At Gelson’s, our Customers expect to find the highest quality products that meet the demands of the Southern California food lifestyle. We pride ourselves on providing a wide range of products that fulfill their every need, from the reliable staples that have filled their pantries for several decades to cutting-edge, trending items posted by social influencers.

• Gelson’s wants to create an atmosphere of innovation and winning with new products and vendors. We focus on local and incubator companies to drive emerging brands that are cutting-edge in trending categories.
• Gelson’s periodically hosts Local Discovery Days because we’re always looking for terrific new products from near and far. We love working with innovative creators – from Los Angeles, Orange, San Diego, Ventura, Santa Barbara, and Riverside Counties – to bring you the very best local finds!

Our Vendor Partners have several opportunities to improve Customer exposure to your products. Gelson’s is known for our excellence in executing on vendor partnerships; after all, if you succeed, we succeed.

TPR/Promotion enhancements: When you provide scan-based or purchase-based discounts on your items, we can pass savings through to our customers. With options for enhanced shelf tag visibility or special signage, your product can better catch the eye of our discerning shoppers.

Displays: One of the best ways to ensure your product is seen is to participate in our end display, side display, or themed island display opportunities. Display products are in high-traffic areas of the store (front end, back end, or in some cases, middle aisles). Products are typically tied in with complementary/non-competitive selections (for example, pasta, pasta sauce, Parmigiano-Reggiano cheese, graters). Display periods range from one to three weeks, depending upon each store’s configuration and the timing of holiday events, which impact display space.

Signage Opportunities: Depending upon your product’s attributes, your item may qualify for additional signage opportunities at the home shelf.

• Attribute tag program for non-sale items
  Attribute tags are printed for products that have specific attributes. Up to two attributes are printed on a bib tag, including options like Organic, Gluten Free, Local, Plant-Based, Earth Friendly, and Dairy Free (no charge).

• Exclusive/Gelson’s First to Market
  Provides extra free signage when vendors agree to sell in the SoCal grocery channel exclusively to Gelson’s, or when a period of exclusivity (“First to Market”) can be guaranteed for products.

• What’s New signs
  Small shelf talkers help Customers to identify what’s new in your product category (no charge).
   

Sampling: The best way for Customers to get excited about your product is to taste it/try it.

• Demos may be provided by your founder, sales staff, or by hiring our contracted demonstration agency.

• We charge a small access fee per store to coordinate the sampling events, communicate to the stores, and make the experience easy.

• For more information, talk with your category manager and email demos@gelsons.com

Customer Events, Grand Re-Openings & Store Anniversaries: Throughout the year, Gelson’s has several store-specific or themed events for which your product might be a great fit.

• Additional demonstration opportunities are available for store events and grand re-opening celebrations.

• Product sweepstakes or sample-size giveaways can be accommodated.

• Thematic events like “Taste of Italy” provide additional display and sampling opportunities.

Wine, Beer, and Food Events: Products can be considered for inclusion in our paid wine and beer dinners. For instance, we offer a pre-packaged dessert option for all guests to enjoy as part of a wine flight/tasting course (no charge; provide product only).

• Gelson’s have 15 wine, beer, and tapas bars throughout Southern California.

• Bars host special paid and unpaid events which have proven as highly effective in getting Customers to try new things.

• To host a pairing event with your wine or beer, contact Ray Brych – rbrych@gelsons.com

In-Home Postcard Mailer: Every 2 weeks, we direct mail our Market Buy Postcard mailer to nearly 100,000 households around our stores. The mailer includes three items from Fresh and 8-10 items from Center Store, designed to drive traffic. Items must be recognized as key value items that customers would make their shopping trip decisions around.

Pricing on these featured items must be the hottest price of the year and hopefully beat the competition. Included items see an average lift of 160% over baseline, with many items exceeding sales by 3 times the normal.

Gelson’s Rewards Program: Gelson’s Rewards launched chain-wide in 2020 and has more than 400,000 active members. Vendors can participate in sample boxes and exclusive giveaways. Two products (one Fresh, one Center Store) are chosen weekly to be featured on Gelson’s Rewards platform. High-value offers, such as BOGO or larger discounts, are channeled to this engaged group of Gelson’s shoppers. The Gelson’s Rewards offers are promoted both in-store and through emails to Rewards members.
 

Social Media: There are numerous opportunities to connect your product with our social channels. Including sweepstakes, influencers, and custom content! Our digital content marketing specialist can work with you to enhance your exposure.