Before making a chainwide commitment, a Texas-based grocer selected one of their markets to launch Upside. Their own validation and shopper feedback confirmed the results—fast, measurable growth that leadership could take to the board with confidence. Now, they’re expanding across the entire network.

Proof Point #1: Growth backed by performance data

The grocer's leadership needed clear metrics they could confidently present to their board. Upside delivered exceptional results across the key performance indicators that matter most to regional grocers:

• 2.5x ROI compared to internal benchmarks
• 120% lift in month-over-month attributable Upside transactions
• Delivered a measurable 0.3% lift in total sales in just 90 days, on pace for more than 1% annualized growth

These results came with no tech integration, training, or operational lift from the grocer's team. 

Everything from activation to reporting was handled by Upside.

Proof Point #2: Third-party audit confirms true incrementality

To verify results, the grocer opted for a third-party audit, the most rigorous validation method available. Independent consultants used three separate methodologies to evaluate performance, and their findings fell within 10% of Upside's own results.

This confirmed that the growth was both incremental and attributable, not the result of shifting existing shopper behavior. That level of external validation made it easy for the leadership team to move forward with confidence.

Proof Point #3: Customer feedback proves behavioral shifts

The grocer also chose customer surveys to understand how Upside influenced shopper decisions. Results showed clear behavioral shifts:

• 89% plan to return using Upside offers
• 79% chose this grocer over a competitor after seeing them on Upside
• 59% spent more than they would have otherwise
• 56% bought items they weren't previously purchasing at that store

This direct feedback helped leadership connect transaction data with customer intent reinforcing that Upside was influencing real, incremental behavior.

Why flexible, low-lift validation drives faster decisions

Retailers need growth but they also need confidence that growth is real, incremental, and worth scaling. That’s why every Upside program is designed to deliver actionable insights, quickly, without disrupting internal operations.

With validation options ranging from customer surveys to third-party audits, grocers can choose the level of rigor that fits their organization and board expectations. Whether it’s a sample customer review or full external verification, each method confirms performance against what matters most: attracting incremental shoppers and protecting profitability.

Because Upside handles activation, reporting, and validation from start to finish, retailers avoid the usual resource strain. The result? Faster decisions, based on proof, not promises. In fact, for many grocers, the risk of standing still now outweighs the risk of trying something new.

Upside turns scaling from a leap of faith into a data-backed next step to deliver the clarity retailers need to move quickly and confidently.

A validated approach built for modern grocery

Successful grocers adapt by partnering with solutions that prove their value before requiring commitment. Upside’s approach is built for that standard. With low-lift activation, external validation, and measurable growth, retailers gain the confidence to scale without slowing down their teams.

Talk to the Upside team about starting your stores’ pilot today.