Swiftly has introduced its Audience Optimizer solution, empowering regional and independent grocers to thrive in today’s digital-first marketplace. Since publicly launching in 2024, Audience Optimizer has driven millions in incremental sales and double-digit returns across hundreds of stores nationwide.
For decades, print circulars have been the primary way grocers drive weekly traffic. However, as circulation declines, print costs rise and the shopper demographic shifts towards millennials and Gen Z shoppers, regional and independent grocers are left at a clear disadvantage compared to national chains with sophisticated digital infrastructure.
Without modern alternatives, many independents risk losing both shopper attention and market share. Swiftly’s Audience Optimizer bridges this gap by giving retailers access to best-in-class tools to engage digital shoppers.
Regional and independent retailers nationwide are using Swiftly’s solution to promote loyalty sign-ups, win back lapsed shoppers and launch personalized targeted offers – driving real in-store results. Using first-party data, Audience Optimizer reaches the right shopper at the right time – whether promoting weekly deals or spotlighting new products.
Swiftly’s closed-loop reporting enables retailers to measure incremental Return on Ad Spend (iROAS) at the user level and see the sales lift driven by their campaigns. In fact, on average, retailers see a $25-35 iROAS with Swiftly, delivering a multiple of the return-on-investment retailers see with print. Beyond driving sales, the platform builds lasting customer relationships – fueling loyalty and retention while giving grocers a sustainable edge in an increasingly crowded market.
“We used Audience Optimizer to extend the reach of our digital circular — and the results were incredible,” said Tedd Handlesman, president at Better Health Market.
“In just two months, we drove a significant increase in incremental sales and generated an incremental Return on Ad Spend (iROAS) of more than $27. For a retailer of our size, that’s transformative. Swiftly has helped us turn our promotions into real traffic and real revenue.”
Rick Williams, chief merchandising and marketing officer at Gelson’s Markets, spoke to the platform’s impact during a pivotal time for the company.
“When the LA wildfires struck, one of our stores was lost and many of our customers were left without transportation – it was a devastating time for our community,” Williams said.
“Swiftly’s Audience Optimizer enabled us to respond immediately, launching targeted campaigns that offered free ecommerce deliveries from nearby stores. This ensured our customers could continue receiving the essentials they needed and felt supported during an incredibly difficult period. It’s a powerful example of how this technology can truly make a difference when it’s needed most.”
By giving retailers enterprise-grade tools without enterprise complexity, Swiftly is leveling the retail playing field and ensuring every grocer has the technology to grow and compete.
“Swiftly was founded to help brick-and-mortar retailers thrive in a digital world,” said Swiftly CEO Henry Kim. “With Audience Optimizer, local grocers are now competing head-to-head with national chains – growing basket size, frequency, and loyalty sign-ups while giving shoppers real value at checkout. This is technology built for retail.”
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