on weekends to supplement his income, which he said was not enough to cover family expenses. Food-safety raids have brought dark-store operations under scrutiny as well.
