July 8, 2025

Gelson’s Markets Partners with Upshop to Deliver Smarter, Seamless Shopping Experience

Gelson’s Markets, a Southern California grocery chain, is embracing a data-driven transformation in store operations by partnering with Upshop, a leader in intelligent retail operations platforms. Despite being a regional player in a market dominated by national chains, Gelson’s is proving that smart strategy can beat sheer scale—leveraging cutting-edge technology to deliver outsized returns and unmatched shopper satisfaction.

Playing ‘Moneyball’ in Grocery: A Technology-Fueled Edge

Much like the revolutionary tactics that reshaped Major League Baseball, Gelson’s is deploying an analytical approach to grocery—using data, artificial intelligence and operational insight to punch above its weight. By adopting Upshop’s total store platform, Gelson’s 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.

“In a competitive grocery landscape, scale isn’t everything—intelligence is,” said 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.”

Starting with Sustainability and Foodservice Optimization

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.

Empowering Communities, Associates and Shoppers

By embracing Upshop’s AI-driven platform, Gelson’s 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.

The integration of Upshop technology marks more than just an operational upgrade—it represents a commitment to every community Gelson’s serves. By enabling smarter operations, Gelson’s is setting a new standard for service, availability and sustainability. 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.

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