Activities in the
The American economy experienced some slower growth compared to 1994.
In Ahold USA's operating area, the growth was reflected in slight increases
in spending on food and consumables. Competition remains fierce, and the
trend toward concentration in food retailing, with small chains being bought
up by larger ones, continues.
Ahold USA was able to realize satisfactory growth through quick
response to changing consumer needs, efficiencies and closer intra-
market cooperation.
Ahold USA's sales rose 12.2% to $8.3 billion. Operating
results increased 18.1% to $222 million. Giant, Finast and Edwards
posted markedly higher operating results. Results at BI-LO and
Tops, however, were lower than in 1994.
In the course of 1995, Ahold acquired 28 Mayfair super
markets in New Jersey, and eight additional stores in Rhode Island,
geographically adjacent to Edwards' market area. Giant opened a
record eleven new stores, and once again considerably increased its
market area. Tops also opened several new stores, which will make
significant growth contributions in the coming years.
The total number of Ahold sales outlets in the United
States grew by 53 to 653. Total sales area increased 12.7% to
15,811,000 sq.ft.
Competition was again on the rise, particularly in BI-LO's
and Tops' operating areas. To protect and increase their market
positions, the Ahold chains redoubled their emphasis on added-
value products and services, efficiency measures, and better
utilization of scale through intramarket cooperation. A broader
assortment of non-food items, fresh items, heat-and-serve products
and other added-value products were incorporated into the stores.
Services such as dry cleaning, warming up of take-out meals, a
small cafeteria, electronic shopping, and home delivery were also
introduced or further developed. At the same time, assortments
were carefully reviewed for underperforming products. Elimination
of redundant or non-distinctive product variations freed up store
space and provided gains in efficiency.
The American Sales Company distribution center in
Lancaster, near Buffalo, NY, has been in operation since September
1994. It continues to produce major savings through common
United States
M United States
m The Netherlands
Other European Countries
Share of total sales 45.2%
Sales USA x 1 million
8,336"
7,427
1991 1992 1993 1994 1995
Operating results USA
x 1 million
1991 1992 1993 1994 1995
Sales area USA
Year end/x 1,000 sq.ft.
15,811
1991 1992 1993 1994 1995
6 Annual Report 1995 Royal Ahold
