Gelson's Markets Goes 'Moneyball' with Store Operations, Partnering with Upshop to Deliver a Smarter, Seamless Shopping Experience

ENCINO, Calif., July 7, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- Gelson's Markets, the premier Southern California grocery chain renowned for quality and service, 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.

About Gelson's Markets

Gelson's is a collection of premium food and beverage markets with 26 locations throughout Southern California, along with one ReCharge by Gelson's premium convenience store in Santa Ana. The markets offer the full breadth and amenities of a traditional grocer, combined with the high level of personalized service and tailored offerings of a neighborhood shop. Customers will find a wide range of carefully selected produce, meat, seafood, bakery, and floral items, as well as chef-crafted signature and seasonal recipes from Gelson's Kitchen, including deli to-go and catering. Shoppers can enjoy a unique collection of the best-quality local, specialty, and organic products, along with favorite national brands. Gelson's has earned recognition for its selection of top-quality private brand products, educational and tasting events, and charitable and community partnerships.

Founded in 1951 as an extraordinary food shopping experience for discerning consumers, Gelson's continues to be committed to the highest standards for quality, value, and freshness; unsurpassed service; and attention to detail in a friendly and welcoming atmosphere. Find out why Life Tastes Better Here® at Gelson's and follow @gelsonsmarkets on Instagram, Facebook, and TikTok.

About Upshop

Upshop is the leading provider of AI-powered retail operations software, helping grocers and convenience stores sell more and waste less through a unified platform that synchronizes forecasting, ordering, production, and inventory across the store. From Fresh to Center Store, DSD to eCommerce, Upshop empowers better decisions, faster actions, and more connected teams—improving labor efficiency, reducing shrink, and driving profitability.

With over 450 retailers and 50,000+ stores globally relying on Upshop to manage mission-critical operations, the impact is evident: In fact, one national grocer reported a 19% reduction in shrinkage and $6 million in savings in a single category. 

To learn more about the Total Store Operations Experience, visit https://upshop.com/, and watch customer testimonials at Upshop Total Store Operations Experience - YouTube.

Media contact:
Ron Margulis
RAM Communications
[email protected]

SOURCE Upshop