What Are Dark Stores?
As the retail landscape continues to evolve, especially entering 2025, many companies face the challenge of navigating store closures. Whether due to lease expirations, shifts in strategy, or economic pressures, these transitions often leave behind “dark stores”—vacant retail spaces that are no longer in operation. While these closures can be overwhelming for internal teams to manage, they also present opportunities for strategic planning and cost optimization.
Even though these stores have “gone dark,” they still require ongoing management. This can include everything from standalone locations like pharmacies or quick-service restaurants to larger, big-box stores.
Unlike in-line strip mall locations where landlords often handle upkeep, standalone stores typically leave responsibility with the tenant—even after closure. This is where many companies need an extra set of hands.
The Growing Trend of Dark Stores
With major brands recently announcing large-scale closures—such as a QSR brand (150 locations), a retail pharmacy (500 locations), and a retail chain (700 locations)—it’s clear this trend is only just beginning.
Over the next 36-48 months, it’s anticipated that more companies are likely to restructure and strategically reduce their national footprints.
The question is: how can businesses manage this shift effectively?
Challenges Businesses Face with Dark Stores
When locations go dark, companies often face logistical and operational hurdles, including:
- Closure logistics: What happens to inventory, fixtures, and equipment?
- Regular wellness checks: How do you prevent costly damage from issues like roof leaks or broken pipes?
- Ongoing maintenance: Who handles snow removal, landscaping, or vandalism prevention?
- Turnover preparation: How do you prepare the property for sale or a new tenant?
These challenges can drain resources and distract teams from their core business priorities. Our Architecture & Engineering services provide comprehensive solutions specifically to address these challenges.
How Sevan Can Help
At Sevan, we offer tailored solutions to address every stage of the dark store lifecycle. Our Construction services ensure seamless transitions during physical shutdowns, while our Facility Insights provide comprehensive wellness checks to prevent costly structural issues.
At Sevan, we offer tailored solutions to address every stage of the dark store lifecycle. Our team combines experience, flexibility, and scalability to support companies with 50+ locations that are going dark by providing:
1. Closure Support
- Coordinating fixture removal and relocation
- Ensuring seamless transitions for physical and operational shutdowns
2. Facility Management During Vacancy
- Comprehensive wellness checks to prevent costly structural issues
- Regular maintenance (e.g., snow removal, grass cutting, pipe maintenance)
- Security to prevent vandalism or damage
3. Turnover Services
- Preparing properties for sale or new tenants
- Managing all interim property needs
Our expertise allows you to select the services you need, whether it’s a complete end-to-end solution or just some additional help with a specific phase. With a proven track record of managing thousands of locations for some of the world’s biggest brands, Sevan brings unmatched expertise to dark store solutions.
We understand that no two projects are the same, and we tailor our services to meet your specific needs.
Looking Ahead
As the dark store trend evolves, businesses must stay ahead of the curve. Explore our Case Studies to see how Sevan’s comprehensive approach ensures properties are managed efficiently, preserving value and mitigating risks.
Ready to make your store transitions seamless?
Contact Sevan today to discuss how we can help!
