Southern California-based Gelson’s Markets is betting big on data-driven innovation to sharpen its edge in the competitive grocery sector.
The regional grocery chain, known for its upscale offerings and personalized service, has partnered with tech firm Upshop to bring artificial intelligence (AI) and smart automation into its store operations, according to a news release.
Despite being a regional player in a market dominated by national chains, Gelson’s says it is proving that smart strategy can beat sheer scale — leveraging cutting-edge technology to deliver outsized returns and unmatched shopper satisfaction.
Much like the tactics that reshaped Major League Baseball, Gelson’s says it is deploying an analytical approach to grocery — using data, AI and operational insight to punch above its weight. By adopting Upshop’s total store platform, Gelson’s says it will infuse intelligence into its forecasting, total store ordering, production planning and real-time inventory processes, ensuring every location is tuned into local demand dynamics.
This initiative means shoppers will find what they want, when they want it, all while store teams benefit from tools that simplify workflows, reduce waste and increase efficiency, according to the company.
“In a competitive grocery landscape, scale isn’t everything — intelligence is,” says Ryan Adams, president and CEO of Gelson’s Markets. “With Upshop’s embedded platform and AI-driven capabilities, we’re empowering our stores to be hyper-responsive, efficient and focused on the guest experience. It’s how Gelson’s can compete at the highest level.”
The retailer will begin its tech-forward journey with a focus on eliminating food waste and optimizing fresh food production, especially within foodservice. With consumers increasingly opting for fresh, prepared meals from grocery over fast food, this strategy offers immediate value; enhancing quality, minimizing shrink and streamlining back-of-house production will result in an elevated experience for both shoppers and store associates, the company says.
“Fresh produce is one of the first places customers notice quality,” Adams says. “By connecting our systems with Upshop, we’re able to better predict demand, reduce waste and keep our shelves stocked with the freshest fruits and vegetables. It’s a win for both our shoppers and our store teams.”
By embracing Upshop’s AI-driven platform, Gelson’s says it is proving that the future of grocery is not just digital — it’s human-centered and digitally powered. The connected store model delivers more than operational intelligence; it transforms how customers and associates engage with every aisle, product and interaction, according to the release.
By enabling smarter operations, Gelson’s says it is setting a new standard for service, availability and sustainability, adding that associates gain tools that empower them to work more efficiently and with greater purpose, while customers benefit from consistently stocked shelves and an elevated in-store experience.