Another reason grocery stores thrive with the dark store concept is that it addresses the challenge of perishability. Assume a specific dark store has a main area allocated to specialised bread and a small fresh fruit and vegetable area. Other perishables, such as fresh milk and cucumbers, are kept in a specific temperature-controlled part of the dark store. What category of item can cucumbers be classified as in the strategic sourcing matrix of the dark store? Critical item, since cucumbers are generally difficult to substitute and it is critical to keep them at the right temperature in dark stores. Routine item, since cucumbers can be bought from various local suppliers and then stored at the dark store in a special facility. Critical item, since cucumbers are sold in a monopolistic, specialised market and entry into the market for cucumbers are challenging during loadshedding. Leverage item, since a high amount is spent on the cucumbers as a big part of the organisation and a special storage space is allocated inside the dark stores