Nykaa hires ex-Instamart COO Ankit Jain to lead Nykaa Now and beauty supply chain

Nykaa has appointed former Swiggy Instamart COO Ankit Jain to head Nykaa Now and serve as EVP for Beauty supply chain, reinforcing its quick-commerce ambitions. The business is targeting 75–80 dark stores and coverage across nearly 90% of pincodes in the top seven metros.

— Source publishedTue, 28 Jul, 2026, 14:59 IST·First seen Tue, 28 Jul, 2026, 15:29 IST·Source Inc42 · Buzz

What happened

Nykaa hired former Swiggy Instamart COO Ankit Jain as Nykaa Now business head and Nykaa Beauty supply-chain EVP, strengthening its quick-commerce push. The

Key facts

  • 75-80 dark stores
  • Almost 90% of pincodes in the top 7 metro cities
  • FY27 beauty NSV growth projected above 25%
  • FY27 fashion NSV growth projected above 50%
  • FY30 revenue growth target of 2-3X
  • FY30 EBITDA growth target of 4-5X
  • FY30 GMV target above $5 billion
  • Nykaa shares at ₹330.05, up 1.06%

Why this matters

Nykaa’s move elevates quick-commerce supply chain capabilities to a strategic priority, increasing the relevance of partnerships or acquisitions in hyperlocal logistics, inventory technology and last-mile fulfilment.

What to watch

  • Store-count progress toward the 75-80 dark-store target and disclosed metro/pincode coverage.
  • Nykaa Now order frequency, average order value, delivery-time claims and repeat-purchase indicators.
  • Evidence of dark-store contribution margin improvement, delivery-cost leverage or reduced discount dependence.
  • Expansion of rapid-delivery assortment into premium beauty, exclusive launches and brand-funded activations.
  • Competitive responses from Blinkit, Zepto, Instamart and Tata-backed beauty channels, especially exclusive beauty partnerships and delivery-fee changes.
  • Any change in Nykaa's FY27/FY30 growth guidance, profitability commentary or capex intensity tied to quick commerce.
  • Prioritize 75-80 dark stores in high-order-density micro-markets across the top seven metros rather than broad geographic coverage.
  • Build a rapid-delivery assortment around high-frequency replenishment categories, viral beauty launches, gifting, travel sizes and urgent occasion-led purchases.
  • Use Nykaa's brand relationships to secure quick-commerce-only bundles, launch access, samples and funded promotions.
  • Integrate dark-store inventory visibility with Nykaa Fashion, Beauty and warehouse systems to reduce stock-outs and improve replenishment allocation.
  • Test higher-margin delivery models including minimum order thresholds, loyalty-linked free delivery and brand-funded express fulfillment.
  • Recruit additional supply-chain, category-planning and last-mile leaders with grocery/quick-commerce experience.

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