Activities in
Consumer spending on food and other consumables in The Netherlands
rose during 1995. In addition, results of Albert Heijn increased considerably.
Ahold Specialty Stores achieved higher sales, with Etos and Gall Gall
increasing their market shares substantially. Sales for Ahold Institutional
hood Supply (GVA) and wholesaler Schuitema remained virtually unchanged.
Ahold sales in The Netherlands rose by 2.3% to NLG 14.3 billion.
Operating results went up 12.4% to NLG 437.0 million. The total
number of outlets in The Netherlands (excluding Schuitema)
increased by 24 to 1,572, including 477 franchise stores. Total sales
area grew by 2.8% to 7,664,000 sq. ft.
After lengthy deliberations, the Dutch government ap
proved an extension of store opening hours. Ahold welcomes this
opportunity to considerably expand its services to consumers in
1996. Albert Heijn, in particular, expects to benefit from the new
hours.
Albert Heijn sales (including sales by franchisees) rose 3.7% to
NLG 9.8 billion. Operating results also increased.
The growth was mainly attributable to the balance of new
store openings and closings (+7, including franchises), upgrading
of existing stores (69), and improved internal efficiency. The num
ber of Albert Heijn stores increased to 639, including franchises.
Throughout the year, Albert Heijn implemented changes in the
company's structure and organization. Additional responsibility and
authority were entrusted to the stores themselves, thus enhancing
their effectiveness, flexibility and local power. The Albert Heijn
franchise stores also performed well and contributed considerably.
The 'Today for Tomorrow' distribution system, where store
orders are filled within eighteen hours, is now operative throughout
the country. Heightened efficiency led to elimination of some posi
tions, but an extensive retraining and outplacement effort made it
possible to avoid involuntary layoffs.
Albert Heijn prizes innovation, and is continuously experi
menting with new types of stores, new products and new forms
of service. The supply of goods and services is becoming more and
more varied, and better suited to local customer needs.
The Netherlands
Share of total sales 48
I United States
I The Netherlands
Other European Countries
Sales The Netherlands
x NLG 1 million
13,437
14,017 >L333
10,268
1991 1992 1993 1994 199S
Operating results
The Netherlands x NLG 1 million
1991 1992 1993 1994 1995
Sales area retail trade
The Netherlands
Year end/x 1,000 sq.ft.
7,457-7,664-
1991 1992 1993 1994 1995
Supermarkets
10 Annual Report 1995 Royal Ahold
