A recent McKinsey study detailed a wide range of inefficiencies from using stores for online fulfillment as well as the risks the method presents to the in-store experience.
Having pickers in aisles, either for online or pickup fulfillment, may create a “warehouse feeling” for regular shoppers, according to the study. Sharing checkout lines may increase wait times for shoppers.
In-store pickers may likewise be slowed working around and waiting at checkout alongside shoppers. Picking efficiency suffers compared to pulling product from an optimized dark store or micro-warehouse.