| CapEx | Very high (store buildout, fixtures, signage) | High (warehouses, automation, equipment) | Near-zero (existing homes) |
| Rent / Fixed Costs | High monthly rent + utilities | High long-term warehouse leases | Minimal / none |
| Staffing | Store employees, cashiers, managers | Warehouse labor, supervisors | Owner-operated or flexible local labor |
| Time to Launch / Expand | Months | Months | Days to weeks |
| Last-Mile Cost | Medium–High | High | Low (neighborhood proximity) |
| Revenue Function | Sales only (inventory risk borne by retailer) | Fulfillment only (no sales) | Sales + fulfillment combined |
| Customer Proximity | Limited to store location | Remote from customer | Hyperlocal, doorstep-adjacent |
| Network Density | Limited by zoning & real estate | Limited by warehouse geography | Effectively unlimited |
| Unit Economics | High overhead per store | Cost center | Revenue-generating micro-node |
