what's holding c-store fresh back.

Legacy DSD systems weren't built for fresh Direct-store-delivery and packaged-goods inventory tools assume long shelf life and shelf-stable economics. They cannot model a hot case at 11am or a sandwich expiring at 3pm.

Store-level associate variability High turnover plus tribal knowledge means every store runs fresh slightly differently. Consistency is one resignation away from gone.

Shrink hidden in waste sheets Markdowns, dumps, and prep waste are tracked on paper or in disconnected systems. Real shrink only shows up at the end of the period, after it has cost the P&L.

Daypart guessing Without daypart-level forecasts, lunch in-stocks are guesswork. Out-of-stocks at 12:15 cost trips, in-stocks at 7pm cost margin. Both happen in the same store.