Ahold Opens New Pick-up Points, Digital Innovation Hub
Carlisle, Pa.-based Ahold USA has opened its 120th pick-up point, as well as a digital innovation hub in Chicago, accelerating the retailer's investment in the online business.
With four retail divisions and online food retail business Peapod, Ahold has set a companywide target to triple its online food sales by 2016.
An important part of reaching this target is the opening of pick-up points in the United States and Europe, according to the company. Launched on both continents in 2012, the majority of pick-up points in the U.S. are located at Stop & Shop, Giant Landover and Giant Carlisle stores, and offer a way for customers to pick up their online orders without leaving their vehicles.
“The retail world is changing fast, and fulfilling the needs of the connected customer is a crucial part of future growth," said James McCann, Ahold USA's COO. “One-hundred-twenty pick-up points, compared to eight only a year ago, represents great momentum and solid proof of our successful omni-channel execution. Our combination of in-store shopping, home delivery and pick-up points is key to delivering on Ahold’s Reshaping Retail ambitions.’’
In addition to the rollout of pick-up points, Peapod has opened its first-ever digital innovation center, a brand-new hub powered by Peapod. The Chicago facility, Peapod Propulsion Labs, will serve as the company’s center of development excellence.
“There is healthy competition for online talent, and we want to attract that talent to fuel our ambitious growth plans," said Jan van Dam, EVP, e-commerce and supply chain, Ahold USA. "A highly inspired workplace in Chicago is a good start in getting key online talent into our company."
Ahold USA supports four regional Divisions – Stop & Shop New England, Stop & Shop New York Metro, Giant Landover and Giant Carlisle – that together operate more than 760 supermarkets in 14 states and the District of Columbia, along with Peapod.