Ahold USA, in partnership with its retail divisions and its online food retailer Peapod, reported on January 7 that it has reached a number of key milestones to expand its online business. By opening 120 pick-up points and a digital innovation hub in Chicago, the United States subsidiary of the Amsterdam, Holland-headquartered food retail chain continues to accelerate its growth.
Ahold has a company-wide target to triple its online food sales by 2016. An important part of reaching this goal is the opening of pick-up points in the United States and Europe. Launched on both continents in 2012, and geared up significantly last year, the majority of pick-up points in the USA are located at Stop & Shop, Giant Landover and Giant Carlisle stores. They offer a convenient way for customers in cars to pick up online orders without leaving the comfort of 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, chief operating officer of Ahold USA. “Our 120 pick-up points, compared to eight only a year ago, represent great momentum and solid proof of 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, known as Peapod Propulsion Labs, will serve as the company’s center of development focused on driving the innovation that is powering the growth of e-commerce in Peapod and the Ahold USA divisions.
“There is healthy competition for online talent and we want to attract that talent to fuel our ambitious growth plans. A highly inspired workplace in Chicago is a good start in getting key online talent into our company,” said Jan van Dam, Ahold USA’s executive vice president, e-commerce and supply chain.
“Peapod Propulsion Labs is designed to leverage Peapod’s e-commerce expertise across our organization as we continue to take steps to help customers shop where they want, how they want and when they want,” he added.
