Restock Strategy
Keep shelves full without drowning in spoilage or tying up cash.
Last updated: June 2026 (Patch 1.4.0)
Supplier Types
Supermarket Simulator offers two main supply channels: the online market (accessible via the in-game computer) and local markets around town. Each has pros and cons.
Online Market
- • Larger catalog of products
- • Bulk discounts on big orders
- • Delivery takes in-game time
- • Shipping fees apply
Local Markets
- • No shipping fees
- • Fresh produce often cheaper
- • Limited selection
- • Requires you to drive there
Inventory Management Rules
Overstocking perishables is the fastest way to lose money. Follow these rules to keep inventory lean:
- 1.Perishables = small orders, frequent: Bread, milk, produce, and baked goods should be ordered in small batches every 1-2 days.
- 2.Non-perishables = bulk: Canned goods, snacks, drinks, and toilet paper can be bought in bulk to save on shipping. Use Patch 1.4.0 stock tracking filters to confirm which non-perishables are actually selling fast before placing a large order.
- 3.Track sell-through rates: Check your end-of-day report. If a product rarely sells, reduce its shelf space or drop it entirely.
- 4.Keep a safety stock: Always have 20-30% backup stock of your top 5 sellers in storage so you never run out during rush hour.
Stock Tracking & Filters (Patch 1.4.0)
Patch 1.4.0 added new filtering and stock tracking systems. Use them as a daily checklist instead of relying only on memory or end-of-day reports.
- •Low Stock before opening: Run a low-stock scan before the morning rush so your top sellers are full before customers arrive.
- •Expiring Soon before closing: Check perishables late in the day and discount anything close to spoilage.
- •Supplier match: Bulk-order stable non-perishables online, but use local markets for fast-moving perishables when the filter shows urgent demand.
Licence-Aware Restocking
The Patch 1.4.0 Licence Enable/Disable toggle changes how you plan alcohol, tobacco, and other licensed categories. When a licence is disabled, its products are hidden from Market and Pricing, so you do not need to reorder them.
Use this during slow weekdays or when cash is tight: let existing stock sell down, pause the licence, and redirect shelf space to faster categories. Re-enable the licence before weekends or high-traffic periods when premium products can justify the shelf space.
Restock Timing
The best time to restock is early morning before opening, or late evening after closing. Restocking during peak hours blocks customers from reaching products and creates bottlenecks. With Patch 1.4.0's Stock Tracking Filters, run a Low Stock scan the evening before so overnight orders arrive by morning opening.
If you have a restocker employee, set their shift to overlap with delivery times. They will automatically unpack and shelve items, freeing you to handle pricing and customer issues.