Carlisle, Pennsylvania, United States – Ahold USA, in partnership with its retail divisions and its online food retailer Peapod, reached a number of key milestones by the end of 2013 to grow its online business. By opening 120 pick-up points and a digital innovation hub in Chicago, Ahold USA continues to accelerate its online growth.
Ahold has a company-wide 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 U.S. and Europe. 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 convenient way for customers to pick up their 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, Ahold USA. “120 pick-up points, compared to eight only a year ago, represents great momentum and solid proof of our successful omnichannel 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 roll-out of pick-up points, Peapod has opened its first-ever digital innovation center, a brand new hub powered by Peapod located in Chicago, Illinois. The Chicago facility, Peapod Propulsion Labs, will serve as the company’s center of development excellence 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, Executive Vice President, E-commerce and Supply Chain, Ahold USA.
“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.”
Source: Ahold USA