This article focuses on the spatial layout strategy of Freshippo’s forward warehouses in the context of on-demand retail, aiming to optimize warehouse location selection and distribution efficiency. Based on the analysis of the current development status of domestic and foreign forward warehouses and the characteristics of instant retail, a layout model considering population distribution, order density, transportation convenience and inventory management was constructed. Through the simulation and comparison of specific urban cases, this paper verifies the advantages of the hybrid layout strategy combining core warehouses and micro-warehouses in improving distribution efficiency, reducing warehousing costs and enhancing inventory turnover rate. The research results provide a theoretical basis and practical reference for Freshippo and similar enterprises in the layout of forward warehouses in the urban instant retail scenario.