Glovo shuts down all seven dark stores in Morocco

Yesterday 16:00

Glovo has closed all seven of its dark stores in Morocco, citing compliance with new regulations recently introduced by the Competition Council, company sources reported.

The closures affect locations in Tangier, Mohammedia, Casablanca, Dar Bouazza, and Marrakech. Initially, authorities in Nouaceur province issued an administrative decision targeting the Dar Bouazza site. Following this, the other six stores across the country were shut down in a domino effect, in what appears to be a precautionary move by Glovo to avoid legal or operational risks.

The sudden closures raise questions about the impact on employment, company competitiveness, and potential alternatives, although attempts to contact Glovo management have so far been unsuccessful.

The move comes amid tighter regulations imposed on delivery platforms. The Competition Council recently capped commissions at 30% for restaurant and retail partners and mandated measures to guarantee a minimum hourly income for couriers while maintaining their independent contractor status. Analysts note that Glovo’s pause in dark store operations will allow the company to evaluate the impact of these new rules while continuing normal operations with restaurants and traditional retailers.

Glovo’s dark stores, designed as mini-warehouses, functioned as logistical hubs for fast delivery of groceries and consumer goods. Orders were placed via the app, prepared on-site, and dispatched by couriers within minutes. Their closure marks a setback for a model that had extended Glovo’s services beyond restaurant delivery into urban distribution.

As Moroccan regulators continue to tighten oversight of the sector, Glovo now faces the challenge of balancing logistical innovation with regulatory compliance to maintain its position in a rapidly evolving market.