SAN FRANCISCO — Grocery Outlet, an extreme-value grocer, has selected Afresh to power store ordering across all departments — including center store, general merchandise, meat, and produce — at its network of more than 500 independently operated locations. The partnership will equip operators with intelligent ordering tools designed to balance shrink, out-of-stocks, labor, and margin, while preserving the autonomy that is central to Grocery Outlet’s model.
Grocery Outlet’s distinctive operating approach pairs independent store operators with a constantly changing assortment driven by opportunistic sourcing. To support this model, the company sought an ordering solution capable of managing a highly dynamic environment without relying on fixed assortments, rigid merchandising programs, or a one-size-fits-all inventory strategy.
Afresh's purpose-built AI platform is flexible enough for this structure, with probabilistic decision-making that handles new and rotating items from Grocery Outlet's ever-changing assortment, and an intelligent inventory approach that doesn't depend on perfect on-hand counts. Afresh’s platform provides configurable intelligence that integrates into Grocery Outlet's existing technology stack.
“We selected Afresh because it is uniquely suited to Grocery Outlet’s operating model and our vision for the future. This investment is about simplifying and modernizing operations for our independent operators, and equipping stores with world-class solutions that help them make smarter decisions every day. By combining advanced technology with the flexibility and entrepreneurial spirit that define Grocery Outlet, we’re making it easier for operators to focus on serving their communities, delivering exceptional value, and driving profitable growth,” said Frank Kerr, Chief Store Operations Officer at Grocery Outlet.
"Grocery Outlet has built one of the most differentiated operating models in grocery, and that requires technology that can adapt to the complexity of modern grocery retail. We built Afresh to help grocers make better inventory decisions at scale—improving in-stock performance, reducing waste, and driving stronger results across the business. Starting in fresh and expanding across the store, we're bringing that vision to life for retailers nationwide,” said Matt Schwartz, CEO and co-founder of Afresh.
Grocery Outlet joins a growing number of retailers deploying Afresh across both fresh and center-store departments.
