Contributed Article: upshop
By Fia Sjöström
GTM Manager, Upshop
Ask any grocery manager what keeps them up at night, and chances are the answer involves labor.
Whether it’s finding enough people to work the floor, covering sudden absences, or keeping morale high, staffing remains one of the most pressing and persistent challenges in grocery retail. Technology is stepping in. Not to replace workers, but to amplify what teams can do.
Tech That Frees Up Time (and People)
The biggest benefit of automation in grocery isn’t just about doing things faster. It’s about making life easier for the people running the store. Tasks that used to be time-consuming and manual, like checking expiry dates or managing inventory levels, are now streamlined through smart platforms.
Retailers using tools like Upshop’s Expiration Date Management software have seen dramatic time savings, with some reporting up to a 70% reduction in the time spent checking dates. That’s hours back in the week, time that can now be redirected toward more valuable activities, like helping customers or improving the store experience.
A Better Experience for Employees and Customers
When routine tasks are automated or simplified, the ripple effects are significant. Employees feel less stressed and more in control. Customers get faster service. And store managers have more breathing room to focus on planning instead of problem-solving.
This kind of shift matters. Grocery jobs are fast-paced and physically demanding. When tools make those jobs easier, staff are more likely to stick around and do their best work.
Why This Matters Now
Grocery retailers are under growing pressure to operate efficiently, despite ongoing labor shortages and higher expectations from shoppers. That means finding smarter ways to run the store.
Technology helps by removing friction. Instead of spending hours on low-impact tasks, employees can focus on where they add the most value.
From Tools to Team Culture
Technology only works if people actually want to use it. That’s why more grocers are adding gamification features that make the work more engaging. Think visible progress tracking, recognition, and small rewards for team wins.
One example is Upshop’s Waste Navigator. UPSHOP: It shows real-time waste reduction metrics on backroom screens. This turns what used to be invisible work into something visible and rewarding. When teams see their impact, they’re more motivated to improve.
Technology is changing what grocery work looks like. It’s not about replacing people. It’s about helping them work smarter, faster, and with less stress.
The retailers that succeed won’t be the ones with the flashiest tools. They’ll be the ones that know how to use technology to support their people, simplify their operations, and build stronger stores.
When labor is stretched and every hour counts, smart systems are not just helpful. They are essential. ■
