Amsterdam Puts Freeze On Opening ‘Dark Store’ Distribution Centres

The city of Amsterdam has announced a one-year freeze on the opening of new dark stores in residential areas or nearby shopping streets used by burgeoning fast grocery services such as Gorillas, Getir, and Flink.

The spokesperson cited noise and scooter traffic arriving and leaving buildings, and the appearance of the stores, which are used for delivery only and not open to the public – and often have darkened windows to signal that.

The spokesperson said the city aimed to agree rules over the coming year that would determine where dark stores are allowed.

ESM