72 January | February 2026 abasto.com A s independent grocery stores head into 2026, the ones who fare best in our new omnichannel world are the ones that keep track of key metrics, not the most metrics. You cant do better if you dont measure it. This year, every independent gro- cery store should focus on three main KPIs for growth: Customer Lifetime Value (CLV), Di- gital Engagement Rate, and Conversion Rate Across Channels. Grocers can now measure these indicators better than ever thanks to lower cost and accessible AI solutions. From Data to Dollars 3 Key Metrics Driving Grocery Success in 2026 How affordable AI tools help measure and improve each metric, enabling grocers to boost loyalty, increase sales, and compete effectively in an omnichannel market BY KEN NINOMIYA MARKETING OMNICANAL Conversion Rate Across Channels This includes orde- ring online, using coupons, going to the store after seeing a di- gital ad, and scanning a QR code to add item to your cart. With GA4, Koddi, or Northbeam, you can look at attribution and purchase paths. Make it easier to place purchase online and make it easier to pay, if conversion rates are poor. When you send out digital circu- lars, make sure to in- clude loss leaders with high margins. Make it stronger in 2026: Add AI-powered dynamic pricing and smart shelf tags that change in real time to keep items in stock and increase conversion consistency. Independent gro- cers dont need more data, just the right data. Focusing on the- se three metrics with smart AI tools builds a stronger, more loyal, and more profitable shopper base in 2026 and beyond. CLV, or Customer| Lifetime Value Long-term CLV shows how much each customer brings in and helps grocers set prices, retain shoppers, and drive more sales. The AI used by software like UniSight, AppCard, and Amperity, help to keep track of how often customers buy things, how often they visit, and what types of custo- mers they are. If your CLV is not strong, provide custo- mers with various levels of loyalty rewards to get them to come back. Send consumers text offers that are based on what they have bought be- fore. Make it easy to find private-label items and lower the price of bundles. Make it stronger in 2026: Use AI to automatically give targeted weekly dis- counts to drive more visits. Digital Engagement Rate This shows how well your customers use your digital channels, such as applications, email, text messaging, push alerts, and digital circulars. Shopper Direct, Brevo, Klaviyo, Constant Contact AI, or ManyChat can all send automatic SMS. If cus- tomers arent responding, shorten your messages and tailor offers to each segmentfor example, Your meat specials are ready. Try out alternative send times with A/B AI tools like VWO or Optimizely. Make it stronger in 2026: Use journey-based automation, welcome flows, bounce-back offers, and ads, to bring back people who have not shopped with you in a while. 1 2 3 FOOD INDUSTRY