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ryneches t1_ja89hrx wrote

Reply to comment by LeftToaster in ELI5: why do grocery stores in the US keep such a large inventory? Aside from being prepared for episodic panic buying like toilet paper or bottled water, is there an economic reason to do this? How much of the food ends up going bad? by DrEverythingBAlright

I've always thought there's kind of a missed opportunity with this. If only 20% of the inventory for something is left, that's a signal that it is desirable. Other retailers are able turn this to their advantage, but somehow grocery stores can't figure out how to present the last six avocados in an appealing way.

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TheSkiGeek t1_ja8czil wrote

It works with items that are fungible, like some specialty imported shelf-stable item. Because the last one is just as valuable as the first one, so you can capitalize on low supply causing a high demand.

With fresh produce, usually the nicest/freshest pieces are going to be taken first. So the last ones left are often bruised/damaged/discolored/otherwise undesirable in some way.

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AuburnElvis t1_ja8e99k wrote

"I got the last PS5!"🤩

"I got the last tomato"😞

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drLagrangian t1_ja8h34t wrote

Not to mention Gwen tested all the other tomatoes for ripeness by squeezing them. So the remaining tomatoes are all squishy.

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