Quick conversion
Ahold’s acquisition of the Konmar stores in the Netherlands was part of a strategy to grow our business, and offer yet more choice and convenience to customers.
But acquiring these prime location stores was just the start of the race to convert them into Albert Heijn supermarkets ahead of the festive season. (Which, by the way, turned out to be a record breaker thanks to strong Dutch economic growth.)
One week to create a store
The actual conversion work only began in November, when 23 out of the 29 stores acquired in mid-2006, were transferred to Albert Heijn.
“With more than 2,000 new products on the shelves and so many new concepts in the store, we are offering customers more choice than ever.”
Amazingly, thanks to a huge team effort, the first of the converted stores opened to shoppers just one week later on 22 November in the Dutch city of Utrecht. What’s more, this wasn’t simply a conversion. It was the unveiling of the next generation of the Albert Heijn XL supermarket format.
More XL supermarkets, more choice
The next generation XL stores build on the experience gained since the opening of the first Albert Heijn XL format store in 2002. They give customers even greater service, choice and value for money. And thanks to the Konmar acquisition, Albert Heijn has been able to add nine new XL stores to its ranks.
At the opening in Utrecht, Albert Heijn CEO and Ahold Corporate Executive Board Member, Dick Boer said: “With more than 2,000 new products on the shelves and so many new concepts in the store, we are offering customers more choice than ever.”
Professionals dedicated to serving customers
Of course, all this could not have been achieved without the professionalism and enthusiasm of the teams involved – including the 2,300 former Konmar employees who have quickly become part of the Albert Heijn family.
Industry analysts and organizations have also expressed their enthusiasm for the acquisitions and their rapid conversion. There is widespread agreement that the move puts Albert Heijn in a winning position in the Netherlands.