The pain
what's holding c-store fresh back.
01
Legacy DSD wasn't built for fresh
Packaged-goods tools can't model a hot case at 11am or a sandwich expiring at 3pm.
02
Associate variability
Every store runs fresh differently. Consistency is one resignation away from gone.
03
Shrink hidden in waste sheets
Markdowns and dumps surface at period-end — after the P&L has already paid for them.
04
Daypart guessing
Out-of-stocks at 12:15 cost trips. In-stocks at 7pm cost margin. Same store, same day.