Albert Heijn has commissioned its seventh Home Shop Center (HSC). The premises in Bleiswijk will process 40,000 orders per week. The extra capacity is needed, as the mass retailer hopes to tap into a new, fast-growing market with the introduction of brand-new delivery service AH Compact.
The ultra-modern HSC in Bleiswijk has an area of 20,000 square metres and will employ an additional 1,000 staff. Originally, the opening of the e-fulfilment centre was planned for the end of 2020. Due to substantial online growth, Albert Heijn decided to bring that date forward. "To serve our customers as well and quickly as possible, we have accelerated our delivery capacity," said CEO Marit van Egmond.
The supermarket chain has doubled its delivery capacity in a year. Late last year, it opened a fifth HSC in Amsterdam, followed by a location in Oosterhout, Gelderland. The three locations account for 4,000 extra jobs.
Delivery service for small households
Coinciding with the opening of the new HSC, Albert Heijn today also launched a new delivery service for small households: AH Compact. With this service, the chain is targeting the fast-growing market for one- and two-person households. Van Egmond: "Families with children and businesses in particular have been ordering online a lot in recent years. However, we saw increasing interest from small households - young and old. For that, we have now developed AH Compact."
Separate app
The so-called 'small households' will now order their groceries via a separate AH Compact app. They can choose from a range of 5,000 groceries. A minimum order amount of 35 euros applies. The supermarket chain will deliver the groceries to their home free of charge. There is a limited number of delivery moments per week; customers can choose from six time slots in the evening, or two in the morning.
AH Compact starts in Haarlem - If there is interest from other cities, Albert Heijn will expand the catchment area.
