Americans spend nearly $1 trillion a year on groceries, yet most of us shop with little insight into whether we’re actually getting the best deal. In this episode of the Mr. Beacon Podcast, Andy Ellwood, Founder & CEO of Stretch, shares how his company is tackling that problem head-on by transforming the humble grocery list into a powerful decision-making tool.

Andy explains how Stretch aggregates pricing, promotions, and inventory data across thousands of stores to help shoppers compare the true cost of their entire basket, not just individual items. The goal? Give consumers the clarity and confidence to balance time, money, and convenience in a way that fits their lives. From “proximity pricing preferences” to dynamic trade-offs between savings and effort, Stretch is building a smarter, more holistic shopping experience.

The conversation also explores how Andy validated the idea early through TikTok, building a waitlist of thousands before launch, and how a relentless “shopper-first” philosophy shapes product decisions. Drawing on his experience with Waze and prior ventures, Andy highlights the power of collective data and why community-driven insights are key to unlocking value in retail.

Looking ahead, Andy shares a compelling vision of AI-driven “shopper-side agents” that advocate for consumers, flipping the current model where retailer-owned agents push higher spend. This shift could fundamentally reshape commerce, empowering individuals with personalized, real-time intelligence.

Beyond business, Andy reflects on leadership, lessons from coaching executives, and the personal motivations rooted in his upbringing that drive his mission to make everyday life more affordable.

This episode is a fascinating look at the intersection of AI, retail, and human-centered design, and a glimpse into the future of how we’ll all shop.

Andy’s Top 3 Songs:

• “Difference Maker” by NEEDTOBREATH: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=L2LtB9KLf98
• “My Little Girl” by Tim Mcgraw: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0ZVsGVE1qCg
• “Come Thou Fount Of Every Blessing” performed by Chris Rice: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ax_NMWLEb6U

Mister Beacon is hosted by Steve Statler, CEO of ambientChat.ai — Using AI to connect people with places and products with an app that puts you in control of YOUR data.

Our sponsor is Identiv https://www.identiv.com, whose IoT solutions create digital identities for physical objects, enhancing global connectivity for businesses, people, and the planet. We are also sponsored by Blecon http://www.blecon.net. Blecon enables physical products to communicate with cloud applications using Bluetooth Low Energy.