Ahold USA Gets Tech Upgrade From Verizon
Ahold USA banners Stop & Shop New England, Stop & Shop New York Metro, Giant Landover, and Giant Carlisle have received a technology overhaul from Verizon Enterprise Solutions, resulting in strong and reliable networks to deliver a digitally rich in-store experience for smartphone-using shoppers.
“Our divisions are focused on the needs of their customers and improving the overall customer experience,” said Paul Scorza, CIO of Carlisle, Pa.-based Ahold USA. “Verizon Enterprise Solutions has helped them deliver on their ‘better place to shop’ mission, as we were able to bring Wi-Fi to all 780 division stores while increasing network bandwidth that moves data quickly.”
Wi-Fi connectivity throughout the stores has enabled the Ahold USA banners to customize offers and promotions to users of the grocer’s app and Scan It! Mobile feature, which allows customers to use smartphones to scan items for self-checkout. Additionally, associates can rapidly and securely send data.
“With this improved store network, we’re making it easier for our division customers to smoothly access other technology options like Scan It! Mobile,” continued Scorza. “With a strong, reliable network, store associates are in a great position to succeed; whether helping a customer with a price, ordering an item or finding a product, associates can get the job done faster and easier.”
During December 2016 alone, Ahold USA’s divisions experienced an overall 23 percent increase in the number of users over the previous month.
The technology upgrade also includes operational enhancements across all Ahold USA banners, with every location now using Verizon’s business-grade voice-over-IP (VoIP) phone solution, which streamlines network management and cost efficiencies while extending the capabilities of Ahold USA’s existing phone system. Moreover, the deployment of Verizon’s wireless network capabilities will provide backup connectivity to help maintain business continuity in case of power outages.
“Ahold USA’s businesses are reinventing the retail experience for today and the future,” noted Michele Dupre, group VP of retail, distribution and hospitality with New York-based Verizon Enterprise Solutions. “We’ve built our business on helping retailers, and organizations across all industries, embrace innovative technologies that deliver efficiencies and create new opportunities. Never before has technology transformation been so important for attracting a consumer population that has comfortably adapted to a digital world.”
An Ahold Delhaize company, Ahold USA supports four regional divisions – Stop & Shop New England, Stop & Shop New York Metro, Giant Landover, and Giant Carlisle – that together operate about 780 supermarkets with 115,000 associates in 14 states and the District of Columbia, as well as e-grocer Peapod.